Blog Posts
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American Flag Original Acrylic Painting: Unbrok...
Explore Stars & Stripes #2, an original American flag acrylic painting by Laurence Kirwan. Discover the meaning of its tattered edge, the detail in its red, blue, and silver tones,...
American Flag Original Acrylic Painting: Unbrok...
Explore Stars & Stripes #2, an original American flag acrylic painting by Laurence Kirwan. Discover the meaning of its tattered edge, the detail in its red, blue, and silver tones,...
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Military Art Prints: Timeless Stories of Service
Explore military art prints inspired by WWII uniforms, medal ribbons and historic photographs. Learn how Laurence Kirwan turns military details into artwork and how to display prints at home.
Military Art Prints: Timeless Stories of Service
Explore military art prints inspired by WWII uniforms, medal ribbons and historic photographs. Learn how Laurence Kirwan turns military details into artwork and how to display prints at home.
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Next Project: More Stars & Stripes - 5 Variations
Why paint the American flag more than once? Laurence Kirwan reflects on familiar national imagery and five variations in his evolving Stars and Stripes painting project.
Next Project: More Stars & Stripes - 5 Variations
Why paint the American flag more than once? Laurence Kirwan reflects on familiar national imagery and five variations in his evolving Stars and Stripes painting project.
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Victorian Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, O...
Examine a Victorian Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment Home Service helmet, including its spike, chinstrap and decorative fittings, with photographs and collector observations.
Victorian Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, O...
Examine a Victorian Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment Home Service helmet, including its spike, chinstrap and decorative fittings, with photographs and collector observations.
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Major Frederick J. McCoy, US Army Medical Corps...
Learn about Major Frederick J. McCoy's WWII U.S. Army Medical Corps service and later medical work, told through historical details and a personal professional connection.
Major Frederick J. McCoy, US Army Medical Corps...
Learn about Major Frederick J. McCoy's WWII U.S. Army Medical Corps service and later medical work, told through historical details and a personal professional connection.
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United States Flag Series
Explore American flag artwork inspired by the Stars and Stripes. Learn about the flag's 13 stripes, its changing star count and Laurence Kirwan's flag painting series.
United States Flag Series
Explore American flag artwork inspired by the Stars and Stripes. Learn about the flag's 13 stripes, its changing star count and Laurence Kirwan's flag painting series.
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Graduation: Manchester Medical School and Plast...
An old graduation photograph brings back memories of Manchester Medical School, medical training and changing styles. Laurence Kirwan reflects on the person behind the picture.
Graduation: Manchester Medical School and Plast...
An old graduation photograph brings back memories of Manchester Medical School, medical training and changing styles. Laurence Kirwan reflects on the person behind the picture.
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Current Project: Stars and Stripes
A flag flying near Laurence Kirwan's Norwalk office sparked a new painting. See the source photograph, composition choices and early stages of the Stars and Stripes artwork.
Current Project: Stars and Stripes
A flag flying near Laurence Kirwan's Norwalk office sparked a new painting. See the source photograph, composition choices and early stages of the Stars and Stripes artwork.
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Up and coming projects
Discover the ideas behind Laurence Kirwan's next military helmet paintings, including a Victorian British design and an American counterpart, with notes from the artist.
Up and coming projects
Discover the ideas behind Laurence Kirwan's next military helmet paintings, including a Victorian British design and an American counterpart, with notes from the artist.
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Naval Officers and Naval Academy Preparatory Sc...
Why did the U.S. Naval Academy move to Newport during the Civil War? Explore the historical setting and the naval photographs that inspired Laurence Kirwan.
Naval Officers and Naval Academy Preparatory Sc...
Why did the U.S. Naval Academy move to Newport during the Civil War? Explore the historical setting and the naval photographs that inspired Laurence Kirwan.
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Glengarry Scottish Regimental Cap. First "Garri...
What makes a Scottish Glengarry cap distinctive? Explore its folded wool shape, toorie, hackle and badge, and see the features inspiring Laurence Kirwan's artwork.
Glengarry Scottish Regimental Cap. First "Garri...
What makes a Scottish Glengarry cap distinctive? Explore its folded wool shape, toorie, hackle and badge, and see the features inspiring Laurence Kirwan's artwork.
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"Portrait of the Artist" creating a drawing in ...
What happens when an artist paints another artist? Laurence Kirwan shares the idea behind his portrait, compares two versions, and offers a glimpse of the painting process.
"Portrait of the Artist" creating a drawing in ...
What happens when an artist paints another artist? Laurence Kirwan shares the idea behind his portrait, compares two versions, and offers a glimpse of the painting process.
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Why Militaria? It's part of the family legacy.
Discover the family memories behind Art Goes to War. Laurence Kirwan explains how relatives' service and historic military objects shaped his interest in collecting and painting.
Why Militaria? It's part of the family legacy.
Discover the family memories behind Art Goes to War. Laurence Kirwan explains how relatives' service and historic military objects shaped his interest in collecting and painting.
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New Creation: New Zealand Forage, Visor Cap. Pa...
See how a New Zealand Police visor cap became a painting. Explore the cap's checkered band, badge and embroidered visor details in this behind-the-scenes artwork story.
