I was asked to create a blog about this painting.  To me figurative painting is so much more than capturing a physical likeness,   
People always seem interested in my subjects and how I select them.  So this a story about my new painting:  Forgotten Warriors.  Vietnam Vets  have become known as Forgotten Warriors. This proud vet stands tall and proudly wears the patches that tell his story.  I selected him as my subject from a whole group that were waiting to join the Rollin' Thunder going to see the Roving Wall in Camden, Tennessee.  He stood out from the pack of motorcycle riders.  When I approached him and got permission to photograph him, I told him, "don't do anything differently."

 
What is the subject thinking about?  The present, the future, more than likely the past.  Those past war experiences haunt every Vietnam Vet and changed who those men became.  They can never express what that war was like.  One patch reads: Red Is For The Blood Shed; Black is For Mourning.  The subject of this painting did view the finished work.  Let's just say he was touched and proud of my interpretation.  He said,"I can not find the words to express how I feel.....I want to...but I just can't."  Then he just shook his head; he didn't have to say a word.  I could have said I understood, but no one can unless you were there.  You see I have a brother-in-law that shortly after graduation from high school fought on the front lines as a Screaming Eagles in Vietnam. 

For those of you who lived through this period of time 67-75, don't be surprised if you don't get a lump in your throat for the sacrifice these awesome men made. It was an honor to paint this single Forgotten Warrior who represents all the Forgotten Warriors of the Vietnam War.  Almost 60,000 brave soldiers lost their life for that war.  I hope viewers will think of all those men in their life who returned from the Vietnam War because so many young men did not.  Let me know what you think of this work either as an artist, a Vietnam Vet or a family member of a Forgotten Warrior.

Artfully submitted,

Tuva Stephens