Military Aviation Artists Who Got it Right

[@keithbriscoe99]

Robert Taylor! I have a signed copy of "The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor" - got this from him at the Hawthorne Airshow (dated 26 Oct, 1991). I feel lucky to have it!

[@charliepaine1684]

Great discussion and clip Mooch...As Ops O of VT-26 in Beeville our skipper (Capt Bill Bowers) hosted Keith Ferris in the squadron for several days in the early 80"s. We received permission fron CNATRA to take Mr Ferris out to the LEX during CQ quals; I lead the student with the CO flying Mr Ferris in the rear seat. As a bonus, Mr Ferris presented us with several pre-print skectches of the T-2 Buckeye flying his initial approach (3:38 in your video). Later on Mr Ferris sent me a signed print with his comments thanking the Squadron for the opportunity to experience first hand the CQ evolutions. In early 2000's I attended the " Hook" in Reno and purchased the last signed litho of "A-4 on the waist cat" from his daughter which proudly hangs in my home "I love me" room, and is one that brings back many memories of my many years strapped to A-4's. Luv your videos...Sierra Hotel...Tuna

[@skykeg4978]

An underrated artist is Koike Shigeo. His works are found on Hasegawa model kits. While his paintings usually have stark backgrounds, the subjects are always spot on correct.

[@enzoacorda]

Was about to say this too. Same guy who also did the artwork for Arma Hobby's new Frank. Would also like to point out the guy who did the old Airfix boxes.

[@alanfarrugia9751]

Agree! Same applies for Tamiya's 1/48 Tomcat's box arts, probably by Koike Shigeo too.

[@cfcconky8439]

Love his work!

[@KoreytheFunkyRayda]

I've built a lot of models as a kid(and occasionally still do). Loved the artwork on those boxes.

[@travis_thompson]

Alot of great box art guys out there and I think Shigeo Koike is a big part of why Hasegawa ruled the 90s

[@gregorydotreppe1970]

Several of the artists that you mentioned also have medical issues and disabilities that prevented them from pursuing more typical careers in aviation. Keith Ferris has an allergy which prevented him from getting the required vaccinations to enter the Air Force, R.G. Smith was color blind, and William S. Phillips is mathematically dyslexic which gave him a great deal of trouble succeeding in school. Their success as artists was a means for them to achieve their dreams of flying and being part of aviation despite these obstacles.

[@alonespirit9923]

Cool, did not know that! It is 'cool' because an imperfect body having medical issues and disabilities has prevented an aviation career for me and that is something relatable; Dad and Grandad were each pilots for a season of their lives & each Navy for a season of their lives and in my early childhood I too wanted to fly. That one's health, their health, is imperfect is often somewhat less than cool, true, but, dang, if they had been healthy, happy, career aviators would the world have the beauty of their art?

[@gregorydotreppe1970]

@@alonespirit9923 I have had the opportunity to speak to Mr. Ferris about this issue through the American Society of Aviation Artists. It seems to be a common experience for many of its members.

[@alonespirit9923]

@@gregorydotreppe1970 That is interesting. I had no idea it would be many of them. But since the aviation art community is a community I'm not part of and don't come in to personal contact with, I had never applied effort to asking questions or researching the matter.

[@Triple_J.1]

Most disqualifying medical "issues" are arbitrary barriers. There are paraplegics racing at a competitive level in several international motorsports. And every color blind person can get a drivers license and operate a motor vehicle for their entire lives, where the only thing keeping them And everyone else safe is red and green lights. Like i said, its arbitrary and those rules are written by non-pilot paper pushers with no dreams of their own, based on no evidence whatsoever. Yes, there are many color coded signals in aviation. But again, this is arbitrary. They could just as well use other signals than colored light bulbs, that would be more accommodating to all pilots let alone colorblind people. Imagine is Walmart refused to hire someone because of color blindness?! The field day the lawyers would have.

[@marlenevan4661]

James Dietz is a favorite of ours. We were fortunate enough to meet and speak with him at EAA Oshkosh some years back. Almost every one of his paintings incorporates an animal, such as a dog or cat, somewhere in the picture. We own a print of his called "Unsung", showing maintainers working on an SBD on the hangar deck of USS Enterprise, in the Battle of Midway. This image means a lot to my husband, who was an AMS3, and worked over 30 years as an airline mechanic.

