The Al Branch

Escape into the creative mind of Al Branch. He was a gifted multi-disciplinary artist who created portraitures, abstracts, genre art, natural wildlife and fanciful book illustrations. His favorite media was pen and ink, using lithographic pencils to achieve his desired shading. In addition, he worked with watercolor, gouache, and oil paints.

Al Branch's artwork is currently on display at the Eureka School located in Hattiesburg. MS. The theme is: "Rainbows and Tornadoes: The Mystical World of Branch Exhibit". We encourage all who can to visit. Admission is free. The featured artwork is from Al's personal collection. The exhibit will highlight Al Branch's nature-inspired drawings as well as his colorful book illustrations - both full of unexpected narrative details. Al Branch's artwork imbues childhood innocence, imagination and whimsy.

After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, Al Branch attended a New York technical school to study electromechanical design. He became skilled in aerospace, watch design and private entrepreneur endeavors.

His naturalistic artwork exemplifies his meticulous, detail-oriented and patient mindset. Many Artist look to the world to seek inspiration, which was true for Mr Branch. To achieve realistic details in his art, he would go outdoors to sketch scenes from nature and by carefully studying animals in zoos, aquariums, books and magazines to name a few.

Tommy John and the Rainbow Tornado© is one of Mr. Branch's unpublished books, written shortly before his death in November 2000. It's an imaginative story about a young boy who is swept up by a horrific tornado into a magical world full of rainbow colors and thrilling adventures. The story represents Al Branch's innate desire for people of all nations to work together for the betterment of all. He believed mankind can accomplish great things regardless of their circumstance or struggles. The tale exemplifies his life experience, challenges and culminates in a message of hope.

For information on how to attend you can reach out directly to The Eureka School on facebook @ facebook.com/HattiesburgEureka/

"When the storm clouds gather, just look for the rainbow that follows"