America’s Wildland Firefighting Artist, Patrick Michael Karnahan, has just completed an original oil painting of the California’s Rim Fire. The painting was inspired by the brave efforts of the many firefighters who fought one of the largest fires in California’s History.
The painting features the United States Forest Service Hot-Shots from the Groveland Ranger District, Cal-Fire engine # 4455, from Twain Harte, and the very large DC-10 from 10 Tanker Air Carrier Service. The scene depicts the arrival of fire forces that are getting ready to take action on the large blaze. “ My vision of the story is that both crews arrived on the scene and are sizing up the fire”- Karanahan. The artist has presented the composition in such a way that the viewer is the fire that the crews are looking at.
The large DC-10 air tanker is depicted in the scene as the great hero and friend to the firefighter on the ground. The tanker is shown backing to the right and trailing a small amount of retardant that has just dropped before entering the scene. Lighting and shadows play a very important part in telling the story. Karanahan admitted that when painting the picture, he utilized the style and techniques that were practiced by the great artist Rembrandt.
Artist oil painter Patrick Michael Karnahan paints fire scenes from a real life experience. During the Rim Fire, the artist worked as a firefighter for the United States Forest Service. Patrick first became a firefighter in 1979 on the Plumas National Forest. To date the artist has worked 18 seasons with the Forest Service. “When it comes to painting these fire scenes you have to know your subject, you can’t fake it!”- Karnahan.
Patrick Michael Karnahan is considered one of the leading artists in the subject of Wildand-Fire. In 2005, Karanahan’s artworks were exhibited at the National Mall in Washington D.C., as part of the Smithsonian’s celebration of the United States Forest Service 100th year birthday. Karnahan started oil painting at the age of eight years. The artist’s works have been featured on many magazine & book covers, calendars, and fine art posters. Karnahan is also noted as an award winning American Railroad Artist, with over 400 railroad portraits completed.
2013 Rim Fire: Limited Edition Art Posters available from the artist
The artist will be having 1500 fine art posters developed of his new work. These will be signed by the artist and available for sale at $60.00 each. The artist plans to have two local signings in Tuolumne County as follows:
Meet the Artist in person-
*Saturday November 30th:- The Backspace Gallery- 67 S. Washington Street,
Sonora. (12-4pm)
*Saturday December 7th- All That Matters- 22990 Joaquin Gully Road,
Twain Harte. (12-4pm)
