These paintings were created in 2014 to commemorate several of the significant battles and stories from 1914.
‘AND THEY FACED EACH OTHER’
Acrylics,metallics and fine glitters on canvas 101 x 76cm
Painted in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of The Great War, this painting captures the ethereal beauty of the wildflowers of the area around the Belgian town of Mons where the British and German armies first clashed. Poems from the time talk about eyes turning to heaven where larks are seen in the sky over the battlefield. In the painting the lark represents both a fleeing dove of peace and the angel who, as stories go, came down and fought to save British soldiers in peril. Extreme exhaustion during the retreat from Mons causing hallucination among the troops has been suggested as a source for this story. There are also references in poems to hares running on to the battlefield and the two hares’ silhouettes represent the two armies facing each other. You can buy a print of this painting here
‘AND THEY WAITED’
Acrylics, metallics, metallic leaf and fine glitters 101 x 76 x 4cm
This painting was created in 2014 as part of a series to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Great War. It is the 2nd of 3 paintings based on events from 1914. It captures dawn on 26th August and the beauty of a lone tree that stood close to the centre of the British position at Le Cateau. The German Artillery used the tree as a distance marker for their guns. The British had anticipated this and tried to chop it down, but the trunk was too thick for them to complete this task before the battle started. The hare represents the British army waiting for the German to advance. The poppies are a sign of remembrance for all lives lost in the Great War. This painting is special to me as it was about half way completed as my second commemorative piece before I was told the story of the “tree” at the Battle of Le Cateau -This is known as channeling in the art world. You can buy a print of this painting here
‘AND THEY PLAYED AT CHRISTMAS’
Acrylics, metallics, fine glitters and beads on canvas 101 x 76cm
This painting is the third in a series commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the First World War. The story of the christmas truce is well-known, when the British and German troops ceased fighting on christmas eve 1914, unable or unwilling to ignore the season of peace and goodwill to all men. The Germans placed Christmas trees on the parapets of their trenches and carols were sung by both sides. In places, the men left their trenches and handshakes and gifts were exchanged. At a few places, where the terrain allowed, games of football were played. Unfortunately, the killing started again the next day. Lest we forget! You can buy a print of this painting here
I would be very happy to hear your thoughts about these paintings and any stories that you have about these events. Please contact me at happyart@charronpugsleyhill.com
