An American Portrait

"An American Portrait" is a collection of paintings that has been in the works since 1995 and was recently unveiled for the first time at the Redlin Art Center. Inspired by Terry Redlin's personal experiences, the paintings capture the emotion of seven heartfelt firsts. Together, these individual paintings create "An American Portrait". With incredible attention to the finest detail, each painting in the series stands alone, yet is built upon the preceding images... first friend, first day of school, first date, first graduation, first homecoming, first good-bye, and ultimately, the last good-bye. This is Terry Redlin's tribute to America. It is his way of honoring Veterans, Servicemen and Servicewomen, and the families who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

View the "American Portrait" video on Youtube.

"His First Friend"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

In this, the first of seven in "An American Portrait", we embark on a journey through the life of a young American boy and his family. As we step into the world Terry Redlin has created for them, we are aware that the paintings are compilations of experiences many of us have shared. The story begins with the American dream of home ownership. Today, this young family is moving from the farm into town. They purchased a "fixer-upper". The old house needs some tender love and care; but for now, it is moving day. As they unpack the truck, they are filled with promise. This is the beginning of a whole new life for them and for their young son.

Reflecting back on his own childhood, Terry Redlin remembers moving to town before first grade. In this scene, the young boy has a great surprise. He has just met his first friend, "Buddy". Terry remembers getting a dog after he moved to town, as well. "My dog was an orphan my parents found at a dance. I named him Bootsie because he had four dark paws. Bootsie was my first friend." The family is proud to have a place to call their own. We can sense the pride they feel. To watch their young son experience the unconditional love of the puppy fills their hearts with joy and makes moving day a little less traumatic for everyone.

"His First Day"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

With each scene, we watch the change of seasons and the progression of time. This painting brings to life the smell of autumn. The falling leaves color the ground as they float through the quiet stillness of the morning. The old house has undergone a transformation with new siding, a new porch, and the addition of a garage. As the school bus pulls around the corner, a mother tries to comfort her young son. While the driver waits, she gently tries to coax him out of his Radio Flyer. It's his first day of school and he doesn't want to leave the comfort of his mother's arms, the safety of his yard, or his trusted furry friend, "Buddy"! The family has put down roots here. There will be many more "first days", but none like this one. With trepidation, the youngster will soon take that first step onto the bus leaving, for the first time, the security of home.

"His First Date"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

Each painting leads us deeper into the lives of this young American family. We watch them grow just like the trees around the neighborhood. In this scene, we are reminded of the nervousness of "young love". As the boy and girl sit side-by-side on the front porch, Mom knows this is her son's "first date". This must be the girl whose initials have recently appeared in the heart-shaped carving on the tree just below the tree house, his "Private Club".

As the full moon begins to rise, shadows dance across the yard. The new lampposts illuminate the streets as the ground fog settles in. It is Halloween and one of the neighbors has just pulled up in his Cadillac Coupe DeVille to drop off some trick-or-treaters. Keeping an eye on the two, Mom offers a tray of refreshments. Her baby is growing up. His dog, Buddy, resting in the grass, has already given his approval. The family loves their neighborhood and the life they have built.

"His First Graduation"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

It's a proud day. We have watched this boy grow into a young man. We have experienced with him the trials and tribulations of many firsts and today, his parents could not be more pleased to announce their son's graduation from high school. The car out front is the "victory car" with the treasured teddy tied to the hood. The bear as well as Buddy have been with him every step of the way. The graduate will soon go off to college and we see the preparations have already begun. His bicycle is up on the rack. Mom remembers how he mastered the art of "throwing papers" on his paper route from that very bicycle. The tree house is gone and his "Private Club" above the garage is all closed up. For this special occasion, Mom, like always, has been working to keep her yard looking its best - the greenest in the neighborhood! As Mom, Dad, our young man, and his girlfriend pose on the front porch, we see that this is a snapshot from many of our own lives.

"His First Homecoming"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

In this, the fifth painting in "An American Portrait", Terry Redlin captures the icy stillness of a winter's night and the peaceful, quiet joy of "His First Homecoming". Our young man's new independence has not overshadowed his deep sense of family. It's only been a few months since he went away to school, but he is lonesome and homesick. As he pulls up to the snow-packed curb, the neighborhood sleeps. The only sound is the crunch of snow beneath his boots and the thump, thump, thump of Buddy's tail on the sidewalk. His arrival is unexpected. The cat patiently sits by the doorstep as our young man reunites with his dog. As he hugs his trusted friend, the steady wag of his tail tells us that Buddy has been waiting to see him, too. The full moon brightens the night sky; and tucked in, under a blanket of freshly fallen snow, his home awaits. Colorfully wrapped packages and a freshly cut evergreen will soon surprise his family. This will be a special holiday season for them all. In this painting, we are reminded of the peacefulness, the safety, and the comforts of home.

"His First Good-Bye"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

As the American flag waves brightly, we feel our hearts swell as this family prepares for "His First Good-Bye". Our young man has joined the military. Although filled with a great sense of pride, this day brings mixed emotions for Mom and Dad. His desire to serve his Country is honorable and his commitment true. As the taxi waits, Dad fumbles with his hands in his pockets, unsure of how to tell his son how proud he is and how much he loves him. Theirs has always been a quiet, unspoken bond. Mom, while trying to maintain her composure, is finding it hard to smile for the picture. Tied to the flagpole with his teddy bear near, Buddy watches carefully as his friend says good-bye. As he takes another look around, he remembers growing up here. His first friend, his first day, his first date! So many memories. He glances over at his car. Dad helped him put it up on blocks . It will remain there until he returns.

"His Last Good-Bye"

from Terry Redlin's An American Portrait: A Collection of Heartfelt Firsts

In this, the final painting in "An American Portrait", the neighborhood is aglow with lights as families prepare for the upcoming holiday season. The snow glistens in the moonlight and the stars twinkle in the clear night sky. Dad has just finished hanging the homecoming banner. He has been busy all day getting ready for his son's return. The cars are all washed and the garage straightened. Mom has the tree decorated and lit; and from the house wafts the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, his favorite. From the window, she sees a car slowly pull up to the front walk. As she opens the door, expecting to embrace her son, she is horrified to see a representative from the Navy and a Chaplain walking up the snowy steps. At this moment, our hearts sink as we realize it is not her son, but the devasting news that he has been killed in war. As her body begins to crumble, she finds herself unable to speak... unable to even breathe. A very old Buddy drops the teddy. He knows his friend is never coming home. "His Last Good-Bye" immerses us into the pain of this American family's ultimate loss.

This final painting was inspired by one of Terry Redlin's personal experiences. It captures on canvas the memory of his brother-in-law and good friend, Charles Langenfeld. Terry and Charles loved to hunt and fish. They also enjoyed Chess and other board games and would spend hours together. Even though Charles was ten years younger than Terry, the two men shared many interests and had great respect for one another. It was a true friendship and a brotherly bond.

Charles, a Navy Hospital Corpsman, was killed in the Siege of Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War in 1968. He had only 8 hours to go before he would have been rotated to the rear and out of harms way. Like many Americans, Terry and his wife Helene, along with their entire family, live forever with the pain of the ultimate loss.