Old Habits Die Hard

This is a picture I painted for Sarah Miller of her and her husband Paul Miller. Paul was one of the Michigan Casualties in 2010. The picture that was in Art Prize was given to Paul's father. I have been trying to paint in reasonable time tables so that my body does not suffer from the over exhaustion of non-stop painting method that I have done in the past. In the past I would paint until the painting was done one or two days later and then I would just drop and sleep for a day or so. I have been practicing painting for 8 hour and then quitting so as not to overtax my body. This method takes much more discipline. Well needless to say I started painting this picture and could not stop painting. I found myself exhausted after two days with a finished picture. I know it isn't good for me but I do so enjoy the time I spend in this wordless place in my brain that loves to paint. It almost feels like an addiction.

Art Prize the end

Well I ran the gantlet and finish the race. I slept almost all day. This afternoon I watch the Tigers lose the game and I started putting the Art Prize stuff away. I would like to get the portraits delivered. Maybe a few day trips will do it. I would like to see the colors. I fell the need to get away. We will see.

Mikies Minutes, Art Prize 2011

As I sit here at Art Prize I am reminded about Mikies Minutes. This is a fund raiser to get phone cards to the service men over seas. A mother came through and told me that her son who was oversea's recently called home. It cost him two hundred dollars. What an outrage. How many 20 year old boys spend 200 to call there parents. This should be free. Well it is not so this get involved and go to: www.MikiesMinutes.com and donate some money for phone cards for these guy and gals overseas. Mike's parents are working very hard for this cause. Think about helping this cause.

Art Prize 2011, Casualties

Well I am down at Butterworth Hospital with Art Prize. The big vote is done so now I can just have fun. People have told me more than once this display tears your heart out. I want the people to look at these young men and get to know them. I refer them to this sight to get more information on the men. I challenge them to look into their eyes and know them better. To make the sacrifices that they made is outstanding and the deserve our respect for their gallant efforts.

Art Prize 2011, Casualties

The last day that the vote counts for me. Traffic for Art Prize 2011 has been very, very low at Butterworth Hospital. These water color paintings on canvas will be seen by probable less than 1% of the crowd. RIP

Spc Shane Hasan Ahmed, Art Prize 2011

This is Spc Shane Hasan Ahmed. Shane was married and had a stepson and stepdaughter. I was unable to contact them to tell them about Art Prize. His parents were also very reluctant to talk with me. Shane was said to be a well liked student by both teachers and fellow students. He was conscientious, brilliant, respectful and quite. He was in the same company as Pfc Shane Michael Reifert and was killed 8 days after him. Shane was able to communicate with the Afghanistan people and also was able to teach some of his fellow soldiers the language. Shane was killed in Afghanistan on11/14/2010 at the age of 31. His portrait can be see from Sept21 through Oct 9 at Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus in the Atrium.

This is the last of the Series. Art Prize is 4 days away. My anxiety is high and although I hope a lot of people are educated by my entry I also hope that emotionally it does not totally whip me out. I have asked for volunteers to help me with the process. I have prepared everything that I can to be ready for the process. I plan to get some good sleep. God help me to do the best I can I put it in his hands now.

Pfc. Shane Michael Reifert, Art Prize 2011

This is Pfc. Shane Michael Reifert. Shane was a young man who wanted to be a soldier all his life. Even as a child he was involved with civil war reenactments. He was a hero to his two young cousins. He modeled integrity, courage, and bravery long before the war.

Shane's sister and mother are also blogging their experience of losing a brother and a son. It is well written and well worth the Read. The address is http://myfallensoldier.blogspot.com.

The watercolor pencil painting can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at the Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus in the Atrium. Art Prize is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from Sept. 21 through Oct.9

Hours

Opening Day 6PM-10PM

Monday-Thursday 5PM-8PM

Friday & Saturday 12PM-10PM

Sunday 12PM-6PM

Shane died in Afghanistan on 11/6/2010 at the age of 23.

Ruppert P 390, Cpl Jeffrey Standfest

This Is Ruppert P 390. He is a Marine War Dog who was killed by an IED. 23 days before his partner Cpl Jeffrey Standfest. I am sorry I did not have this picture earlier as I would have added it to the Art Prize 2011 entry. I still will probable take it with me for viewing during regular hours. He was killed in Afghanistan and his partner was hurt. Jeffrey lived the next 23 days with out his partner and then was also killed also. Rest now in peace, Dawg.

