Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski Portrait

At last I've finished this portrait.
It depicts American fighter ace, "Gabby" Gabreski, who achieved 28 kills while flying P-47s with the 56th Fighter Group in the European Theatre of Operations.
On 20 July 1944, he was shot down and became a prisoner of war. This ordeal survived, just a few years, he again reached ace status once more, this time during the Korean conflict.

Drawing is A4 size on Britsol paper.
The original drawing is available for 125.00 GBP + P&P Contact Artist

WWI Sopwith Pup Fighter,

Just finished my Sopwith Pup drawing. I lost count of how many hours it took, but when I thought I was almost finished, I still spent another 6 hours on it! That will give you a rough idea......

Drawing is A4 size on acid free paper.
The original drawing is available for 125.00 GBP + P&P Contact Artist

Works in progress...........

It's a busy time; in fact I have more artwork on the bench right now than for as long as I can remember.

I'm still working on a huge 15th Air Force B-17 formation piece, depicting the ships at the moment they come off their bomb-run. As I may or may not have mentioned before, this piece is based on actual events.

Until the early hours I was working on a Sopwith Pup drawing. I expected to complete it last night, but was just too tired and wasn't going to risk spoiling it.

The Pup is something very different for me and I love working with it. In fact, while choosing the colour scheme for my bird I got quite hooked on WW1 paint schemes. It's my guess that I'll be working on some more bi-planes and maybe even a tri-plane in the future. Expect to see this piece within the next few days.

I have a portrait under way, depicting the much-loved 8th Air Force fighter ace, 'Gabby' Gabreski. Portraiture was something I always tended to shy away from until recently, but now there’s no challenge more rewarding than capturing a person’s character.

Still got a FW-190 painting on the easel; it's about 30% completed now, so you'll need to wait until the end of April for that one....maybe a bit longer. I’ll keep the pilot and unit a surprise, but it will be worth waiting for.

Believe it or not, there’s more! However, I’ll save that for another entry and another day.

445th Bomb Group Publication

My good friend, Peter Bodle, has released yet another title in his series of booklets covering the 2nd Air Division's B-24 bases. These great little publications are a pictorial history, featuring many original, previously unseen wartime photographs donated by veteran airmen themselves.

This particular booklet features the 445th Bomb Group, and as you can see from the jacket art, wears a drawing by myself, specially commissioned by Peter.



For further information, or to purchase this, or any one of the other booklets (series covers every B-24 group in the Eighth Air Force during WWII)Contact author, Peter Bodle

56th Fighter Group - 'Gabby' Gabreski's P-47D Awaiting Repair at Boxted

NOTE: Click on drawing for a larger image.

Here's my latest drawing; it depicts a blister hangar at 8th Air Force fighter base , Boxted, England. During the time-frame this drawing depicts, it was home to the famous 56th Fighter Group. In the foreground is the 'Jug' of 'Gabby' Gabreski, E.T.O. American fighter ace. His ship is seen awaiting repairs, another P-47 already occupying the blister hangar.

Aprrox size of orignal drawing: 15'' x 8'' on acid free paper.
The original drawing is available for 125.00 GBP + P&P Contact Artist

Seems like years.....................

………since I last updated this blog, but I can assure you I have been busy with the brushes and pencils, despite some rather traumatic personal events of late. Today I lost my cat, who was a dear and faithful friend; and as any other pet owners will very well know, it really hits you hard in the gut........

Anyway, I'm back now and determined to keep myself busy. I have almost completed a new pencil work. I won't say what it is right now, but give me a few days to sort out my new PC and camera (yes, the old one went BANG a few weeks ago, with all my references and vital information collected over years. Thank the Lord a lot of it was on memory sticks!!).

Anyway, bear with me and I'll post something new very soon.

''Mickey the Moocher'' 61 Sq Lancaster

I've just tonight finished my 'Mickey the Moocher' Lancaster sketch.

This particular Lancaster QR-M of A Flight, was based with the 61 Squadron flying missions out of RAF Skellingthorpe, Lincs, UK. This is one of very few RAF Lancasters to complete over 100 bombing missions in WWII, actually being credited with 118.

This scan doesn't to the piece justice, as in reality the quality is superior; the sketch is also on cream paper for that vintage 'feel'.

Measures 14'' x 8.5'' using acid-free, heavy weight paper.
The original drawing is available for 125.00 GBP + P&P Contact Artist

'Pappy' Boyington sketch, U.S.M.C

'Pappy' Boyington was the Commanding Officer of VMF-214, better known as the 'Blacksheep Squadron,' and flew the famed FU4, gull-winged Corsair during WWII.

