Representing Charlie Duke's extraordinary legacy as a key figure in the Apollo 16 mission and his iconic role as CapCom during Apollo 11, this portrait embodies both personal and historical narratives. The portrait aims to capture the essence of my grandfather, ‘GrandDuke’, as not only as the 10th man to walk on the moon but also as a faith-filled family-man, proud southerner, adventure-seeker, businessman, captivating storyteller, and cherished grandfather. Painting with oils on linen canvas, the painting reveals layers of an American Hero who inspired not only through his achievements in space but also through a life dedicated to family, faith, and service.
Drawing aesthetic and technical inspiration from Old Master Italian and Dutch portraiture, particularly artists like Titian, I employ bold colors and a Renaissance aesthetic to evoke a sense of sophistication and timelessness. Symbolic elements within the portrait, such as the wedding ring, the American flag, the moon globe, and the gold column, contribute to a deeper narrative, representing his enduring marriage, patriotism, lunar experience, and strength, respectively.
The narrative within the portrait is structured through GrandDuke's familiar pose, arms gently crossed in a way that reflects his approachability and genuine character. Including the blue suit and his famed space tie was imperative, given their frequent appearance at space-related gatherings throughout his life, serving as a reminder to viewers of his close association with space. To truly capture Charlie's essence in my painting, I immersed myself into the music of Willie Nelson, a choice that echoes his love for country music and resonates with his character.
Through this portrait, I aim to evoke emotions of hope, unity, and optimism, inspiring viewers to believe in the possibility of achieving the unachievable. I hope the painting sparks an appreciation for art and history, encouraging individuals to explore the Apollo program and the broader history of space exploration. By intertwining personal and historical dimensions, the artwork serves as a catalyst for reflection on one's aspirations and the collective pursuit of exploration. Additionally, I aspire for the viewers to consider someone in their own life, perhaps a grandparent or a figure of significance, whom they, too, would like to honor or thank for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the shared human history, whether big or small.
Featured in the Stall Three Studio spring collection 'Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future,' this portrait is a prominent painting when considering the past of space exploration. Proud to be GrandDuke's granddaughter, I look forward to continuing to honor his legacy through participating in space related conversations from the lens of an artist, entrepreneur, and granddaughter. My artistic exploration is poised to evolve with a focus on capturing the history and emotion behind each subject, ensuring that personal and historical narratives remain intertwined in my work.
— Sterling Duke Crawford, artist and founder of Stall Three Studio