Spc. Joseph Thomas Prentler, Art Prize 2011

This is Spc. Joseph Thomas Prentler. He joined the Army to follow in his grandfathers footsteps. He was the type of person who loved to make people laugh. He was the type of guy who was concerned more about others than himself. He had completed the Calvary training and was very proud of this accomplishment. He died in Afghanistan on 10/4/2010 at the age of twenty. The watercolor pencil painting on canvas of him can be seen Sept. 21 through Oct. 9 at Art Prize 2011. The venue will be At Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in the Atrium. Hope to see you there.

Feel free to make any comments or give me any feedback so I know you are out there.

Sgt. Anthony Dennis Matteoni, Art Prize 2011

This Sgt. Anthony Dennis Matteoni. Anthony was a special young man who found out that he and his wife were going to have a baby the day he was deployed. He found out that the child would be a girl two days before he was killed. The picture to the right is the one I drew for Avery for fathers day. She has a great mom and a hero for a dad. Anthony was from Union City, Michigan. He died on 10/1/2010 in Afghanistan at the age of 22. I painted a watercolor pencil on canvas picture which can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at Spectrum Hospital Butterworth Campus in the Atrium.

Spc. DeAngelo Barnell Snow, Art Prize 2011

This is Spc. DeAngelo Barnell Snow. DeAngelo was an exceptional young man who was an artist with drawing, airbrushing, and tattooing. He was also an exceptional dancer. DeAngelo had seven brother and 7 sisters between the families of his mother and father.

Deangelo's father Barnell and 9-year-old Devin were killed in a robbery that had gone bad approximately one year before DeAngelo lost his life. DeAngelo came from Saginaw Michigan. He was killed in Afghanistan on 9/17/2010 at the age of 22. The watercolor pencil painting on canvas portrait can be see from Sept. 21 Through Oct. 9 during Art Prize 2011. The painting will be displayed at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Atrium.

Please feel free to make comments so I know you are out there. Also feel free to join the blog as fan's.

Senior Airman James Arthur Hansen, Art Prize 2011

This is Senior Airman James Arthur Hansen. James was the only soldier that died in Iraq. Tragically he was killed when a piece of shrapnel pierced through his chest and out his side. He was observing a the second of a five controlled demolitions. These demolitions were not performed by the civil Engineering commander. The report indicated that several safety procedures were not followed which was very upsetting for all that new the Hansen family. It is very hard to understand why such reckless behavior was allowed to go on and the cost was the life of James.

James joined the military to follow in his fathers foot steps. He was also going to school and had only two or three classes to go before getting his college degree in Public Communications. James was from Athens, Michigan. He died on 9/15/2010 at the age of 25.

James portrait can be seen Sept.21 through Oct. 9 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus atrium during Art Prize 2011. It is a watercolor pencil painting on canvas.

SPC Bradley David Rappuhn, Art Prize 2011

This is SPC Bradley David Rappuhn. He was an anti-armor specialist in a Ranger Regiment. Bradley was was due home in July but his tour was extended 45 days. This was his first deployment. He had been injured earlier ( Memorial Day) and still had a piece of shrapnel in his that could not be removed. His mother described him as easy going. He liked fishing, BMX biking, motor cycles, bowling and his dog Bill. His mother said she never new exactly were her son was in Afghanistan because he was with a highly secretive unit of Specialists. Bradley's portrait can be seen during Art Prize 2011, from Sept 21 through Oct. 9. It can be viewed at the Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus Atrium. Bradley was from Grand Ledge, Michigan. He died on 8/8/2010 at the age of 24.

Cpl Paul James Miller, Art Prize 2011

This is Cpl Paul James Miller. For reasons that I don't know about this is one of my favorite pictures. Paul looks so young and innocent that it is hard to believe he was on his 3rd combat deployment. He was married to his high School sweetheart after he graduated and they planned to start a family after he returned home from Afghanistan. His favorite sport was fishing with his father who was devastated by the loss of his son. Paul was from Traverse City Michigan. His portrait can be see at Spectrum Health Butterworth campus Atrium During Art Prize 2011. This is a photo of the original watercolor pencil painting on canvas. Paul was killed on 7/19/10 at the age of 22.

Feel Free to give feedback on my work I appreciate the input.

Elaine

Cpl. Daane Adam Deboer, Art Prize 2011

This is Cpl. Daane Adam Deboer. Daane packed a lot of living into his short life. He hiked the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail while raising money for for the Susan B. Komen for the cure, Breast Cancer charity. He enjoyed extreme sports like skiing. Daane lived in Grand Rapids, Ludington, Michigan as well as Valparaiso, Ind. He died on 6/25/2010 at the age of 24. His portrait can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Atrium from Sept.21 through Oct.9,2011. This is a photo of the watercolor pencil painting on canvas that was done for Art Prize.

