American Graffiti
The painting "American
Graffiti", pictured above, was just recently completed.
It's an 18.5 X 30 inch oil painting depicting a Lenape warrior
in the late 18th century on the frontier of Pennsylvania.
He is sitting on the trunk of an old beech tree with his smoothbore
flintlock rifle. The initials RJM and the year 1761 are carved
into the tree. These initials could be from a trapper, trader
or a settler claiming this piece of land. On the large rock
just in front of the warrior are some ancient native American
petroglyphs. The title "American Graffiti" illustrates
two types of markings, one left from the original Americans,
and the other from the new Americans that have come to change
the ancient ways.
It is fitting that this Lenape warrior has distinguished himself
by applying war paint of his own design. He will try to stop
the inevitable change to his homeland, people and way of life.
By his choice of weapon, he has already accepted some change.
I will be offering "American Graffiti" as a limited
edition print in the very near future.
On New Headwaters
My first limited-edition print, On New
Headwaters (above), is a painting I’ve always wanted
to complete. I’m always reading about the history of
the United States and respect the grit and courage of the
trappers and mountain men who overcame tremendous hardships
exploring this great land during the early 19th century. I’m
very excited about being able to portray some true Americans
in my first limited-edition print. The main focus is the trapper
in the foreground, who is cradling in his arms a Henry longrifle,
a firearm with a rich history and one reportedly favored by
the men of John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company.
Living near the Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle, I am
privileged to enjoy membership in the Jacobsburg Historical
Society, which was founded in 1972 to preserve and interpret
the Henry family gun and iron-making heritage. The longrifle
depicted is based on an associate’s original J.J. Henry
longrifle. I have donated the original painting to the Jacobsburg
Historical Society and am glad to know that On New Headwaters
will hang in the Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle.
Muzzle Blasts Magazine
September 2007
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The painting "On
New Headwaters" was published on the cover of the September
2007 issue of Muzzle Blasts magazine. An article about the Henry
family of gunsmiths, and the Jacobsburg Historical Societyl
accompanied the cover painting.
I am honored to have this painting (my first limited edition
print), grace the cover of the magazine for The National Muzzle
Loading Rifle Association, which exists to promote, support,
nurture, and preserve NMLRA's
and our nation's rich historical heritage in the sport of muzzleloading.
The painting’s main focus is the trapper in the foreground,
who is cradling in his arms a Henry longrifle. Living near the
Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle, I am privileged to enjoy
membership in the Jacobsburg
Historical Society, which was founded in 1972 to preserve
and interpret the Henry family gun and iron-making heritage.
The longrifle depicted is based on an associate’s original
J.J. Henry longrifle. I
have donated the original painting to the Jacobsburg Historical
Society and all proceeds from the sale of the limited edition
prints will also go to the JHS.
Prints are being sold by Jacobsburg Historical Society.
Contact: jacobsburg@rcn.com
Website: Jacobsburg
Historical Society
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