Friday, December 18, 2009

Appomattox Panorama



"A Mighty scene, fit cadence of the story of tumultuous years. Encompassed by the cordon of steel that crowned the heights about the Court House, on the slopes of the valley formed by the sources of the Appomattox lay the remnants of the Army of North Virgina- Lees Army! It was hilly broken ground, in effect a vast amphitheater."
Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain

I have found this wonderful quote from Joshua Chamberlain who was witness to Lees surrender at Appomattox Court House, April 1865. I thought it would make an intriguing painting. Here are some sketches. I am working in charcoal, ink, and white house paint on the back of brown paper grocery bags.



This is an period image from Harpers Weekly. Lees army was camped out on the surrounding hills.