Saturday, January 10, 2015
Stern flags on contemporary steamboat model NANTUCKET as she appeared in 1887. The house flags behind the paddleboxes are shaped as if blowing in a half-breeze, while the American flag flaps at a sudden windburst...Same wind velocity, different movement.
To a Society that safeguard its Nation, flags have served as a symbol of independence and identity. Flags have also identified, to a limited degree, cultures from around the world. It (the flag) serves as a foundation for cultural exchange -as is represented in those cloths which fly on the grounds of the United Nations Building in New York City.
I have always been intrigued with this cloth since youth and experimented with its 'free-flow' design in paintings and drawings before working in three dimensional genres. Movement in form has always been the focal point of my flag designs -whether on paper or in wood. During my earlier period I made these from soft metal but decided to bring more realism to the models by adhering them to fiber and/or linen ropes as opposed to wire.
Port stern view of Newburgh, New York steamboat HIGHLANDER flying American flag of 1832.
Flag and pennant on Revenue Cutter LOUISIANNA of 1823. Based on the bend direction, folds illustrate a moderate breeze.
For years I studied the flag pattern as it embraced wind movement, and painstakingly copied it to my pieces. Small detail which I found overlooked in many models -sails blowing to wind but flags stiff and lifeless...
These images of models I've built illustrate how effective flags can be on ship models of any scale. As an artist, first and foremost, I enjoy designing and painting them, whether on paper or wood. The effect is the same which ultimately lie in the concept of the folds. The shapes bring out, openly, an art form that is both interesting and exquisite.
VOC Dutch ship BATAVIA display flags flying in moderate to high winds.
Bow detail of New York Harbor steamboat ferry JAY GOULD c. 1869. Union flag is folded to
illustrate the type winds found in and around the Hudson River between New York and New
Jersey.
Mast and early ensign on Revenue Cutter DALLAS c.1815. Ensign flag is carefully folded to
hanging position in soft wind.
Miniature flags of 1670...British Royal Standard flying to heavy wind.
Close-up stern view of flag flown in high wind on English galleon H.M.S. Revenge c. 1588.
Author working on stern of H.M.S. PRINCE c.1670. Ensign flag is shown in moderate
breeze position.
Portside view showing flags and pennants flying on New York's Hudson River Day Line steamboat ALEXANDER HAMILTON c.1959.
Flags are an essential part of any model. There are occasions when such isn't warranted, but I make every effort to enhance my work with them. For further contact email: Caseships@yahoo.com or rexstewartoriginals@gmail.com. By mail: Rex Stewart, P.O. Box 1242, Albany, New York 12201. Phone: 1-774-757-7137. Website visit https://www.linkedin.com/rexstewart.
All inquiries are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.
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