Reviews from

Shell shock

The lingering effects of war

15 total reviews 
Comment from DrCarlton


This is an excellent representation, especially for its profound conveyance of characterization, aptly consistent with your given title. Indeed, one is clearly drawn to the marked fear and disdain projected by the soldier in this nicely composed work. Very well done and thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 06-May-2020

Comment from michiganmike


A haunting image that captures the look of the battle weary soldier. Nowadays they call it PTSD but the blank stare of the eyes is unmistakable. Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 05-May-2020

Comment from Monica Morrell


This is an amazing depiction of exactly what you are attempting to convey. You have certainly captured your message.
Sad but true for so many who have fought in war.
Your technique is amazing. Your work is a true image of pain and hurt and despair.
May God bless us all and keep us safe.

 Comment Written 05-May-2020

Comment from Sgoolsby


Amazing drawing.
The detail and scale are beautifully done. Vivid imagery. A good reminder to everyone. Very well done!!

 Comment Written 05-May-2020

Comment from iPhone7


Excellent image here Raoul. I can relate to the term. In other times it was called "Soldiers heart", "The thousand yard stare", "Combat fatigue" and is known today as "PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder".

I retired from the U.S. Army, did four tours in Afghanistan and later worked as a Psychotherapist with the Veterans Administration. The majority of my clients were Viet Nam and Iraq/Afghanistan warriors who were suffering from the effects of PTSD. It is a very tough condition to live with and to attempt to come to terms with.

There is nothing glamorous about combat. War is a terrible thing. I used to say "Whoever invented war should be shot". Lol.

I have said too much and I do very much appreciate you and your depiction of what PTSD looks like.

Great artistic work and a fine entry for the contest. I wish you all the best in the judging Raoul ~ Steve

 Comment Written 05-May-2020

Comment from Freelo59


You did a wonderful job illustrating this Soldier in World war 1. You have captured his eyes perfectly looking in a stare. Great shadowing of his uniform and tired hands.

 Comment Written 05-May-2020

Comment from Jack Moore


To me this is an excellent work of art and being a veteran myself I have heard of this and I cant imagine the things that they go through of seeing things that we will never see. This will live with them forever and I imagine they are quite a few of them that never come back from this torment. I really see the great work of a gifted artist, keep up the great work and never forget the men and women that sacrifice their lives everyday for our freedom that we take for granted. Thank you for sharing this. Jack

 Comment Written 05-May-2020

Comment from Linda Bickston


I don't have 6 stars, but you surly deserve that and more for all the work that obviously went into this creation. Excellent details, and your description of "Shell Shock," can definitely be seen in this soldiers eyes.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2015
    Thanks Linda. I appreciate this. R
Comment from Jean A Cormier


Quite an emotional work, strain of war appears in his facial expression. This has been called a variety of things over the years-I think most recently PTSD, a catchword for any trauma. Very vivid white in the background upper left with the dark tonal range on the right is a brilliant balance-in many ways symbolic! Wonderful work, Raoul! jean

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2015


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2015
    Thanks Jean. Hope you are doing well. R
Comment from Lilibug6


This is very well done! The expression on his face speaks cvolumes! This has very good story telling ability! The image is very well done with tons of great detail=) Very nice work and thanks for sharing! Lilibug6

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2015


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2015
    Thanks Lilibug. Much appreciated R
reply by Lilibug6 on 30-Mar-2015
    My pleasure! Lili