Lovely! the artist definitely captured magnificent detail, not only on the locomotive, but also random ballast rocks strewn about on the ties.
Roger, I grabbed this same image off the Internet and, like you, I can't remember where I found it. I'm pretty sure this is a Leslie Ragan painting. Many of his paintings were used by the New York Central in their advertisements, calendars, posters and brochures. I checked Alvin Staufer's book, "Thoroughbreds". He reproduced many of Ragan's other paintings in the back of the book, but not this particular one. Search for "Leslie Ragan Art" and you can probably learn more. Ragan was pretty meticulous about getting the details right in his artwork. Not to detract from the stunning effect of this painting but the oval herald on the pilot should have a blue background and the gray colors are too light as depicted. I'm sure he was employing some artistic license to show the train in its brilliant glory. In bright sunlight I'm sure it looked as startling to an observer as it appears in this painting. I like this painting very much.
The signature looks like "David A. Orem or Chrom" can't tell which, and a date of 2005, so I don't think it's a Ragan. It is quite stunning, no matter who painted it. Artistic license taken with the Hudson Valley there, too. I'm with you, Mike, I really like it. :tb-biggrin:
Jim, you are correct - I had not noticed the signature- must need new specs. The artist is David A. Oram and he has a web site showcasing his railroad art. It is very nice indeed. The artwork which is the subject here is entitled "Sixteen Hours to Chicago" Here is a link to it: http://www.davidaoram.com/Sixteen_hours_to_Chicago_Giclee.html It is possible to purchase a high quality print from the artist.
