War (2017) is inspired by a black and white photograph of my grandfather, Miles, taken in the 1940’s.
He served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the Second World War. In spite of a lack of experience, he enlisted as a photographer using his older brother, Robert’s name.
He learnt everything he needed to know on the job, along with basics in developing film.
Miles was responsible for taking aerial photographs, which were used in reconnaissance. He took aerial shots lying belly down in the cockpit of the plane, while manoeuvring large photographic equipment.
History
I wanted War (2017) to represent the unflinching reality of conflict, from which no generation is immune.
In painting this piece, I set out to capture the human spirit and to created a timeless snapshot of lost innocence.
There is a saying: ‘History repeats itself because nobody was listening the first time’. Although this painting was inspired by the Second World War, there is a sense it could have just as easily been now.
In this way, I wished to examine the past, with a viewpoint to the future. Yet primarily, I painted War (2017) in order to show the relationship between colour and emotion.
Emotion
I began monochromatically, using black for the background and white in the foreground. To create skin tone, I mixed cream and process yellow, avoiding red entirely.
I limited my palette to mostly cool colours. The facial features are coloured with blue to show how war is a time of sorrow.
Similarly, I used grey as the basis for the clothing and cap. I added some very pale blue washes, mixed with Payne’s grey.
This is a colour similar to navy blue, which I used to bring depth to the painting.
The result is an unusual palette, yet it is one that successfully conveys the emotional complexity in going to war.