Jim Laurier Will Discuss Combat Paintings
KEENE, N.H. 10/26/01 - As part of Keene Remembers…World War II, the city’s week of activities focusing on World War II, New Hampshire artist Jim Laurier will give a lecture presentation, “The Anatomy of a Combat Painting,” about the type of research he must do to prepare his art, which depicts wartime conflict, especially the role of aircraft. His talk takes place Monday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Mountain View Room in Keene State College’s L.P. Young Student Center.
Laurier is acclaimed for his realistic representations of aircraft from all eras. He will discuss his development as an artist and the research techniques he uses - including archival research, photographic analysis, and actual flying in aircraft - to give him the best perspective on the aircraft he depicts in his paintings.
Jim Laurier has been drawing since he was old enough to hold a pencil. He studied at Paier School of Art in Hamden, Conn., and has worked as a free- lance illustrator since 1978, completing numerous illustration assignments on wide-ranging subjects including science fiction, medical, technical, advertising, and editorial illustration.
Realism has become the trademark of Laurier’s work. As a private pilot he has flown civilian and military aircraft and is familiar with the dynamics of flight. He has carefully observed the various characteristics of weather, clouds, and sunlight within the flight environment and when he sits at the easel to paint, he relies largely on memory to create skyscapes with convincing results.
Laurier’s many clients include Microsoft Corp., Osprey Military Books, Breitling Chronograph Co., Pacifica Military History, RML Calendars, and Classic Publications. He a Fellow Member of The American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA), a member of the New York Society of Illustrators, and The American Fighter Aces Association, and the Air Force Art Program. He has published several aviation art prints, and his art has been published in many books, aviation magazines, and calendars. His paintings have won several awards, and many works hang in public or private collections.
Keene Remembers culminates with a Veterans Day parade Sunday, Nov. 11, at 12:30 p.m. in downtown Keene.
