"Heroes of August”, an oil painting by artist Patrick Michael Karnahan is being exhibited in local galleries.
America’s Woodland Firefighting Artist, Patrick Michael Karnahan, has just completed an original oil painting of the California Rim Fire. The painting was inspired by the brave efforts of the many firefighters who fought one of the largest fires in California’s History.
The painting features the United States Forest Service Hot-Shots from the Groveland Ranger District, Cal-Fire engine # 4455 from Twain Harte, and the very large DC-10 from 10 Tanker Air Carrier Service. This scene depicts the arrival of fire forces that are getting ready to take action on the large blaze. “ My vision of the story is that both crews arrived on the scene and are sizing up the fire”- Karanahan. The artist has presented the composition in such a way that the viewer sees the fire that the crews are looking at.
Artist oil painter Patrick Michael Karnahan paints fire scenes from a real-life experience. During the Rim Fire, the artist worked as a firefighter for the United States Forest Service. Patrick first became a firefighter in 1979 on the Plumas National Forest. To date, the artist has worked 18 seasons with the Forest Service. “When it comes to painting these fire scenes you have to know your subject, you can’t fake it!”- Karnahan.
Patrick Michael Karnahan is considered one of the leading artists on the subject of Wild and-Fire. In 2005, Karnahan’s artworks were exhibited at the National Mall in Washington D.C. as part of the Smithsonian’s celebration of the United States Forest Service 100th year birthday. Karnahan started oil painting at the age of eight years. The artist’s works have been featured in many magazine & book covers, calendars, and fine art posters. Karnahan is also noted as an award-winning American Railroad Artist, with over 400 railroad portraits completed.