Britannia Rule the Waves

Digital Painting

Software: Corel Painter

Model: Shannon Dahlum, American NPC Figure Competitor

This scene shows a British Royal Marine of the grenadier company standing on the main mast top as the ship prepares to sail from the island of Tahiti, 1775. An Albatross flies past the marine, which according to mariner's superstition carries the souls of drowned sailors; not to be killed or else summon the wrath of Poseidon. Another Royal Navy ship can be seen in the distance anchored off the coastline.

Note: I wanted to construct a composition including a marine up in the mast but with a clear high view of the island background. In real life at this angle, the picture would be cluttered with ropes, sail and rigging, as well as a giant mast blocking the view, but alas......artistic liberty.