Section of the Wheatfield
On October 11, 2010, my friend Bob (Slim) Bowser and I visited Gettysburg. The primary reason for the visit was to view, study and photograph the area of the battlefield known as the “Wheatfield” or the “Whirlpool of Death”. This battle was on July 2, 1863.
From the photo, the area with goldenrods and high grasses was, at that time, actually a wheat field. The tree vegetation area had been timbered This site would have been young trees left over from lumbering in the past. The fence was there during the battle. The distant ridge had Confederate artillery.
Actual stone fence.
Monument to those of the 62nd.
The site is currently being organized within my feeble brain waves for a painting featuring the site and the battle. Looking at photos do not make it as an artist attempting to paint such a scene. Firsthand viewing is a must, in order, to capture the magnitude of the area in paints.
After sketching and discussion, we have decided on a preliminary concept as to what will be painted. The view will be from the edge of a wood lot from behind a stone fence looking straight into the Union forces. The timing of the painting is to be at the time when it is realized that Confederate firing is coming , not only from the wood lot of the viewer, but from behind the force. The wood lot behind the Union troops is known as Stony Hill. 
The Union force in this painting is directly involved with history from Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. They were the Company D of the 62nd volunteers. They we mustered into service from Armstrong; Clarion; Allegheny and Blair Counties.
Grandpappy Slim
The horror of war can be read below. The total of the 62nd was 1600 men with 744 casualties.
Died in action: 164……wounded in action: 503 .. died from disease: 77.
The mini-painting depicted here is of a union soldier firing. (The photo was taken with natural light and the colors are not true.) The actual painting to be completed is a challenge for me. Much time is going to be utilized to plans; sketching to finalize then positioning of the soldiers. More time is going to be used in painting. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
Larry,
I am the author of Pittsburgh During the American Civil War and Allegheny County in the Civil War, both published by Mechlings. I met with Al and Marla yesterday regarding the production schedule for my third book – Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Gettysburg Campaign-Human interest stories. I expect the final work to be submitted to them in January 2013. I had saw your Wheatfield painting on your web site, and very much want to use it in the book, in the chapter reserved for the 62nd PA (my next book project), when Al said he played with your group, I said I would contact you about the painting. Thanks
Arthur B. Fox
Pittsburgh, PA
Arthur,
I would be interested in hearing more details sometime. Al and Marla are great people.I am blessed to have them as friends too. (Although I haven’t been around Marla much.) I will be waiting to hear from you.
Larry