Anatomy of an Oil Painting: Iraqi Child

I created this small oil painting of a war wounded child in observance of the March 19th, 2005, second anniversary of the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. People all over the world have shown their opposition to the war in that country, and my painting is just one small contribution to that powerful international voice demanding peace. Children in Iraq are like those found everywhere in the world, wide-eyed and full of wonder. They are innocent beings to be cherished, loved, and protected. But in today's Iraq there is no childhood... only the fruits of war. I want people to view my artwork and ask themselves, 'What if our children looked like the one in the painting?' Perhaps then we'd work harder to put an end to war.

I’ve titled the 9” x 12” oil on masonite panel, Iraqi Child, and I thought it would be interesting to share the step by step development of my painting. To that end I’ve produced a web page that shows my artwork as it gradually progressed, along with a detailed technical examination of its creation. Aficionados and students of painting should find my short anatomy-of-oil-painting tutorial illuminating. Groups or individuals interested in reproducing the image in order to advance the peace movement should contact me. Hopefully by March 19th, 2006, I will not be at my easel painting a work that marks the third anniversary of war and occupation in Iraq. To see a large version of my painting, and to read how I created it, visit: www.markvallen.com/gallery/vallen11.htm