About
the Painting "Arthur's Girl" by Artist Steve Harper 
Above
Left Artist Steve Harper with Right Veteran Arthur Jones at the Launch of the
New Print at Rufford Abbey 40's weekend 2008"
My roll as an artist is not merely to put paint on canvas, but to tell a story
that draws the viewer into the scene depicted. A photograph captures a fact, but
In the art work I create I try to capture an emotion, a moment in time captured
for the enjoyment of the viewer and collector of my work. What
greater emotional story could I turn my brush to, than to the events surrounding
D-day. I was
inspired by a Gentleman I have the honour to call my dear and very special friend,
Mr Arthur Jones. Arthur with his Gentle Manner, quick whit and enchanting sense
of humour has captured imaginations and our respect as he tells his stories of
the time following those fearful hours of D-Day that claimed so many young lives,
but that brought the hope of light to a darkened Continent. Arthur was landed
at Gold Beach following the first wave of Battle after the beach had been captured
and now used as a harbour and off loading point for those much needed supplies
and Re-enforcements. 
Above
Martin from the "Moonlight Serenader's" (right of picture)was on hand
to present Arthur with the No1 Artists Reserve Print. (Artist Steve Harper left
of picture)After landing Arthur
was attached to 147 Regiment of the Essex Yeomanry and then later to the 5th Royal
Horse Artillery. But the story doesn't End there. His continuing work in more
recent times working with the Cosford Aviation Museum, helping to Educate young
and the not so young about the D-Day story. His commemorative visits to the D
-day beaches, his work with schools helping to teach the young about the war years,
and his Valued involvement with 1940's re-enactment events has earned him a respected
place in the hearts of many. So
to our Painting, and as I put brush to canvas the story unfolds. Central
to our story is Arthur, Sitting on the front of a Sherman tank. This particular
one No 76 would be driven by him later on by the Rhine crossing. Now our gaze
takes us further into the scene and we see Gold beach with the landing craft with
servicemen and vehicles pouring on to the now captured beach. and in the background
the navy Vessels of the free nations who gave such support in the struggle for
freedom. In the skies above we see a solitary Spitfire photo recognisance aircraft,
hence her blue colouring. The spitfire symbolises a tribute to the services provided
by those gallant aircrews, pilots and service personnel, but as the one depicted
has been restored and now flies at airshows also brings us back to the work Arthur
and the many Volunteers do at Cosford and Museums around the country. Keeping
the memory alive. As your eyes gaze downward we see amongst the peace of the grassy
bank the red poppies that speak so much of those service men and women that have
fallen and given so much during all conflicts, be they old or recent in the ultimate
act of sacrifice in the name of freedom. Our gaze returns once more to Arthur
Sitting on the Sherman, even now whenever he sees a Sherman he feels that he wants
to just touch it for a moment, a love of a machine that carried him so far " Arthur's
Girl". Now as
we take in the whole scene we see in the centre of the picture Arthur holds two
poppies, one for him and one for you the viewer to hold in our hands a moment
captured in time by the artists brush. This painting then is a tribute not just
to Arthur but to all those who served in a time of conflict that we can enjoy
in our times of peace. 
Arthur
Stands Proudly in front of the "Harper Design Collection" Exhibition
Stand by the side of the original Paining the print has been taken fromMy
very best wishes to you all and my thanks to the collectors of my work. I hope
that you enjoy the painting "Arthur's Girl" and that it gives you much pleasure
and perhaps a few special memories ." Best
wishes, Steve Harper - Artist. | 
