Research Yields Paydirt!

 

 

From time to time I will find a few hours to sit at the computer and do some web based sleuthing on the subject of the military careers of my ancestors, the Ketchums.  Many times I have come up empty handed or I do make a discovery, only to find out after double checking that I have made an errant connection. Today I made a discovery that I found to be very exciting. I discovered that William Scott Ketchum's younger brother James, who was also a West Point grad and a lieutenant in the US Army during the Second Seminole War, was more engaged in military action than had been previously thought. Not much has been documented regarding his service other than placing him at specific posts at a specific point of time and the fact that he ultimately resigned his commission under cloudy circumstances and that he committed suicide in a most horrible way weeks later in June of 1844. Today I found him mentioned in a correspondence within a book written in 1847 describing his part as a co-commander of an expeditionary force of both USMC troops and two companies of US Army artillery that ascended the Caloosahatchee River eastward to Lake Okeechobee, Florida in November of 1841. I am searching out more details to further verify the story. Until now, I could only speculate that his role as US Army officer had been one more of a clerical nature and not a tactical one. He came to command the artillery portion of the expedition due to his superior officer, Captain M. Burke, 3d Artillery, US Army falling ill leaving him unable to continue the expedition. He passed command down to Lt. James M. Ketchum, the most senior officer under him. 

Savannah River Tug - WIP

 

I had the day off from work today so I worked on this painting and was able to salvage the background from the previous attempt at rendering the distant storm clouds. They ere nothing like I had envisioned and were failing miserably. I came very close to trashing the whole piece, but decided to paint over the color pencil clouds with oils. I feel much better about the results now. All that is left is some detail work on all the little aerials, lights, and various protrusions on the boat. I want to finish and move on to something new.

 

 

 

Savannah Tugboat - WIP

I haven't been able to get much time at the desk the past week, but I did manage to get in a few hours on this piece which will no have to be considered a mixed media painting with the introduction of oil paints to the water and tree line in the background. I also took a photo of it with my Cannon DSLR camera instead of my cell phone camera. The colors in this photo are more true to the actual painting.

 

Right now I am waiting for the paint to dry before going back to finish up tug with color pencil. Once that is satisfactorily complete, I will then attack that storm cloud!

 

Work In Progress

 

 

Savannah River Tug

I've had a small amount of time to do more work on this

color pencil drawing. In fact, it will now have to be considered a

"mixed media" painting since I have now introduced a substantial

amount of oil paint to the water in the foreground. I did this primarily

because I knew I could work faster and cover more ground, or in this case, water,

in a shorter amount of time. I think once I get the water fairly well established, I

will return to finish up the storm clouds and the trees and this painting will

get much closer to completion.

 

2014 WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous at National Museum USAF

One of my favorite events to visit is the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. This event is put on every few years. This year's event commemorates the Centennial of the First World War and is sure to be a special occasion. Stop by and visit if you are in the area.

Recommendation:

One of the best blogs I have seen is one belonging to artist James Gurney which is entitled 'Gurney's Journey.' It is updated several times a week with helpful tips, techniques, and interesting insights into both art and history. Even if you are not an artist, you will likely find this an interesting read. Gurney is most widely known for his terrific illustrations in the Dinotopia series of books. His blog can be found here at http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/ . Enjoy.

Additionally Mr. Gurney has a very informative Youtube channel which can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCwscX1SAKE .

Savannah Tugboat: A work in progress

Currently working on this color pencil painting of a Savannah River tugboat.  Using Prismacolor and Polychromos pencils on Stonehenge paper. Size: 11-1/2" x 17".

Michigan Vacation

Returned from a quick 4 day family vacation to Michigan's Lake Superior shore last week. Very beautiful scenery and spectacular weather.

Beginning to blog again.

Welcome.

This is my first posting to my new blog which will showcase my artwork and various items of interest I wish to share as I develop my artistic skills.

Thank you for visiting Andrew Tucker Art & Illustration