ABOUT THE ART

The Paintings

Civil War Art is proud of its fine collection of paintings. All of our Civil War paintings strive to accurately depict the reality of this period; painstaking attention has been given to the humanity of the individuals within the drama. Civil War uniforms and clothing are accurate representations. Historical events include realistic portraits of all the known players.

Civil War Art goes well beyond documentation excellence. Civil War Art brings Civil War events to life. The complex emotions of yesterday's Honor and Glory Men are portrayed in a way that is unique in this art genre.

Pastels

All of the original works are pastel paintings. Pastels give a wonderful velvety, rich texture to a piece of art; this is because pastels are pure pigment along with a little binder in a stick. The finished painting looks as luminescent as an oil painting while retaining some qualities of a drawing. Pastels are very blendable; finished pastel paintings are capable of achieving the richness and dimensions that are seen in fine oil paintings. Because pastel paintings are a cross between drawing and painting, they often provide more depth; especially in the hands of a talented artist.

Giclee

Although original Pastel Paintings are somewhat fragile, with the protection of glass or plexi-glass the paintings will retain its original appearance and outlast those that are painted in oils. Fortunately, the giclee process of using a digital source to exactly reproduce the original painting is available. Today, giclee reproductions are considered fine art prints with fade resistant colors that closely match those of the original painting. Giclee prints may be made with canvas or fine art paper. When canvas is used in the giclee process, the print has the texture and look of an original painting; it is hard to distinguish between the two.

The type of framing that is preferred also influences the decision between choosing a canvas giclee or a fine art giclee. The canvas giclee will need to be stretched and framed; since the canvas needs to breath, it should not be covered by glass or plexi-glass. The fine art print may be placed in a traditional frame without stretching and it may be covered by glass. Additionally, the giclee process allows the original to be offered in a variety of sizes.

About Civil War Art

Civil War Art is passionate about Civil War; we are devoted to continuously learning about this incredible period of time in our nation's history. We are also committed to raising funds for the Robert E. Lee Civil War Round Table Library and Research Center and for the preservation of Civil War historical sites; this period of history must never be forgotten. We are fortunate to have the guidance and experience of Tom Rizzo who is a long standing member of the RE. LEE CWRT of Central NJ and a member of CWPT.

About the Artist

Deborah is no newcomer to the Civil War. She has been passionate about it since her childhood visit to Gettysburg more than 30 years ago. Her 20 years as an NYPD detective provided ample experience in the emotional battleground of life; taking mental snapshots of the drama and artistically reframing them throughout her career as a self-trained artist.

Today, Deborah enjoys reading and researching about the Civil War and is committed to the preservation of historic Civil War sites (she is a member of the R.E. LEE CWRT and the Civil War Preservation Trust). She remains true to her pioneering nature with her creative use of pastels, perspective and composition.

Civil War Art Fans

Civil War devotees come in many shapes and forms; they all add to the rich tapestry of that period through discovery, preservation and creation. Some people have spent a lifetime studying this remarkable time; newcomers become smitten with the romance, honor and glory. Regardless of the level of interest or commitment, the Civil War still speaks to us. This is true despite the death and destruction that is common to all wars. It speaks to us because the Civil War is also about life. It is about love, yearning and the triumph of the human spirit over incredible suffering. It pulls on the heartstrings of all who long for something better. In the midst of things commonplace, the Civil War is the epitome of what it means to be noble.

Civil War devotees recognize this truth when they stage reenactments; the Civil War is about life. The events and battles are amazing backdrops but it is the brave men and women who make the Civil War timeless. Artist Deborah Olson recognizes this as well and is committed to bringing the life dramas of the Civil War to the forefront. Deborah's pastel painting, 'Cold Victory", puts the humanity into a Civil War painting in an unprecedented way.

Previous Work Gallery

Note: Please contact us for commissioned art prices and terms.

All artwork is copyright protected.

Civil War Art