At First Light Artist Talk

On May 10, 2012, Ken Smith was the guest speaker at the John R Massey Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #152 meeting. It was a wonderful evening in downtown Fayetteville, Tennessee (hometown of the artist). The artist wishes to thank those who attended – both members and the general public.

Ken Smith (left) is presented with a copy of a local history book, presented by the SCV Camp #152.

His presentation was based on the creation of At First Light and all that went into the final painting. This included the research, model construction (using landscape models made from board and clay, evolving into using Google Sketch-up to understand the landscape of 1863 Knoxville), traveling to find the right type of uniforms and cannon, and the actual painting of the piece. He also discussed the history of the moment he choose to depict in this Civil War-themed painting and the current changes in the actual site.

This presentation is available to other organizations, schools, and groups Please contact us at ksmith@kensmithhistoricalart.com for more information.

Morgan Hill Today (site of "At First Light")

While preparing for Ken's upcoming talk in Fayetteville, Tennessee about "At First Light," we made a quick stop in Knoxville. Specifically, we wanted to see the construction progress that is occurring at the site where the first shots of the Battle of Fort Sanders were fired. This is currently what the site looks like today, featuring the new University of Tennessee sorority complex. Needless to say, it is extremely different from the muddy hill it was as seen in "At First Light."

Though we tried to get to the exact spot, our little adventure was halted by security and we were not allowed beyond what you see in the first photograph. The second is a view from the parking lot at a nearby apartment complex.

iPhoneography by L.S. King