I recently purchased a book that, amongst many other great photographs, showed one of an Australian on guard in a trench at Gallipoli. Even in b & W the shadows told of what fierce light and heat must have been belting down so I thought I'd try and capture that in colour.

G'day Eric,
This work is extremely well done! The bloke on duty reminds me of many a man I have met in outback Australia, particularly the creases about his eyes.
Could you perhaps give us the image from which you used to depict this man and also inform us of the title of the book?
Once again, well done!
Regards
Pop
(Sean McManus)

Pop,

Thanks for the comments. The book was 'The History of WW1 in Photographs. (photographs by the Daily mail) published by Paragon in 2009. There is also a second book of Daily Mail photographs 'A corner of a Foreign field' (the illustrated poetry of the first world war) published by Transatlantic Press in 2007. According to the dust covers the price is £20 and £15 but I fell lucky and got these at a reduced price at a local store. The majority of photos are of the Western Front and many of the photographs are repeated in both books including the Gallipoli one. I'll PM you later with the photograph.

cheers, ET

Eric,

Have a look at that! I've seen that photo many times before and what you have done is nothing short of amazing. It's bought him to life.

Very well done

Cheers Andy.

The bloke on duty reminds me of many a man I have met in outback Australia, particularly the creases about his eyes.


or maybe Douggie Walters???

Hi Eric,

This the best piece of work I have had to pleasure to view from your very talented hands. Your wish to capture the light has been very successful. Two areas of this work, for me personally, are to be commended. The first is the interplay of the shadows on the sand bags, this coupled with the manner in which the top of the defensive position is over-exposed and blends into the inferno of the baking sky, all works perfectly in creating the atmoshpere of intense heat. I think the expressive features on the face have been portrayed brilliantly - you can feel true emotion in this piece. I am also impressed with the colour palette you have chosen. Whilst I am no colourist expert, I am impressed with your minimalist aproach to the hues.

An outstanding work which I am sure you are proud of. A pleasure to view.

Regards,
EoB.

Douggie Walters
Well picked Armidale!
Pop.

Eric - I agree with the others. You've definately done the man justice!
Keep up the good work, Frev

Stunning work your recreation of light and shadow is just superb

Eric,

A fine work, but more importantly and being in Australia, where can ne now buy a print of your work?


Cheers,
Hendo

all,

Many thanks for your appreciative words. It's good to know when you've managed to complete a work that others enjoy or are moved by in some way. I've also learned something....showing my ignorance, I had to look up Dougie Walters on google to see who he was.....yeah I know all you cricketers out there are shaking your heads in disbelief...anyway can say I now know about at least one Australian cricket legend.

EOB, thanks for the considered reply. Your opinion is always valued.

Hendo, Unfortunately I'm not a professional artist....made the wrong decision at seveteen. Although it is far more than a hobby to me I am an amatuer and so not geared up to produce quality copies for sale...sorry.

cheers, ET.

Er make that two, I'm definitely a legend in my own lunchbox

Surely you have heard of Mulga Bill Woerlee, Woodabeen Champion of everything except modesty.

"As I went out to have a bat just the other day
I had no idea what was coming my way
I played a chanceless innings and I earnt every run
and I made a hundred in the backyard at Mum's

Oh, I made a hundred in the backyard at Mum's
I clobbered and I crunched every fabulous run
I toiled and I sweated and when the day was done
I'd made a hundred in the backyard at Mum's

I started out real shaky-like just poking around
me sister with her off breaks well she had me pinned down
but when me little brother bowled I gave him the clout
and when we stopped for lunch I was twenty-four not out

Then me Uncle Nev came on bowling his quicks
but I was scoring freely with deflections and flicks
as I passed me fifty I sensed something great was near
and when I hit the roof next door they all began to cheer

I took some on the body but they didn't hurt a bit
I only hit the ball that was there to be hit
I hooked 'em off me eyebrows and I tried to keep me head
and the ton came up with a straight drive through the window of the shed"

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