[@rockyraab8290]

I had the distinct pleasure to work with Mark Waki for five years at what was then the Morton-Thiokol Corporation. Mark did stunning paintings of Thiokol missile and rocket products in use aboard various aircraft, as well as the Space Shuttle. I understand your all-Navy bias, but the field of aviation art is much broader. Mark Waki is right up there among the giants.

[@billpandos7962]

Shigeo Koike is one of Japan's best aviation artists. He made the majority of the box-art for Hasegawa's scale model kits. Beautiful work.

[@johnsloan7672]

R G Smiths painting of three A4’s flying on the deck on what we called a “sand blower mission” hung over the bar at NAS Lemoore during my tour of duty during the Viet Nam era. I was the AIO (spook) attached to VA 163. I love the memories that your program provides.

[@ronc9165]

1) Love Robert Taylor. 2) Hey Joe = GREAT callsign!

[@CMIKAEL1172]

Loved the A-4 on the waist cat

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Brilliant video! You captured all the elements of great aviation art from both a viewer's and pilot's perspective. Bill Phillips was the ground-breaking artist who put aviation art on the map (and in galleries) in the 1980s, and he actually flew in the tactical aircraft he painted to learn the airplane and experience the feeling of high-performance flight. In my opinion, Craig Kodera achieved the best blend of "rivet counter" technical accuracy with breathtaking visual beauty and mood, while R.G. Smith (Honorary Naval Aviator #10) always said "Don't paint an airplane, paint THE airplane," meaning capture the essence and 'personality' of each aircraft. Super job!

[@lemarluke6278]

I really like your channel, Mike. Thanks!

[@SkyhawkSteve]

As a former Marine Skyhawk avionics tech, and later an engineer at McDonnell Douglas, it pleases me to hear R.G. Smith mentioned! I first encountered his work in Approach when I was in the Corps, and later in McDonnell Douglas publications and marketing material. Some of his original work is on display at the former McDonnell Douglas HQ building in St. Louis, in the little museum dedicated to the company's history known as "The Prologue Room". It is open to the public at some times, and is worth a visit! Also.... great to hear Hank Caruso mentioned! I have been buying his Aerocatures calendars for decades.

[@FlyingDutchmanPodcast]

I have a beautiful framed layered Matt of Robert Taylor Strike On The Akagi With those signatures of the participants it’s my favorite and hangs in my office wall

[@terrytomlinson8772]

Always enjoyed Approach when I was in the Navy

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Commander, you and your guest remind me of myself and my work friends. As a retired Firefighter/EMS First Responder with over 27yrs service, we tear apart photos, TV shows, movies and any media that shows the fire service in a improper techniques and technology. Funny story, my late wife always hated watching Fire Service related movies oŕ shows with me and complained profusely when I moaned about ALL the producers got WRONG. She'd ALWAYS say, "Just watch the show and stop analyzing"...lol

[@johneertwegh6261]

I've sold aviation art for over 30 years. The main problem is focus. Many artists give everything in fore and background the same appearance, the human eye doesn't work like that. Many artists mentioned have good and bad prints. But few do everything right.. Most dont hold a candle imo to RG Smith. Mentioned is Bill Phillips Tuskefee print. Awesome rendition, however he gave the German pilot bailing out the appearance of just climbing out of his plane like he's stepping out of his car. In Bill Phillips Hell fire Corner he gave the German planes with yellow propeller tips. So as talented as Phillips is he does like most make mistakes. Check out Dan Witkoffs F 14 painting. He was my best friend for over 30 years. One of the most photo realistic F 14 .

[@gsfischer]

Great episode! Bill Philips has been my favorite since I can't remember when. I've had 'Intruder Outbound' hanging on my wall since I was in high school. It was a present from a family member. It wasn't until later in my career I realized the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was the carrier in the painting and my first squadron deployment was on the Big E.

[@alonespirit9923]

R. G. Smith's "F-4 on the Bow Cat" brings back to mind how I thought and still think the F-4 was/is a good looking airplane both in the air and on the ground. When on the ground something about the shape of its main gear doors brings to mind raptor talons. Now, before someone takes that as disparaging the F-14, note that currently lying just off the port side of this computer is a 14 year old orange tabby rescue cat named Grumman. He does not, however posses twin tails; but, all those years ago he did take damage and come back flying after recovery.

