A tribute to the the Blue Angels and the US Naval Academy's Commissioning Week in Annapolis, Maryland.
Blue Angels Over Annapolis
USNA graduationA week of U.S. Naval Academy festivities accompanies the Graduation and Commissioning ceremonies at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. Each year, more than 1,000 of America’s best and brightest young men and women graduate and receive their commissions in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. This illustration pays tribute to the excitement and energy the Commissioning Week brings to Annapolis, Maryland.
Blue Angels air showThe hallmark of the week is the Blue Angles air show within their F/A-18 Hornets over the Severn River. Sadly, in 2011 and 2012 the show has been cancelled but the spirit lives on in this tribute! Fingers are crossed for 2013!
The Blue Angels also fly a formation flight over the stadium during graduation.
The Herndon Monument ClimbAnother memorable tradition that is understated in this poster is the Herndon Memorial Climb. The freshman (Plebes) form a human pyramid to climb to the top of a tall gray obelisk monument that is covered in grease to replace a first year student's dixie cup hat with a midshipman's hat.
The creative challenge for this illustration was to capture the energy of the Blue Angels in flight along with the week long events of Commissioning Week while, at the same time, showcasing the beautiful setting of the US Naval Academy within Annapolis. I have placed some of my reference photos that helped me illustrate an accurate portrayal with a little artist license thrown in. I hope you enjoy this illustration.
A Blue Angel's eye-view of Annapolis. Thank you Google maps!
USNA graduation ceremony, proud parent's eye-view
The great cap release upon graduation!
The beautiful US Naval Academy on the Severn River, Annapolis.
See more of Joe Barsin's illustration work by visiting www.jebdesign.com. If you are interested in purchasing posters and other merchandise with this image then visit www.BarsinArt.com.
All posters by Joe Barsin are very high resolution vector graphics. © 2011 JEB Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:07AM 
Store front of Maria's Picture Place, 45 Maryland AvenueSpecial thanks to Maria Dawson for graciously hosting Joe at her beautiful gallery on Maryland Avenue. We appreciate all who braved the weather to attend, as well as those who could not but provided generous support and well wishes.
Joe and Eva Barsin at the Gallery Opening.
Joe Barsin's Gallery Opening
Maria, Gallery Owner, and Joe Barsin
Special treats and wine was served.
Joe Barsin's art work on display.
Megan Dawson, Joe Barsin and Maria Dawson at Harry Browns.