Anatomy of an Oil Painting: Iraqi Child

ByMark Vallen

Iraqi Child - Painting by Mark Vallen

I created this small oil painting of a war wounded child in observance of the March 19th, 2005, second anniversary of the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. People all over the world have shown their opposition to the war in that country, and my painting is just one small contribution to that powerful international voice demanding peace.

Children in Iraq are like those found everywhere in the world, wide-eyed and full of wonder. They are innocent beings to be cherished, loved, and protected. But in today’s Iraq there is no childhood… only the fruits of war. I want people to view my artwork and ask themselves, ‘What if our children looked like the one in the painting?’ Perhaps then we’d work harder to put an end to war. Hopefully by March 19th, 2006, I will not be at my easel painting a work that marks the third anniversary of war and occupation in Iraq. 

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