Leon Frankel

 



Jesus, Christ, Condemned, art, pyrography, woodburning, recycled, catholic, Pontius Pilate

Christ Condemned

 

Back in 1995 when I just started to do pyrography I did this piece of art work. It was never meant to be something that would be for sale to the public. At the time I did this art piece income was limited. I was working at a wood manufacturing plant. One of the components that was produced there were cabinet door fronts. This particular piece of wood had a corner torn off. since it was going to be discarded, I was allowed to take it home. I removed the bad part of the board and recycled the board into a piece of art work. On the back of the door panel I burnt this reproduction of the image of Jesus Christ being condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. The finished size of the art piece is 22 inches x 14 inches. The art piece has been professionally framed, the purchase price for this piece of art work is $300.00

 

Woodburning art work of Gunther Rall German Fighter Ace

"Horrido"

At the time that this art piece was finished Gen. Gunther Rall was the top living Fighter Ace alive. This art piece is currently owned by a private collector.  

I had Gen Rall's autograph framed with the art piece along with a replica of the decorations that were awarded to him the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

Gen. Rall was credited with 275 air victories during World War II. 

Art Work of Claire Lee Chennault

 

This is the very first woodburning of an American veteran that I created. General Claire Lee Chennault was the commander of the AVG, the “American Volunteer Group” or better known as the “Flying Tigers”.
 

 

When considering the approach to doing an art piece on an American veteran, I wanted to choose an individual that had also influenced my life. Although it may seem a small thing to most people, the very first book I read in grammar school was about the Flying Tigers. Since that early time Gen. Chennault and his Flying Tigers were the heroes I would always want to emulate. I could not think of any better way to honor Gen. Chennault and to show my admiration for his contribution to the freedom we enjoy today, than to create this art piece.
 

 

I had the opportunity to meet four of the flight leaders of the AVG and have them autograph this art work in person. They were, Tex Hill, Dick Rossi, Eric Schilling, and Bob Layher.
 

 

David Lee ”Tex” Hill signing the woodburning art piece I did on Gen. Chennault.

 

 

J. Richard “Dick” Rossi signing my art piece.

 

 

In those early days in China, the Flying Tigers were flying the American built P-40.

 

 

This art piece is 24 inches x 24 inches without the frame. It is sealed in a clear polyurethane finish. This art piece was completed when members of the AVG where still alive and I was able to meet four of the flight leaders, and have them autograph the art piece.  

 

This art piece is 24 inches x 24 inches without the frame. – the purchase price is $850.00

Mistress of the Night, Fantasy art, woodburning

 

Prior to starting this art piece I had never retained the services of a live model or even had a formal photo shoot done before. Because of my inexperience in this area I put the poor girl through four hours of very uncomfortable poses. I like the way the project came together, with the model in the center of the cave entrance.

 

When I had the original idea for the art piece I knew I wanted the wings to be impressive, but not overpowering in comparison to the size of the model.

 

The skulls seemed to give the right feel to the art piece.

 

I had quite a few different weapons to use as props that the model posed with. These short swords worked well for this set up.

The size of the framed art piece is 28 inches X 26 inches the purchase price is $1,800.00

Vietnam, A Tour of Duty

 

As an artist and a historian I have tried to find images and topics that are inspiring to the public. When doing artwork on the United States Military, all a person has to do is to read the Medal of Honor Citations to find outstanding American Heroes. The question came to my mind one day as to who was the first Medal of Honor recipient during the Vietnam War. The answer and this art piece is the result of that question. The art piece is called, “Vietnam, A Tour of Duty.” The individual is Col. Roger H. C. Donlon.

 

 

When I started the planning for this art piece I had written to Col. Donlon, and asked if he had a photo that he would allow me to use in this project. He was kind enough to send me several to choose from and I chose this one.

 

 

I think one of the most prominent images that had come out of the Vietnam War was that of the helicopter. In doing this art piece I knew I wanted to incorporate it into the piece.

 

 

As Col. Donlon was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, I used this image from the back of his book, “Beyond Nam Dong.”

 

 

When I frame my art work I like to incorporate patches into the framing and matting. It tends to bring more color into the art piece. On the right side of this art piece I used the “Vietnam Veterans” patch.

 

 

On the left side was placed the “United States of America” patch.

 

 

I had the pleasure of meeting with Col. Donlon and his lovely wife Norma at their home. Col. Donlon was nice enough to sign the art piece that I had done on him.

Chief Joseph art - Pyrography

 

As an artist I try to find a deep meaning and inspirational theme for each art piece that I do. Having grown up in the Black Hills of South Dakota I have a natural interest in the culture of the American Indians. Also being a student of history, I have come to understand the basic theory of conquest, and the treatment of those deposed. The plight of the Nez Perce Indians is not much different than so many nations before it or after. It is a sad and shameful part of America’s history as a nation. The part of this tragedy that has affected me so much as an individual were those words that Chief Joseph spoke, “ I will fight no more – Forever.” For such a great warrior and leader of his people to be driven under the heel by his pursuers, makes my heart weep. I could think of no better way to honor such an outstanding individual, than to create this art piece. For my life I will always have those words of sadness etched into my memory. “I Will Fight No more – Forever.” May the spirit of Chief Joseph forever soar with the eagles.

 

 

The burial pry in this art piece was of course, not Chief Joseph’s, but was meant to represent the final resting place that as an American Indian he deserved.

 

 

I put a lone brave into the art piece to show that his memory would be remembered, and that his passing would be mourned.

 

 

In arranging this collage, I wanted to include a portrait of Chief Joseph.

 

 

Originally the art piece was supposed to be square in design with just the words “I will fight no more – Forever.” As I was  finishing the piece it occurred to me that not everyone may know American Indian history as well as I. As I came close to the completion of the project, I decided to add Chief Joseph’s name. So much for proper planning……………….  

 

I hope that those who view this art piece will find the same meaning in it that I do, when viewing it. When the art piece was framed I wanted to keep with a rustic look, so I chose a frame that would replicate tree bark. Then I double matted the art piece, first with beige, and then with a deep coffee brown. I chose to use a suede for the top mat to add texture, and also accent the brown tones in the artwork.

The size of the art piece board is 34 ¾ inches X 24 ¾ inches the purchase price is $2,750.00