Finished United States Swallow Tail Flag

I Finally have the Swallow Tail flag finished the way I wanted it to look. I was trying to keep it simple with one "non flag element" added and the finished piece shows it worked well. I had sketched a a rider on a horse holding this flag and then a total upper body of a rider and part of the horse but it just did not fit with the rest of series so it all got painted over. I had to keep this simple.

The riders upper body looking beyond the flag adds just the right element of expectation and anticipation that this flag must have carried with it for all cavalry regiments during the Civil War and the Western campaigns that followed. I like this flag.

Farmington Minnesota Military Picnic

On May 9th (a very cold May 9th) I attended a military family picnic in Farmington Minnesota where soon to be deployed Minnesota soldiers had a great time with their families and friends playing games, catching up with friends and eating some great food. No Lutefisk was served but I don't think anyone noticed.

Annette Kuyper organized this event. Annette heads up the Warrior to Citizens program to help Farmington soldiers and their families organize support for families of deployed soldiers. It is all part of the "Yellow Ribbon City"program that the Governor is backing along with the University of Minnesota. Farmington is the state of Minnesota's first Yellow Ribbon City. It was a lot of fun for all the kids and families and I met some really neat people at this event. Go to this link to know more about Yellow Ribbon Cities in Minnesota. http://hometownsource.com/index.php?itemid=86&idoption=com_content&task=view

The picture here shows a soldier signing her name to the flag print "We the People". Soldiers were to sign so that Annette could auction off the framed print with all the deploying soldiers names on it to the highest bidder. Annette did a great job organizing this event and I look forward to working with Annette in the future.

Semper Fi Marine Poster Art

Here is a new piece that includes the art I used in a soldiers prayer illustration. Prints of this will be available soon. The original measures 13"x25.5". Email me at "steve@bergerfinearts.com if you are interested in this print.

P51 Mustang painting

Something a little different for a change. This painting was initially sketched for a calendar cover. It turned up as something a little different but I am satisfied with the look. It features a P51 Mustang zooming through clouds that mix an American flag in with them. This painting is about 40" wide by about 30" high so it is a pretty good size piece. I had fun painting and concepting this piece. I always wanted to fly one of these planes if I had the chance but I am not sure who would allow me near one of these planes much less in the driver seat of one.

New Texas flag

I have not let up on the state flag series I just have been sidetracked. Here is the newest addition. The Texas flag.

New Appeal to Heaven Flag

If you read my last entry it was evident a new painting had to be painted that addressed the other " An Appeal to Heaven" flag. Here is the new revised "Appeal To Heaven" painting which does not include "An" in the artwork. I also wanted to depict this flag as it would have appeared on George Washington's ship "Hannah",one of the first ships to fly this flag. The Hannah was a schooner and this type of vessel has very distinct sail and rigging. I think I have it depicted accurately in this painting. On to the next flag painting of this series but I think I like this one the best.