FranklinGasconade2025

COMING HOME

Anticipating the Arrival of Our Soldiers, 1945

This painting depicts Washington, Missouri in 1945. The location is the depot as the train arrives with numerous soldiers coming home from World War II. I have chosen a variety of characters to make up the crowd anticipating the soldiers’ return. Two of my favorites are the lady in the blue dress and the mom adjusting the young girl’s sweater.

My guess is the lady in the blue dress works in a bakery and asked for the afternoon off so she could meet her son as he steps off the train. The other depicts a lady on one knee making sure her daughter looks her very best, while the younger son and dog wait patiently for their turn to be inspected. After all, their dad is coming home. Chances are he may not have seen them since they were toddlers.

Gary R. Lucy, whose studio overlooks the Missouri River at Washington, Missouri, has worked as a professional artist since 1972. A native of Missouri,Gary spent twelve yearsasanawardwinningwildlifeartist;however,in 1985 hechangedthedirectionof his work to the historic interpretation of the inland waterways of NorthAmerica.

GARY R. LUCY GALLERY 231West Main Street •Washington, Missouri • 636-239-6337 • garylucy.com