It was a scorching day at Camp Lejeune whereas a Marine Particular Operations Firm carried out a portion of their pre-deployment readiness train. Within the distance, Marine Raiders conduct a gear verify as they put together for the following section of their coaching. Within the foreground sat Capt. Charles J. Bauman and to his left, Capt. Michael Reynolds, as each expertly maneuver their alternative of drawing instruments throughout their sketch pads, illustrating the story unfolding proper earlier than them.
Capt. Charles Baumann, a delegated fight artist and logistics officer with Marine Wing Assist Squadron 271, and Capt. Michael Reynolds, ammunition officer with Marine Forces Particular Operations Command, doc a pre-deployment culminating train whereas connected to a Marine Particular Operations Firm, June 13-16, 2022.
“The aim of the [Marine Corps Combat Art Program] is to doc Marine Corps operations by way of illustration for historic documentation,” defined Baumann. “I hope to contribute to the collections of labor archived within the [National Museum of the Marine Corps] and supply a barely totally different perspective to viewing the recorded historical past of the Marine Corps. I hope that in 10, 20, 50 years my paintings can be utilized to assist inform the story of the Corps whereas I used to be in service.”
“The aim of the Marine Corps Fight Artwork Program is to doc Marine Corps operations by way of illustration for historic documentation.” Capt. Charles Baumann, Designated fight artist and logistics officer
Baumann, initially, was not conscious of the Marine Corps Fight Artwork Program. As soon as he turned conscious of this system, he reached out to retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael D. Fay who was the final activated reserve fight artist throughout the early Iraq Struggle years who then launched him to retired Col. Craig H. Streeter, additionally a fight artist. Streeter then launched Baumann to the NMMC’s director, deputy director and artwork curator, who inspired him to submit a portfolio of paintings. They deemed Baumann’s paintings expert sufficient to deliver him into this system and he attained the free navy occupational specialty of fight artist.
Fight artist is a free navy occupational specialty that may be stuffed by any Marine no matter main MOS along with their common duties. They illustrate navy operations on behalf the Marine Corps’ historic assortment efforts as their schedule permits and is meant to seize navy operations from an natural viewpoint.
“As soon as I spotted I may mix my ardour [and] talent for artwork and my calling to serve within the USMC, I used to be instantly impressed to see my navy expertise as medium to be illustrated,” stated Baumann. “My preliminary physique of labor that was submitted as a portfolio was praised by individuals I revered and admired as veteran artists, which had a big impact on my self-confidence and dedication to develop my talent.”
Reynolds is at present making use of to affix Baumann as a fight artist for the Marine Corps Fight Artwork Program.
“I can instantly attribute my want to turn out to be a fight artist to the affect of Marine Corps Fight Artists like Capt. Baumann and former Employees Sgt. Elize Mcelvey,” stated Reynolds. “Simply as in marksmanship, in case you have the foundational understanding of what’s alleged to occur and have the power to obtain and develop from constructive criticism, you may persistently get higher with extra sensible utility.”
“Simply as in marksmanship, in case you have the foundational understanding of what’s alleged to occur and have the power to obtain and develop from constructive criticism, you may persistently get higher with extra sensible utility.” Capt. Michael Reynolds, Ammunition officer
Baumann was coached early on by Fay, Streeter and Richard Johnson, a civilian subject illustrator, to attract from commentary and life-to-life experiences. As soon as he grasped the idea of illustrating by direct commentary, new alternatives got here with the boldness to attract what he noticed in individual. He now retains a sketch pad and digicam readily available for any alternatives that will come up value illustrating.
“I hope my artwork is ready to join with the viewer in an emotional and private means,” expressed Baumann. “I need my civilian viewers to realize an appreciation for the main points of what it means to serve within the navy. I really feel like I can present an insider perspective as each the illustrator and active-duty service member.”
Reynolds shares what he hopes to perform together with his artwork.
“When observing paintings by former Marine Corps fight artists like retired Chief Warrant Officer Mike Fay, I’m introduced again into the scene I’m taking a look at,” stated Reynolds. “I recall the scent of JP8, the texture of moondust beneath my boots, and the sounds of the rumbling engine of the Humvee within the distance. It’s that stage of connection that I’m to realize in hopes that sometime, somebody can recall and join with what I’ve illustrated to inform a narrative utilizing non-verbal communication.”
The NMMC is at present taking purposes from artistically proficient Marines to function fight artists. For extra info on this system and how one can apply, seek advice from MARADMIN 267/22.