[@ScottHirons]

I'd love to see an interview with Heater Heatley, if you can do it. I was a teenager when he published "The Cutting Edge". I loved it. It's still on my bookshelf today.

[@johnosbourn4312]

I too, have a copy of The Cutting Edge, as well.

[@pilotff]

Yes! I reached out to him to buy some artwork.

[@jjones6606]

I think I got it for Xmas in about the 6th grade. Still have it. Randy Jolly had a good USAF photo book called The Real Heroes or something like that. It’s good too.

[@toddewire13]

thank you Ward always enjoy the great artists

[@davido1953]

Phillips and RG Smith are just awesome in my opinion. Phillips can make even a B-24 look beautiful and Smith makes everything look so rich and epic.

[@Andrewausfa]

Super episode, great to see the subject of aviation art highlighted. Other than Taylor and Wooton, another British artist I didn't see mentioned is Gerald Coulson, master of clouds! I'd also like to mention a couple of Americans, Lou Drendel amd Don Greer

[@craigdillon3974]

Glad to see you've got the T-shirt on, Mooch.

[@michaellindsey1543]

Keith Ferris took research to a religious level as well as being a brilliant artist. If he painted a B-17 you can assume he knew the mother's maiden name of every crewman on that mission as well as the serial number on every part!

[@wayneherbert5684]

Im surprised you didn’t include John Doughty Jr his skyhawk pic “triple threat” is badass love the show🤘

[@rapscallion3506]

You hit this episode out-a the park!

[@cavemanbum]

I've been a military model builder for nearly 40 years, and growing up, I became a huge fan of Lou Drendel's books on the air war in Vietnam. His books were not only highly informative, but they were loaded with his own spectacular artwork. This artwork proved to be a fantastic reference for my hobby. I was hoping that he would have been included in this video.

[@johnosbourn4312]

Speaking of Lou Drendell, I own a copy of his artwork book that Squadron Signal had published years ago.

[@artjasso8410]

Great episode Mr. Carrol. Lou Drendal who does the "In Action" series of books is a good artist and writer. Stan Stokes is another artist. Koike Shigo is another great Japanese artist. He does (or did) the artwork on Hasegawa model kits. Looking forward to your next episode. CINCJ out.

[@RevTemerity]

Ward, would you consider providing a list of these? Had a friend I swam with who was a waist gunner in B-17s, completed his tour, went and became an officer, and then returned to Europe flying P-51s. His stories often interrupted our entire swim time. Once he brought a piece of art he had done (B-17) to the pool and I was forever enthralled by this kind of art.

[@jord9308]

In the 1950’s, my Father was stationed at Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, Ca. They had these huge blimp hangars and the squadron CO had a large collection of Naval aviation paintings , both in his office and the ready room. Lots of models, too. I enjoyed seeing this collection as a child. I got to sit in the cockpit of an F4D, too!

[@jager6863]

Well Done, you hit all my favorites, especially Robert Taylor and James Dietz

[@bigearsandnoddy1]

Hiya mooch & hey joe thanks for showing us some really cool & beautiful paintings...WOW...so cool✈✈✈✌ PEACE✌ from London England GL&HF(happy filming)

[@enzoacorda]

+1 for Koike Shigeo as well. Same man behind most of Hasegawa's box art. Also the guy who did the artwork for Fujimi's boxes is really good. One of the reasons I was sold on their Scooters and SLUFs was the artwork (besides the accuracy)

[@iamrichrocker]

the ability of an artist to bring to life these scenes is what draws me..just pure brilliance that few have...great episode..

[@KoreytheFunkyRayda]

Thanks for talking aviation art and artist. Know one has taken the time to mention those fantastic artists. I loved the covers of Air combat magazine and other publications they adorned. Brings back memories of when I tried to military aviation art. Will be trying again. Keep up the great work.

[@RagsHSC-7]

Loved it loved it very much, took a snapshot of all the pics just beautiful. Thank you Ward Excellent commentary. See you next time

[@MadAntz970]

Don't forget Roy Cross who was responsible for all that beautiful box art on Airfix kits back in the day

[@fleetwarrior75]

What an amazing episode can’t beat naval aviation art, especially if it includes the scooter!

