Bivouac

While visiting Erwin Denim Days, I took a photo of a display at the Civil War Re-enactment booth. When I downloaded the pic I was struck by the significance of the items. (See photo)


I liked the photo so well That I just started throwing some paint on an18 x 24 stretched canvas. I painted a base coat of colors so the white of the canvas would not show through. I started with the coat on on the upper right. Then added the supply box. As I stepped back and envisioned my work, I knew I could not use the strap hanging over box so I added the pistol. Then added the hat. Why? Because I liked the red band in contrast with the felt look. I then had a thought. "If this were in the actual Civil War era, why would it be there.? I saw the background base applied horizontal on the upper left and it reminded me of a fence. I then was thinking of something behind the fence and "viola" ----encampment.
I am calling it "bivouac "which means a : encampment usually for a night
b : a temporary or casual shelter or lodging.
I hope you enjoy this.
If you would like to see the process as I painted this you may go to my blog at---
http://joe-byrd.artistwebsites.com/myblog.html