Cpl. Jeffrey R. Standfest, Art Prize 2011

This is Cpl. Jeffrey R. Standfest. Jeff was a natural leader and had a very balanced attitude. He was a great athlete and and a lot of creative ability. He was know to others as a focused, logical, open minded, and somewhat driven individual. Jeff enjoyed playing guitar and making up funny songs. Jeff's partner was a Marine War Dog named Ruppert. Ruppert died about one month before Jeff when an IED exploded killing the dog and injuring Jeff.

Jeff was from St. Clair, Michigan. His portrait can be seen at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus Atrium during Art Prize 2011. The dates are Sept. 21 through Oct. 9. Jeff was killed on 6/16/2010 at the age of 23.

1st Lt. Joel Christopher Gentz, Art Prize 2011

This is 1st. Lt. Joel Christopher Gentz. He was a combat rescue officer which is one of the most highly trained airmen in the Air force. He was an EMT/paramedic. He completed the Army Airborne School, Dive School, Air Force Survival School and did a rotation at a trauma hospital. His dream was to one day become an astronaut.

In addition to his job Joel also decided to set up a service to bring toys to the children of the war-torn nation. He called the toys "Kid Bombs." He died before completing this project. It is said that Joel was a peace maker not a fighter.

Joel was from Grass Lake, Michigan. His portrait can be see from Sept. 21 through Oct 9 during Art Prize 2011 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Atrium. After Art prize the families will receive the original painting. All of the paintings are water color pencil on canvas paintings. He was killed on 6/9/2010 at the age of 25.

Sgt. Michael Keith Ingram Jr., Art Prize 2011

This is Sgt. Michael Keith Ingram Jr. He was know for his smile. He was from Newport, Michigan. He had moved to Monroe, Michigan. He enjoyed taking things apart and then putting them back together again. He enjoyed going to Tiger games and was known as a positive person. He had been serving in Afghanistan for about a year and was a leader of a small group. He was injured a few weeks before his death that would have required surgery. He didn't want to go home early because he didn't want to leave his guys behind. Michael died on 4/17/2010 at the age of 23. His parents gave permission to make a movie about Michael called, " One Soldiers Story." I has been showing in the East side of the state and is the basis for a fund raiser called, Mikies Minute (www.MikiesMinute.com) It raises money to by phone cards so the soldiers over seas can call home. Michael portrait can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at The Spectrum Health Center, Butterworth Center, Atrium. Come on down and check it out.

Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx, Art Prize 2011

Kaiden Foxx

Dillon and Kaiden

This is Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx. Dillon was on his second deployment to Afghanistan. He was known as a man with a bigger heart than anyone. He enlisted om the service at the age of 18. He is the father of Kaiden Foxx who he adored. Dillon was a creative individual. Here is a poem he wrote before his death.

Soldiers Poem

If I ever go to war mom, please don’t be afraid.
There are some things I must do, to keep the promise that I made.
I’m sure there will be some heartache, And I know that you’ll cry tears,
But your son is a Soldier now, Mom, There is nothing you should fear.

If I ever go to war Dad, I know that you will be strong.
But you won’t have to worry, Cause you taught me right from wrong.
You kept me firmly on the ground, yet still taught me how to fly.
Your son is a Soldier now Dad, I love you Hoo-ah, Even if I die.

If I ever go to war Bro, There are some things I want to say.
You’ve always had my back, and I know it’s my time to repay.
You’ll always be my daybreak, through all of life’s dark clouds,
Your brother is a Soldier now, Bro, I promise I’ll make you proud.

If I ever go to war Sis, don’t you worry about me,
I always looked out for you, but I can’t do that anymore,
Cause I’m a big bro to all in America.
I love you so much and you know that, Your brother a Soldier now Sis,
So wipe your eyes, I’ll be fine even if I die.

If I ever go to war my Friends, We’ll never be apart,
Though we may not meet again, I’ll hold you in my heart.
Remember all the times we had, Don’t let your memories cease,
Your friend is a Soldier now, Dear Friend, And I’ll die to bring you peace.

And when I go to heaven, And see that pearly gate,
I’ll gladly decline entrance, Then stand my post and wait.
I’m sorry Sir I can’t come in, I’m sort of in a bind,
You see I’m still a Soldier Sir, So I can’t leave them behind.

Written By: Dillon Foxx aka “a Dad, a Son, a Brother, a grandson, a Nephew, a cousin, a Friend, but most of all a SOLDIER!!”

By: Sgt. Dillon Foxx

Dillon was from Traverse City Michigan and died on 2/5/10 at age 22.