Aurence is a gifted artist known for his powerful memory paintings that document his experiences as a helicopter door gunner during the Vietnam War, as well as his childhood memories of picking peaches, cotton and living on a monastery. Over the past two decades, his unique style has captivated audiences with its ability to convey both the horrors of war and the beauty of nature.
His paintings range from serene landscapes and peaceful farm scenes to powerful portrayals of the war. In addition, Aurence is always on the lookout for inspiration, using his camera to capture "now" moments of waterfalls, old barns, and working boats.
His work is highly prized by those who appreciate folk and outsider art, and for over 20 years, Aurence has been captivating people with his ability to convey the beauty and the pain of life in his paintings. He paints not only what he saw but also what he felt, making his paintings a window into the soul of a man who has seen the world in all its complexity.
Well-known southern folk artist Linda Anderson wrote of Aurence's art:
"... Aurence paints from the gut, very real and totally honest. I love his works.
They just pull me in.
There is absolutely nothing contrived about his paintings.”
His paintings range from serene landscapes and peaceful farm scenes to powerful portrayals of the war. In addition, Aurence is always on the lookout for inspiration, using his camera to capture "now" moments of waterfalls, old barns, and working boats.
His work is highly prized by those who appreciate folk and outsider art, and for over 20 years, Aurence has been captivating people with his ability to convey the beauty and the pain of life in his paintings. He paints not only what he saw but also what he felt, making his paintings a window into the soul of a man who has seen the world in all its complexity.
Well-known southern folk artist Linda Anderson wrote of Aurence's art:
"... Aurence paints from the gut, very real and totally honest. I love his works.
They just pull me in.
There is absolutely nothing contrived about his paintings.”
Where's White Dog?
Aurence's paintings are renowned for their iconic White Dog, a symbol of good luck that hearkens back to the artist's time in Vietnam. It is the first thing collectors look for in his paintings. The beloved canine, whose name has been lost to time, was a good-luck companion to Aurence during his time in the country and has since become a central figure in his work. Some collectors even consider White Dog a good omen, keeping watch over their homes as a reminder of the artist's enduring legacy. Whether easily spotted or hidden away, the White Dog remains a beloved and enduring symbol in Aurence's work.
Is that a fireball in the sky?
Yes? A fiery meteor streaking through the sky is a recurring motif in all of Aurence's artwork. He refers to them as "Messages from 'Nam" and encourages viewers to interpret the meaning for themselves.
What's with the signature?
The squiggly "D" with two hatch-marks under Aurence's signature honor a high school friend who was killed shortly after arriving in Vietnam. The two entered the Marines at the same time, joining up on the "Buddy" program.
Why is there a military helicopter in my farm scene?
Aurence has a special bond with the Huey helicopter, a powerful symbol of the Vietnam War. He often includes a specific Huey, Huey 091, in his artwork by incorporating its last three tail numbers. This began when he was chosen to participate in a documentary about the Huey helicopter and was asked to paint his signature items on the helicopter while it was landed in his backyard in Georgia.
The Huey embarked on a monumental 10,000-mile journey across the country bringing veterans together to discuss their service and memories. As it neared it's final destination at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Aurence was invited to Quantio to co-pilot the Huey for one of the last legs of her journey.
Today, Huey 091 is part of the "Price of Freedom" exhibit at the National Museum of American History. The same white dog from Aurence's paintings keeps watch over the exhibit, honoring both the men and machines of war.
Also adorned on the Huey is a depiction of Aurence's signature fireball and squiggly line.
Aurence's paintings are renowned for their iconic White Dog, a symbol of good luck that hearkens back to the artist's time in Vietnam. It is the first thing collectors look for in his paintings. The beloved canine, whose name has been lost to time, was a good-luck companion to Aurence during his time in the country and has since become a central figure in his work. Some collectors even consider White Dog a good omen, keeping watch over their homes as a reminder of the artist's enduring legacy. Whether easily spotted or hidden away, the White Dog remains a beloved and enduring symbol in Aurence's work.
Is that a fireball in the sky?
Yes? A fiery meteor streaking through the sky is a recurring motif in all of Aurence's artwork. He refers to them as "Messages from 'Nam" and encourages viewers to interpret the meaning for themselves.
What's with the signature?
The squiggly "D" with two hatch-marks under Aurence's signature honor a high school friend who was killed shortly after arriving in Vietnam. The two entered the Marines at the same time, joining up on the "Buddy" program.
Why is there a military helicopter in my farm scene?
Aurence has a special bond with the Huey helicopter, a powerful symbol of the Vietnam War. He often includes a specific Huey, Huey 091, in his artwork by incorporating its last three tail numbers. This began when he was chosen to participate in a documentary about the Huey helicopter and was asked to paint his signature items on the helicopter while it was landed in his backyard in Georgia.
The Huey embarked on a monumental 10,000-mile journey across the country bringing veterans together to discuss their service and memories. As it neared it's final destination at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Aurence was invited to Quantio to co-pilot the Huey for one of the last legs of her journey.
Today, Huey 091 is part of the "Price of Freedom" exhibit at the National Museum of American History. The same white dog from Aurence's paintings keeps watch over the exhibit, honoring both the men and machines of war.
Also adorned on the Huey is a depiction of Aurence's signature fireball and squiggly line.
Aurence prepares for liftoff on Huey 091.
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Above: Aurence paints his signature icons on Huey 091 for the filming of the documentary.
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Aurence prepares to co-pilot 091 at Quantico as it makes its way to the National Mall.
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Left to right: Huey 091 on display at the National Museum of American History. Aurence poses in front of 091 at exhibition.
Born in Penescola, Aurence has always loved the water. He lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for several years, capturing the day to day activities of the crabbers and oystermen.
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Aurence is a life member of the M.O.P.H. He lives with his wife and 4 cats in the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
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Many of Aurence's paintings are inspired from his travels.
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