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There are many visual elements in
the artwork. The first is line. A predominant
horizontal line is immediately noticed as the bench on
which the Marine is resting. Horizontal lines represent
stability. The artist is trying to portray the
stability of the warrior’s heart. He is focused on the
Bible which is his unwavering faith. This line is
implied to connect with the hand of the warrior that is
holding the Word of God. A second visual element is
that of space. The artist has left a large area of
negative space in the upper, left corner of the work.
It could easily suggest that the Marine is turning from
a feeling of emptiness by reading scripture. The third
element that is extremely predominant in the work is the
contrast of color. The entire painting has a tanish,
brown hue with many colors that are closely related but
differ in value. However, there are three main items
that the artist wants to stand out to the viewer. They
are the flag, the book mark, and the 782 gear on the
Marine. Each item is much brighter than the surrounding
colors and contrasts with them to focus one’s attention
to the important meaning of each symbol.
There are many principles that are used in the
artwork that are easily recognized. One is the absence
of movement. The picture exudes a very still and calm
feeling because everything seems so solemn and
motionless. Another principle that can be seen is the
repeating patterns in the desert utilities that the
Marine is wearing. This pattern is the exact opposite
of the woodland camouflage on the Kevlar helmet beside
the warrior. It also adds to the validity of the
artwork because most Marines possess Kevlar helmets with
a woodland camouflage pattern. The Marin e Corps does
not want to spend the extra money to change the pattern
on the helmet. This minuscule detail makes the work
have much more authenticity to any Marine that sees the
picture.
When looking at the artwork, the eye is immediately
drawn to the Marine and the Bible upon which he is
studying. The eye then picks up the familiar image of
the United States flag in the helmet. The book mark is
red because the artist wants the viewer to realize how
important the Bible is to the Marine. The words are
what calm the warrior in one of the most difficult
struggles of his life. In the midst of battle he is
able to separate himself from fear. The flag is behind
him to represent what he fights for and to illustrate
that he has an entire country on his side. It shows
that he is not alone. He is about to face his adversary
with the authority of the United States of America in
his corner. The eye is also drawn to the bright green
782 gear that the Marine is wearing. This is one of the
most important nuances of the entire painting. If the
viewer looks closely, he will notice that the warrior
does not have a canteen in his pouch. He is holding the
key to everlasting life is in his hand, but he does not
possess the means to sustain his physical life in the
desert environment. Every Marine knows that he is never
to be without water. There is no reason that this
Marine should not have it. The artist has specifically
removed the canteen. He is symbolizing that the Marine
is preparing for physical death and a spiritual life for
the price of freedom.
This realistic illustration by Schuppert evokes a sense
of pride, duty, and love for one’s country. Every
Marine wants to be prepared for the day the he could be
called upon to die for his country. He wants that sense
of calmness and courage to do what needs to be done. If
I ever meet that day, I want this picture to be what
inspires me. |