[@chaserosas5773]

I love the credit you give to these talented artists!

[@hoghogwild]

4:03 Our CF-18 Hornet A/B fleet wears the "false canopy" painted opposite the true cockpit. All 94 Hornets(including 25 aircraft we recently bought from got Australia-18 now operational plus 7 airframes for parts) . All 94 airframes are getting a HEP(Hornet Extension Plan) with 36 then getting a further HEP-2.After 50 years of service we have decided upon F-35A as a replacement, or is that CF-355? Our Hornets have some pretty nice artwork on them, the Demo Team has a new scheme each season. That's 50 years of the crews servicing CF-18 tailhooks that would never see a carrier arresting wire. They started life as US Marine spec A/Bs. Todays CF-18 can now do things the 1982 CF-18 could only dream of.

[@matthewgardner5983]

Thankful you gave a shout out to artists like these.

[@mies-bvd]

Hey Ward, Love to see a video about most iconic aviation photos! Thanks for the great content as always! 😁

[@NarbonneGauchoBoingo]

I have "Return to Duxford" by Robert Taylor, and "Rosie's Crew/Thorpe Abbots 1943" by Gil Cohen on my walls. Mustangs and B-17's! Also, that FERRIS paint scheme was my FAVORITE on plastic models as a kid. GREAT episode Ward! Outstanding topic.

[@seph7450]

I learned a lot of things from this video. This actually helps give me ideas for thumbnails and it was nice to hear a lot of names. Thanks a lot

[@CosmasNDamian]

Rally excellent episode, Ward.

[@offshorequest]

Keith Ferris is my favorite. I have his signed/numbered print "Little Willie Coming Home" on my wall. Being that my father spent the early days of WW2 on a B-17 has special meaning to me.

[@blacklake13]

Relieved to see Grinnell come in at the last minute - easily one of the best. One big omission here is Shigeo Koike.

[@johnemerson1363]

I spent 27 years in Naval Aviation and religiously read "Approach" magazine every month. Much of what I learned made me a better civilian pilot and naval air crewman.

[@scotttoner9231]

Yet another great program - many thanks. I don’t know if you can find an on-line version with enough resolution to do even 25% justice, but from both the artistic, technical, and historical standpoint I can’t recommend enough Gerald Coulson’s “Lancaster Outbound.” I have a numbered print in my living room, and the attention to detail of not just the aircraft but the sky, clouds, sea and the reflections on sea are awe inspiring. No laziness to the background… many people ask if a photograph. Aircraft crossing the English coast with a setting sun to the west…. Makes the hairs on my neck stand up. Keep all the stories and interviews coming, Ward. Thanks. Scott

[@VickersV]

The artist who painted the Airfix model kit boxes in the 70s 80s we're brilliant, and the one's who did the instructions were exelent as well, thanks for the video, well done.

[@jeeperjeff70]

The Ted Wilbur B&W drawings look a lot like the famous comic book/animation artist Alex Toth. Toth was the master of negative space. The greatest artist/designer I ever worked with is Alex Toth’s son, Eric Toth.

[@Rocketsong]

"Tomcat" at 9:20 is by Dru Blair. That's somewhat of his signature style. He has a B-1 (the mighty BONE) kicking up a roostertail over a mountain lake, and a few others (like Low Level Lightning). Of course, in low level mach flight using the TF radar the BONE will actually throw up a debris trail.

[@jonathansandstrum2840]

MOOCH! I absolutely love and admire your body of work in that you present a myriad of information! I love how you capture aspects from different angles of whatever your presenting. I truly enjoy your videos. I'm looking forward to reading your books as well! Happy hunting sir!

[@Pumpkinblimp]

Thank you Ward. I've got out of print Military Aviation books about people iike Adolph Galland and others but no art. The paintings look fantastic!

[@hog8035]

Agreed, Robert Taylor is the man

[@jkstormtrooper9617]

First time I became aware of the F 14 was the box art on the Airfix 1-72 scale kit in the early 70s. Has a VF 1 plane crossing the coast firing two Phoenix missiles.

