PRIVATE COLLECTION

[Note: Please click post title to see the painting.]

Two years ago I painted this watercolor after reviewing many photographs sent in letters to my family from pen-pal soldiers serving in Iraq. I fashioned this soldier’s face from the images in my mind conjured not only from the photographs, but from their letters as well.

The title of the painting, “Any Soldier”, was chosen because of the “Any Soldier” letter writing program in the United States Military. Any civilian may write a letter addressed to “Any Soldier”, and the letter will go into a bin, box, or basket for soldiers to pick from at random.

This soldier is my tribute to the brave men and women serving in our armed forces, to show my gratitude and appreciation for their selfless service and devotion to the ideals and values held precious in the hearts of generations of Americans, regardless of and held separate from political opinions.

Copyright © 2005, 2007 J.L. Fleckenstein ALL RIGHTS RESERVED