I got the idea after viewing a series of photos that had been colorized. That action being taking old black and white photos, and using historical evidence and information in order to fill in the colors that would have most likely been what it actually looked like. Many examples exist and they are incredible to look at. My idea came when I thought about people life changing. I wanted to showcase in essence, how people can change, but their surroundings may not. How a person grows and yet their home never changes. That is exemplified by the simple act of introducing color. For those colorized photos, they allow for a modern viewer to see these photos, and understand what historical events may have looked like. That idea extends into change. I represented it by adding color to just the people. The union soldiers. The background, re-imagining black and white to keep its old photographic feeling.
In terms of completing the painting, I felt a lot of doubt from my teachers about me ability to complete it. Some suggested I abandon the black and white feel, but I chose to push forward. There was a lot of trial and error. Trying to see how to make the texture of the buildings look like actual wood while also making it seem like a building that was properly built. The people themselves were difficult to. Trying to get the clothing right, while also showing their expressions in a simple yet visible manner. There were many facets to the painting that took time and energy, but I can’t deny the fun I had while doing it. When someone does art in a subject matter they enjoy, history for example, then the art becomes significantly more enjoyable to do.
Overall, this painting, was done for fun, but it still held a meaning behind it, and I enjoyed making it.