New Creation: New Zealand Forage, Visor Cap. Pa...
See how a New Zealand Police visor cap became a painting. Explore the cap's checkered band, badge and embroidered visor details in this behind-the-scenes artwork story.
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Farts and Darts: Visor Embellishment. The story...
What does farts and darts mean on military caps? Explore the nickname and the official terminology for decorative embroidery on peaked officer visors.
Farts and Darts: Visor Embellishment. The story...
What does farts and darts mean on military caps? Explore the nickname and the official terminology for decorative embroidery on peaked officer visors.
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ART GOES TO WAR, what does the name suggest?
Why is the project called Art Goes to War? Explore Laurence Kirwan's fascination with military uniforms, badges and design, and how historical objects inspire original artwork.
ART GOES TO WAR, what does the name suggest?
Why is the project called Art Goes to War? Explore Laurence Kirwan's fascination with military uniforms, badges and design, and how historical objects inspire original artwork.
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Royal Army Medical Corps Inter-war Visor Cap of...
Explore the distinctive Royal Army Medical Corps officer cap, including its colors, maker label and differences between dress and undress uniform headwear.
Royal Army Medical Corps Inter-war Visor Cap of...
Explore the distinctive Royal Army Medical Corps officer cap, including its colors, maker label and differences between dress and undress uniform headwear.
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New Zealand Police Headwear: Helmets and Caps.
Discover New Zealand Police headwear through historic helmets, peaked caps and modern designs. See how uniform styles changed and explore the insignia and artwork inspired by them.
New Zealand Police Headwear: Helmets and Caps.
Discover New Zealand Police headwear through historic helmets, peaked caps and modern designs. See how uniform styles changed and explore the insignia and artwork inspired by them.
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Cap and Hat Makers "Hatters"
Discover British military cap makers through surviving labels, historical visor caps and Laurence Kirwan's family photographs. Learn how maker details contribute to military collecting.
Cap and Hat Makers "Hatters"
Discover British military cap makers through surviving labels, historical visor caps and Laurence Kirwan's family photographs. Learn how maker details contribute to military collecting.
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Sun Helmet Painting, 24th Regiment of Foot. New...
From pencil sketch to completed artwork, follow Laurence Kirwan's painting of a 24th Regiment of Foot sun helmet and the historic insignia that inspired it.
Sun Helmet Painting, 24th Regiment of Foot. New...
From pencil sketch to completed artwork, follow Laurence Kirwan's painting of a 24th Regiment of Foot sun helmet and the historic insignia that inspired it.
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Home Service Helmets.
Explore the Victorian British Home Service helmet, from its spiked profile and fittings to its military context. See photographs, observations and related helmet artwork.
Home Service Helmets.
Explore the Victorian British Home Service helmet, from its spiked profile and fittings to its military context. See photographs, observations and related helmet artwork.
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Glenn Palmer-Smith Review
Read how artist Glenn Palmer-Smith encouraged Laurence Kirwan to paint, and explore his feedback on the work that followed, shared with a personal introduction.
Glenn Palmer-Smith Review
Read how artist Glenn Palmer-Smith encouraged Laurence Kirwan to paint, and explore his feedback on the work that followed, shared with a personal introduction.
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Lt. Colonel O'Day, US Army Air Force Pilot — Hi...
What can an officer's cap tell us about military history? Explore Lt. Col. O'Day's WWII USAAF crusher cap, later uniform changes and the surviving details recorded in this article.
Lt. Colonel O'Day, US Army Air Force Pilot — Hi...
What can an officer's cap tell us about military history? Explore Lt. Col. O'Day's WWII USAAF crusher cap, later uniform changes and the surviving details recorded in this article.
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Homage to John Heartfield (1891 – 1968).
John Heartfield used photomontage to challenge authoritarianism and propaganda. Explore an Art Goes to War tribute to his legacy and the visual language of political art.
Homage to John Heartfield (1891 – 1968).
John Heartfield used photomontage to challenge authoritarianism and propaganda. Explore an Art Goes to War tribute to his legacy and the visual language of political art.
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My first review. It wasn't very good.
Not every early review is flattering. Laurence Kirwan shares an unexpected response to his artwork and reflects on feedback, humor and continuing to develop as a painter.
My first review. It wasn't very good.
Not every early review is flattering. Laurence Kirwan shares an unexpected response to his artwork and reflects on feedback, humor and continuing to develop as a painter.
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New Project, Foreign Service Sun Helmet 1870's ...
A Victorian-style Black Watch Foreign Service sun helmet becomes a painting subject. See the completed work and learn why its shape and regimental details appealed to the artist.
New Project, Foreign Service Sun Helmet 1870's ...
A Victorian-style Black Watch Foreign Service sun helmet becomes a painting subject. See the completed work and learn why its shape and regimental details appealed to the artist.
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"Bombay Bowlers" — a slang term for Foreign Ser...
What is a Bombay Bowler? Explore British India Pattern pith helmets, their cloth bands and surviving military insignia, with photographs and observations from Laurence Kirwan.
"Bombay Bowlers" — a slang term for Foreign Ser...
