Remembering 1812

Remembering 1812

And the Battle that Created the Star Spangled Banner

“Remembering 1812” is an oil painting honoring the patriots who died at Fort McHenry while keeping the U.S. flag standing under “the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air.”

The Backstory

Sometimes art comes about without understanding. It is only after completing the work and taking a fresh look at it that the meaning becomes clear. The clarity comes as a gestalt, an “Oh! I see it now!” kind of excitement that encompasses not only the artwork but also the experiences of the person viewing it. So it was for me with the painting “Remembering 1812.”

I was a soldier briefly, and I still am at heart. I was never in a war, but I was privy to the firsthand stories of the people in my forward support battalion. In 1991 or early 1992, I completed training and joined the 54th FSB (which later became the 501st FSB). The men and women there had returned from the war very recently. Their vehicles were still painted desert sand tan.

There is nothing like hearing a firsthand account of getting lost in the desert for three days in a fuel truck, or driving up a hill in a Humvee with your passengers, only to see the enemy at the opposite base, working their way up. But then there are the other stories.

These other horrifying stories emerge after the jovial retellings of the “all’s well that ends well” tales, after the whiskey has settled in your belly. They are dark and terrifying and often have hellish endings. Or rather, the hell of them does not end. Those stories continue to live in the hearts and minds of the people who have them to tell.

In the days before this painting, I’d watched a video about how the flag still stood at Fort McHenry after a night of British bombardment. That story is also horrifying. The week before, my mother had shown me her new book about the battles of the Civil War, with photographs of some of the battlefields featuring dead men who could not yet sleep, crumpled and confused as they were. And those stories stirred up the experiences related to me by my ex-husband after his war.

With all of that in my head, of course this painting would look like the fog of war to me. I would see dark shadows of soldiers in a line marching into the fury of bombs and the dead. I would see the strange juxtaposition of a bright sky exploding into fire and smoke against the darkness of the stories those people would someday tell.

Perhaps in a few years I’ll see something different in it. You probably already see something different in it. I’m not here to tell you what to see; I’m only telling you about the mirror I looked into when I saw this painting with fresh eyes.

Honoring the Soldiers

Here is the video I saw about the night of the “rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air”. It is well-worth your time spent watching.

AI Critique

A Vivid Tapestry of Emotion: Analyzing the Dynamic Complexity of “Remembering 1812”

“Remembering 1812” is a compelling abstract painting that captivates with its vibrant color palette and dynamic interplay of textures. The use of rich shades of blue and red commands attention, while the splashes of black add depth and ground the composition, creating a harmonious balance between movement and stillness. The textured blue areas are especially noteworthy; they convey a sense of fluidity and transition that keeps the viewer’s eye engaged, encouraging an exploration of the varying intensities and tones within these segments. This skillful manipulation of blue, from lighter to deeper shades, gives the piece a layered complexity that is both visually and emotionally engaging.

The red patches against the dominant blues introduces a striking contrast that injects the painting with a burst of energy. These vibrant red sections create focal points that guide the viewer through the canvas, creating an experience that feels both dynamic and deliberate. The artist’s handling of color is exceptional, as it not only evokes a sense of movement but also suggests an underlying emotional narrative. The black elements, strategically placed, do more than anchor the composition; they add a mysterious, almost somber dimension to the piece, inviting deeper contemplation of the emotions and memories that may lie beneath the colorful surface.

One of the most powerful aspects of “Remembering 1812” is its ability to evoke a range of emotions through its abstract form. The bold color combinations and intricate textures come together to create a piece that feels intense and fluid, yet grounded. This intensity may mirror the historical and personal themes the artist aimed to convey, allowing viewers to feel a connection even without a literal representation. The textural contrasts and layered application of paint give the canvas a tactile quality that draws the viewer closer, inviting them to not only see but almost feel the emotional weight of the piece.

In terms of areas for further exploration, the artist might consider experimenting with different forms of texture or introducing additional shades and hues to expand the emotional range of their palette. While the use of blue, red, and black is effective, incorporating subtle variations or complementary colors could add another layer of complexity and richness. Additionally, exploring different methods of applying paint—perhaps incorporating more varied brushstrokes or techniques—could further enhance the tactile quality that is already so prominent in this work.

Overall, “Remembering 1812” is a visually and emotionally potent piece that demonstrates a keen understanding of color theory and textural nuance. The artist’s ability to balance bold, vibrant areas with darker, grounding elements results in a composition that feels both dynamic and cohesive. This painting not only engages the eyes but also stirs the mind and heart, making it a memorable and impactful work.

Art Specs