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Submitted: June 30, 2012
Image Size: 207 KB
Resolution: 600×855
Submitted with: Sta.sh

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Child Soldierby `CrimsonMagpie

Cartoons & Comics / Traditional Media / Cartoons / Mixed Media

I drew and painted this for the fifth issue of the Brooklyn illustrated newspaper Thunk, and as that issue has now been released I can show it to you guys!

This is obviously indented to fit with the whole Kony thing that was popular a while back. I never actually read anything about the issue, but an image like this is easy enough to put together, since (to the astonishment of the trendy idiots of the world) child soldiers existed before Kony was kewl and hip.

I put in some carefully considered details to add more impact to the image.... Notice that the gun is a US Armalite rather than the typical Kalashnikov one expects in images like these. Research confirmed that some militias obtain these rifles, and also note that it's a 1960s vintage M16, not a modern M4.

The editor told me that this image has gotten a lot of positive feedback from their readers.

Ink & watercolour on paper, 29 x 42cm

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~queen-of-olympus Feb 12, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

Hey I wanted to tell you that I love this piece and I'm in an advanced class. I know it's a little late, but my friend used it in his report for "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah and thought you deserved to know.

`FixMeKnow Jan 4, 2013

You did an awesome job! I love the expression on his face.

`CrimsonMagpie Jan 5, 2013 Professional Traditional Artist

Why thank-you!

~jaakobou Dec 22, 2012

Nice work. I'm thinking real child soldiers tend to have, besides dead eyes, cheaper rifles like AK-47s and other shittier models. Also, if not holding their rifle with both hands, they tend to have a cigarette in the other.

`CrimsonMagpie Jan 1, 2013 Professional Traditional Artist

Thanks! Although I researched the subject somewhat, I decided to deliberately take some artistic liberties, including amping up the cute factor with the eyes and Elmo doll, although the inclusion of the M-16 was validated through image research. I also figured it's light weight would make it a little easier for a child to use compared to an AK.

*dave-mink Dec 16, 2012

When I first read "KONY 2012", I was thinking, "who is Kony and what party does he represent?"

But anyway, this is nice.

`CrimsonMagpie Dec 17, 2012 Professional Traditional Artist

I've never actually read anything about Kony, I know next to nothing about him apart from the very basics.

Thanks, I just drew on the emotional elements of the whole situation in Africa for it! :iconbritishplz;

~Ultimaodin Oct 22, 2012 Student Artist

I really like how the Elmo toy adds innocence to this. I'm not sure about the jaggy style on the back of his head though as it makes his head seem more menacing than the gun. Otherwise I still really love this style.

~KaZZZaK Sep 19, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Wow... This is really cool!... I mean of course, this is terrible... But the picture is very strong.

`CrimsonMagpie Sep 20, 2012 Professional Traditional Artist

Thanks, I'm glad you think so!

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Child Soldierby `CrimsonMagpie

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