What is a Bombay Bowler? Explore British India Pattern pith helmets, their cloth bands and surviving military insignia, with photographs and observations from Laurence Kirwan.
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British Foreign Service Helmets: History, Desig...
Explore the history of British Colonial Foreign Service Helmets, from Victorian pith helmets to the Wolseley pattern and WWII Bombay Bowlers. Discover how their design, regimental markings, and surviving examples...
British Foreign Service Helmets: History, Desig...
Explore the history of British Colonial Foreign Service Helmets, from Victorian pith helmets to the Wolseley pattern and WWII Bombay Bowlers. Discover how their design, regimental markings, and surviving examples...
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Creating a new Salt Girl
How can a familiar advertising image be reinterpreted through painting? Laurence Kirwan shares design choices, alternatives and works in progress from his Salt Girl project.
Creating a new Salt Girl
How can a familiar advertising image be reinterpreted through painting? Laurence Kirwan shares design choices, alternatives and works in progress from his Salt Girl project.
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Diner Scene in Norwalk CT, Rockwell, 2026
Go behind the scenes of a diner painting inspired by Speedy Donuts in Norwalk, Connecticut. Laurence Kirwan reflects on the scene and details he chose to change.
Diner Scene in Norwalk CT, Rockwell, 2026
Go behind the scenes of a diner painting inspired by Speedy Donuts in Norwalk, Connecticut. Laurence Kirwan reflects on the scene and details he chose to change.
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Part 2 of New Zealand Helmet Series
Explore the second work in Laurence Kirwan's New Zealand Police helmet series: the white summer helmet. Compare its design with the blue winter helmet artwork.
Part 2 of New Zealand Helmet Series
Explore the second work in Laurence Kirwan's New Zealand Police helmet series: the white summer helmet. Compare its design with the blue winter helmet artwork.
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US Army Nurses arriving as a segregated African...
Laurence Kirwan revisits the arrival of US Army nurses at Greenock, Scotland, in 1944, connecting a wartime photograph with family geography and a new historical artwork.
US Army Nurses arriving as a segregated African...
Laurence Kirwan revisits the arrival of US Army nurses at Greenock, Scotland, in 1944, connecting a wartime photograph with family geography and a new historical artwork.
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Stamford Fire Department
Explore a Stamford Fire Department helmet study by Laurence Kirwan, with attention to service insignia, local history and the visual details that inspire his artwork.
Stamford Fire Department
Explore a Stamford Fire Department helmet study by Laurence Kirwan, with attention to service insignia, local history and the visual details that inspire his artwork.
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The Hustle. New Zealand Police remove protestor...
A 1967 Auckland Airport photograph inspired a new painting of New Zealand Police wearing white summer helmets. Explore the historical scene and the artistic work behind it.
The Hustle. New Zealand Police remove protestor...
A 1967 Auckland Airport photograph inspired a new painting of New Zealand Police wearing white summer helmets. Explore the historical scene and the artistic work behind it.
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Scrambled Eggs, Field Grade Officer Dress Unifo...
Why do some officers' visor caps have gold embroidery known as scrambled eggs? Explore the decorative patterns, rank associations and uniform details behind this military expression.
Scrambled Eggs, Field Grade Officer Dress Unifo...
Why do some officers' visor caps have gold embroidery known as scrambled eggs? Explore the decorative patterns, rank associations and uniform details behind this military expression.
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Creating a painting
Explore Laurence Kirwan's approach to making a painting, starting with the drawing and building up color and detail. A short behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.
Creating a painting
Explore Laurence Kirwan's approach to making a painting, starting with the drawing and building up color and detail. A short behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.
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Cap Badges and Insignia in US, UK and Commonwea...
How can military cap badges identify a branch or regiment? Explore US, British and Commonwealth insignia, their historical differences, and the details that inspire Laurence Kirwan's military art.
Cap Badges and Insignia in US, UK and Commonwea...
How can military cap badges identify a branch or regiment? Explore US, British and Commonwealth insignia, their historical differences, and the details that inspire Laurence Kirwan's military art.
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Caps and Helmets
Explore the main types of military headwear, from polished visor caps and practical field caps to berets and helmets. Learn what each style reveals about uniforms, service and history.
Caps and Helmets
Explore the main types of military headwear, from polished visor caps and practical field caps to berets and helmets. Learn what each style reveals about uniforms, service and history.
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What Are Military Medal Ribbons? Meaning and WW...
What do military medal ribbons mean? Explore how ribbon bars represent service, campaigns, and decorations, with examples from WWII American and British uniforms. Discover the history behind their colors and...
What Are Military Medal Ribbons? Meaning and WW...
What do military medal ribbons mean? Explore how ribbon bars represent service, campaigns, and decorations, with examples from WWII American and British uniforms. Discover the history behind their colors and...
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Why I paint
Why did Laurence Kirwan begin painting seriously? Read his personal account of a lifelong interest in art, the encouragement that sparked new work, and the origins of Art Goes to...
Why I paint
Why did Laurence Kirwan begin painting seriously? Read his personal account of a lifelong interest in art, the encouragement that sparked new work, and the origins of Art Goes to...
