What we see

How would you describe these two paintings to someone if they could not see them? What words would you use to describe these two young men?

How we feel

How do you think each person is feeling in these paintings? How do you feel when you look at these young men?

What we think

What colour does Brittain use in his work? Why do you think he chose that colour? If you wanted to create an image of a dying soldier what colour or colours would you use?

How it was made

Why do you think the artist created these works? Anthony Flower painted this picture of his oldest son. Miller Gore Brittain created this work after he returned from war. What is the most important thing they are trying to say about these young men in these portraits?

About the artist

Miller Gore Brittain (1912-1968) was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a bomb-aimer in World War II. His work is unusual for the time because he was not afraid to show intense emotions or to use symbolism while most artists in Canada painted landscapes.

Links

If you would like to learn more about the experiences of Canadian men and women during war visit http://www.warmuseum.ca