Helen P O'leary, Thesis Supervisor Helen P O'leary, Thesis Supervisor Jerrold Warren Maddox, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
collage conflict World War II painting
Abstract:
Through the painting thesis “We Were Soldiers; A Visual Biography,” themes of war, individual experience and the transition between combat and home life are explored through synthesis of the photographs of Navy Chief Warrant Officer Edwin Lee McInnis Jr. METHODS: Over 2,000 photos taken by McInnis from 1950-1970 were digitally scanned and collaged as templates for large scale oil paintings. Photographs for collage were chosen based on the potential for visual dialog through comparison of scale, color, and content. Portraiture was used as a visual theme. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The works created were presented in a show in Patterson Gallery in University Park, PA from March 1st to March 7th, 2009. Several charcoal and ink sketches and seven large scale oil paintings ranging in size from 54”x35” to 64”x40” were created.
