Howdy folks, it’s been a while since I dropped by. Life is very busy. But, after working on this stupid painting off and on for 3 years, I wanted to show you the U.S.S. New Mexico at the “Battle of Pips”. Both my grandfathers served in the Aleutians and one went in with the invasion of Kiska (both U.S. Army). Also, when I attended the University of New Mexico years ago, I would pass by the New Mexico’s bell that was on display while walking to class. I even got to see the ship’s helm that was displayed in the Navel ROTC building. I guess that was my inspiration for painting this, especially with the strange engagement of “Pips” after reading about it in the “Thousand Mile War” by Brian Garfield. I really want to thank so many members here for all the help you have given me over the last few year for this project. Especially Opanapoiner and Takao for helping with range finder questions, (especially Takao for helping with the ship’s correct color). Iwd helped me with the ship’s bearings, to get my shooting in the general direction. Biak sent me a great link that had many photos of New Mexico. Thank you gentlemen very much, and thank you to any others I have left out. This website is really a treasure for keeping history alive. Anyways, hope you like it. I’m so tired with it, I really don’t care if I missed any other details.
Excellent work! The muzzle flame is very realistic. The left gun in turret 1 appears not to have fired; if that’s accurate it would be some remarkable research.
Lovely. The flash on the muzzle blast side of the superstructure is really impressive. I really like the chiaroscuro aspect of it. Even better to know it had input from so many Rogues. Quite a striking piece. Well done sir!
Another outstanding painting ! Glad to see ULITHI is still grinding out some great artwork. Keep em' coming Darren ! Last Sunday I was walking aboard the USS Massachusetts in Fall River Mass. and I can almost feel the blast from your painting. I might be bragging here ( and i'm gonna), but I have a Darren 'Original' proudly hanging in my 'Man Shed'. Right alongside my recent endeavors of WW2 Air Force aircraft models. "which are solely lacking in any manner of artistic expression"