[@philippatek3928]

Rick Herter is my favorite!!

[@SVTL4799]

I love all the work done by Romain Hugault. His attention to detail is amazing as well!

[@tracytrawick322]

Nothing quite like a high quality artists getting all the nuances correct! Whether it's the a/c or the clouds, sea or ground, they add up to make a winner, a wall-hanger! Thx Mooch, surprise subject! You and Hey Joe both presented with the eye of an art critic, plus the intangible edge of having been there. You pegged it when discussing the blurred ground, in that painting that wasn't reality. Simply great aviation historians who can distinguish between reality and embellished art. Super episode, big fan of military aviation artwork, regardless of era.

[@r.a.armstrong7691]

Don't forget Captain Bob Rasmussen, former Blue Angel. He gave me my Commission back in 1983 as CO of Naval Aviation Schools Command. I have an original watercolor that I negotiated from Trader John himself from his "Art Gallery"! It hangs proudly in the house!

[@3pbhenry]

I would have added the Canadian born, but UK resident Michael Rondot. I have a limited edition print "High in the Sunlit Silence" depicting a Spitfire over the clouds. The lighting is stunning. You also missed Ren Wicks. He specialized in "wings and women". He worked for Lockheed during WW2 and produced promotional posters, among other things. I have high quality lithos of a Vega bomber, and also a P-38. The artwork in both prints is dramatic and stylized, while still keeping the aircraft details accurate. Thanks for the very interesting episode.

[@johnkoral888]

What a great episode, so much fantastic artwork brings back fond memories. Lew Drendel was mentioned and for modelers in the 70’s his work was very familiar, and Uwe Feist who did a lot of profiles for Squadron Publications as well.

[@iLLeag7e]

a little guitar, a lovable american hero or two, maybe an aviation art episode every once in awhile... I honestly do appreciate the wider variety here Mr. Carroll. Keep up the excellent work sir!

[@patrickhurley4058]

There was a landscape painter named Wilson Hurley who was a fighter pilot for most of his life. He was not as well known for his aviation a paintings, but they were the best I saw of the Vietnam era. He was my father and my opinion of his work is shared by others, including the US Air Force. One of his best "And Touch the Face of God" hangs in the Air Academy in Colorado Springs. For a truly spectacular point of view, anyone interested can search his name and check out the painting "Columbia at 30 Seconds". (He was aboard the rescue chopper that was in the air during every shuttle launch and painted the scene from memory.)

[@chrisdilley266]

great content as usual

[@fredhayes145]

LT Dwight Shepler, WWII Combat Artist Was aboard USS Atlanta and USS Washington during Guadalcanal. He got a ride on an OS2U Kingfisher - resulting in pen-and-ink of "Kingfisher Returning" and "Kingfisher Nesting". Can be seen in "The Navy at War: Paintings and Drawings of Combat Artists". Not Naval Aviation, but he also painted scenes @ Normandy landings.

[@thomasd3862]

I wish you would have included R. G. Smith's "Enterprise on Yankee Station," which depicts Climax in very rough seas with two divisions, (four planes), of A4's overhead. I was so taken by that that I had an oil done of it by in Lima, Peru, and it hangs over the fireplace in my home office.

[@jayshaw63]

C. G, Evers - USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5) crashing through heavy seas. No airplanes but a great painting.

[@thomasd3862]

You never know how these things will progress. When I had the original painted in oil in Peru, a two star on the SoCom staff, an ex Marine aviator really liked it, so I lent him the original and he got it done as well. He never returned the original, which is now worth a bit of money. I finally remembered his last name today, and got hold of him. He still has it in the original tube and is sending it back to me, ten years later. Who knows how the day will go?

[@alonespirit9923]

@@jayshaw63 Oh, Evers, remember that name from Dad's 1970s and 80s _Proceedings_ magazines. Man there were some good paintings for sale in those. And speaking of quality art in that publication, their photography contest results were always admired.

[@SuperMozzman]

Great subject! I have 2 signed Robert Taylor prints, "Swansong" signed by Gunther Rall and "Flight of Eagles" signed by Adolf Galland

[@stephenthomas2311]

Great episode, love aviation & auto racing artwork, own "Tally Ho" by Robert Taylor and have given his art as gifts. Thank you so much for sharing more artists and some of their history with us.

[@bobp3738]

Enjoyed that Ward, thanks! I’ve got a couple of B-17 pieces by Taylor and Phillips and can gaze at them for hours marveling at the incredible detail and emotion.

[@woodentuliphoek]

Great Spot Ward! [ MASTERWORKS ] Also a good video on Aviation Art.

[@davidtoth8975]

I like the digital art of Antonis Karidis. Many wargames have his work as box art, I think his pictures look great.

[@oceana101]

so many great aviation artists each has their own vision i appreciate them all, well done guys, cheers

[@andreperrault5393]

I read every edition of Approach my father would bring home. I’ve seen the artwork you presented and more there in the Approach and other magazines, books, and the Smithsonian. All great art. Thanks

[@caseylaw6185]

Mooch, Great video on a subject near and dear to me, Aviation Art. I've been collecting Aviation Art since I was 10 years old ( now 70, Yikes!) and used to build models. Once completed, I would cut the artwork off the boxes and thumb tack them up on my bedroom wall. Now the only difference 60 years later is the artwork on my walls has gotten bigger and more expensive! My Top 2 Aviation Artists are Mike Machat and Craig Kodera. I am fortunate to own a painting that was a joint effort completed by Mike and Craig, with input from Naval Aviator Bob Elder, titled "Hook Down, Turning Final. It depicts Lt. Bob Elder conducting carrier suitability trials in 1944 for outfitting P-51 Mustangs on Essex class carriers. It always gets comments usually beginning with " What's a Mustang doing landing on a carrier? The "Seahorse" P-51 never progress past the suitability trials as the need disappeared with the capture of Iwo Jima. Thanks Again Ward.

[@andrewhines1455]

Nice work and good to see Dave. When I was the patch guy in my squadron (in addition to my flying job) I helped Dave on his Official Guide to Navy Squadron patches. I pulled down his book from my shelf and saw he acknowledged a Lt Ward “Nut Hair” Carroll. Wow, that’s got to be a good story.

[@matthewnewnham-runner-writer]

A lot of terrific artwork here; thanks very much for sharing. It was great to see you mentioning Frank Wootton, Robert Taylor and Keith Ferris. I started seeing art from each of them when I was going through Fighter Lead-In Training at Holloman AFB in 1982 and met Virginia Bader, who was on base to showcase artwork from her gallery.

[@utubejdaniel8888]

I like your choices but one of my favorite aviation artists is Mike Machat

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the mention, thanks Jim!

[@f1matt]

My favorite aviation artist is a modern master, Romain Hugault. Very dynamic artwork, incredible realism and has a beautiful way of capturing light. He's done a huge variety of work over the years from pre WWI aviation, right up to modern day with a big focus on WWII. He's even a pilot and flies his own restored 1942 Piper L4. His art style is not hyper realistic, but is extremely faithful in detail to the last rivet. Can't recommend him enough.

[@dswiger]

As a landscape photographer who also shoots the Reno Air Races, I totally get the need for this kind of realism in art. Thanks for the KZbin subject on this

[@CoondawgPD]

Great Topic! Specifically, in reference to Approach, I pulled duty one night when clocks fell back an hour. I was pissed off and sat down and read what seemed like a thousand Approach magazines. One in particular, I can see the cover now just like that night, was a bluish gray cover depicting F-14 approach in a thunderstorm. I could spend every cent I own on aviation art and Mort Kunstler pieces.

[@ericboehm4900]

Keith Ferris flew in combat in Vietnam! He did a self portrait which represented his training before deploying...he's sitting in a one man raft during survival training. His F-105 images from the era are amazing!

[@coreysuh6502]

As a kid, my family had a large book with many of these same paintings. I spend countless hours marveling at the detail of the planes and the expression of motion. It’s almost surreal to me watching a video about these same paintings as I’m getting ready to submit my packet for OCS. Life has a funny way of coming full circle.

[@matthewganote6165]

I'm a huge aviation art fan. Glad to see you do a video recognizing these top artists. My pride and joy is Taylor's "Zemke's Wolf Pack" signed by all the pilots. Phillips is my favorite. His work tells a story that goes beyond lighting and composition. I do digital illustration, I don't dare call it art. Even sent Jello some pieces. Love the channel.

[@elliottsmith7855]

elliott smith Gentlemen, don't forget Tom Lea, who did quite a bit of work as a war correspondent on the USS Hornet(CV-8). His painting of Lt. Alberto C. 'Ace' Emerson in the cockpit of his F4F Wildcat at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands...a painting that is one of the things that kindled my love of Naval Aviation

[@mganzer]

The @d to 3D perspective technique is often called descriptive geometry.

[@MADMAX353]

All great aviation artists....have several copies of Robert Taylor's prints hanging on my living room wall.

[@Jollyrogerdoc]

I got the rooster print and several Hank Crusoe.

[@dksl9899]

I cut out that "Tomcat!" picture from a brochure of aviation posters for sale at the local airshow, it was pinned to my childhood noticeboard for years. It may be OTT, but I'm sure it brings back lots of memories for others too!

[@geraldo209]

Cant wait to see you in action in DCS F-14 tomcats as RIO!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Thanks for this Episode, Mooch ! I'm lucky to own a signed lithograph of Roy Grinnell's "Mission Accomplished". A very misunderstood mission. My Mentor on the subject was the late George Chandler; former President of the American Fighter Aces Association George joined that Mission's Operational Unit (principally the 339 Fighter Squadron & elements of It's Group- the 347th Fighter Group / U. S. Army Air Force) Just after every member of that "killer flight" was moved out of the Theater, for fear of reprisals. Almost everything about the mission was unusual, to include it's aftermath. For one; there was the disconcerting screw up; that the fact "We" had broken the Japanese Naval Code was almost given away! (Ironically by a "blow hard" who insisted that He alone shot down Yamamoto!) That's why those Pilots were "called on the carpet", by No other than Adm."Bull" Halsey, for that transgression. But ultimately, those Army Air Force Pilots were awarded Navy Crosses ! And that just scratches the surface. ;-)

[@jamescraig4479]

Jack Fellows is another amazing aviation artist. His painting of an F7U-3 Cutlass landing on a carrier is fantastic! He has painted a wide range of aviation subjects...

[@davidgarver7021]

Awesome art !

[@ntvtexan5015]

I gotta say I've been a HUGE fan of DRU BLAIR's airbrush REALISTIC artwork. Absolutely incredible work !!! These are fantastic as well !

[@supertec2023]

I have a couple of his paintings

[@petenofel]

Ward, A most enjoyable video. I've been collecting aviation art prints for a couple of decades and you and Hey Joe mentioned several of my favorites. In fact, I donated Keith Ferris' "Sunrise Encounter" to the Military Aviation Preservation Society where I volunteer. Another favorite artist of mine -- he's mostly space oriented -- is Robert McCall.

[@bis1254]

Very interesting episode. My dad was a WWII Navy vet who went on to become a professional maritime artist.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Some of this stuff is as good as my favorite genre, age of sail paintings. There's a similar majesty in our ability to tame the air, I guess.

[@brett6491]

Thanks for this episode Ward. I have a numbered (396/500) and signed print By Phillip West and Col Rich Graham, the pilot, hanging in my office (in South Africa). It is titled "Habu 972 at Mach 3.0". I met Col Graham at Oshkosh in 2003. He signed the print and wrote "Brett, keep the Mach up". At that stage I was flying a Cessna 152. A bit embarrassing given my flying speed, but very good aviation advice anyway. Thanks for your channel. I really enjoy it.

[@jimbinoakharbor7493]

Hi Ward, Wonderful aviation art! And what a privilege to meet some of those artists. Now I'm off to look those artists up. The advertising looks just fine. I hope you continue doing the spots.

[@epluciennik]

I’m a former military officer and I’ve been a painter for almost 30 years but I’ve always stuck with landscapes and figures -never tackled military subjects because I hate counting rivets and feel like this is a subject where those who know will always play the “gotcha game” (always sadistic senior officer favorite to play haha). After watching this, I might want to revisit this subject. Maybe I’ll even paint the Pukin Dogs Tomcat parked on the front lawn outside my office (which is parked with wings in oversweep-I’ll make sure to get that detail right).

[@davidsmith8997]

Go for it!