Be an Aussie Digger

Be an Aussie Digger
Oil on Canvas

2006

The intention of this painting was to recreate the recruiting style posters of the First World War. The US Government issued the poster shown below; "Be A U.S. Marine" in 1916 and it was this design that I decided upon. Whilst in Iraq, I was lucky enough to obtain the services of Sergeant Iago Walker who posed for me and thus was created the image.

The wording above has been attributed to George Orwell, although some would say that he did not compose those words. Regardless, the sentiment seemed apt and so I let it remain.

To see how the painting was created, click here

Teachers and Students, and those interested in the background to this image, click here

Independent Productions and Aviation Services is the website of Conway Bown, Australian Army Official War Artist and Aviation Consultant. Services include portrait painting and other portraiture, aviation services such as CRM - Crew Resource Management - and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training - HUET - which may include Emergency Breathing Systems - EBS - training using Helicopter Aircrew Breathing Devices - HABD - or Helicopter Emergency Egress Device - HEEDs.

During 2006, Conway Bown deployed to the Middle East as the Australian Army's Official War Artist, what the US Armed Forces call Combat Artist. This website features the artwork created during this project as part of the Australian Army's Official Art Scheme.

For more information on War Art, Combat Artists, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) or Crew Resource Management (CRM), please visit the relevant webpages: