1st Place Military Combat Experience
32 x 50
“Ramadi” oil on canvas
This painting is based on a photograph of my tank taken during an escort mission through Ramadi, Iraq in 2007. I think it’s striking how the mosque looks pristine and untouched in comparison to the city center’s other buildings, which were destroyed during repeated firefights and bombings. I intentionally draw the viewer’s eye away from my tank in the center of the painting. I want them to see the environment and reflections before realizing my tank is camouflaged among the destruction. While I was painting this scene from my past, I reflected on how much and how little I have changed since then—I like to think I have adapted well to my current environment.