He personally shot down 26 Japanese aircraft. It was for this and his outstanding leadership, he was been awarded the Medal of Honor.

Private Collection of Roger Watts, CO, USA

Commissions

Just a little reminder of commission rates :)

If you are interested in commissioning a painting / drawing, or maybe just have an art project you would like to discuss, please feel free to email me with the details.

Contact Artist

The approximate prices below are based on the customer supplying the relevant research material; if you require me to carry out additional research, then the price will be adjusted accordingly.

Below is a price guide for some of the more popular sizes of boards and canvases. I have many sizes available that are not shown, so please don’t hesitate to email for details.

Commission an original acrylic painting : (canvas or canvas panel)

30’’ x 24’’ price unframed from: 495.00 GBP
30’’ x 20’’ price unframed from: 465.00 GBP
20’’ x 16’’ price unframed from: 375.00 GBP
12’’ x 8’’ price unframed from: 250.00 GBP

Commission an original pencil drawing:

Prices from: 125.00 GBP

Email for prices regarding illustrative work and shipping costs.

Thanks for looking

My Current Aviation Art and Related Projects

Just thought I'd give a quick update on my current art projects.

Firstly I've started work on a Lancaster sketch. It's going to be depicting a B. MK.III of the 61st Squadron, RAF Skellingthorpe. The aircraft in question will be 'Micky the Moocher', one of only a dozen to have completed over 100 bombing missions: 118 to be exact, although the nose wears 128 bomb symbols as ground crew counted missions that had been aborted but crossed the enemy coast.

Secondly, a pencil sketch of Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington is on the drawing board, quite literally. This USMC ace and former Flying Tiger is most well known as Commanding Officer of the famous 'Blacksheep' Squadron.

So, that should keep me busy for the Holiday Season I reckon.

A Merry Christmas and Happy 2009 to all. Take care and be good ;)

Battle of Britain era Spitfire Mk II drawing, 603 Squadron

Pencil on a cream, acid-free paper. Approx: 16'' x 10'' without mount/matting.

Just finished my Spitfire Mk II drawing. The aircraft depicted is flown by 603 Squadron pilot, Gerald 'Stapme' Stapleton DFC. I'm pretty happy the way it turned out. Unfortunately the great detailing and overall quality of the finish doesn't do my art justice in the scan. The art itself is a lot bigger but my scanner is only an A4 size, thus there is a lot more grass field to the left and especially right which gives a feeling of the Spit's movement.

Price: SOLD (Now part of a private UK art collection)
Email for payment details: ww2artist(at)yahoo.co.uk

Tribute Painting to William F. Draper

Okay, not an aviation painting, unless you count the seagulls that is, but it's set during WWII.


My tribute painting after William F. Draper's fantastic painting entitled "Sub and Yippy Tie Up."

This is an acrylic painting I created depicting an American S-boat (the submarine to the left) moored somewhere in the Aleutian Islands during 1942. I cannot take any credit for this composition and the inspiration Draper's original oil painting gave to me, my only small part was to try and capture the atmosphere of his original painting to the best of my ability, in acrylic and my own style.

William F. Draper, one of my favorite 1940s artists, served in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. His official job was that of an actual combat artist; recording the events he saw first-hand as a historical record. He created some outstanding work and I can recommend viewing his paintings.

Not for sale

B-24 'Will-er Run?' final drawing complete

Finished off the commission for the 445th book cover design, and here it is. The client has kindly given me permission to offer prints, so if you're interested, please contact me via the 'Contact Artist' button.



Original drawing has been sold.

Ki-61 Hei of 18th Sentai IJAAF

At last I got some time to finish my sketch. I originally wanted to depict just the aircraft itself, however, after finishing the piece it looked a little lost with no backdrop.
I began looking through my collection of period photos and also studying old black and white film footage (in Japanese of course!); I was lucky enough to find some original WWII footage showing practically the same scene as I’d depicted in my drawing!
As the aircraft in the footage touched down, there in the background were distant hills and mountains...........Perfect! I had my setting.

Price: 105.00 GBP (including ivory mount/matting) + postage and packing.
E-mail for payment details: ww2artist(at)yahoo.co.uk

Well, what's new?

Having been stumbling around on my website in between a current commission, I've also managed to begin a new pencil sketch. Perhaps I won't call it a sketch, as that term always makes me imagine a quick little drawing in a pad, where as my ‘sketches’ are more like detailed drawings with hours of research, composition and pencil work involved.

Anyway, I digress, I've been working on this A4-sized K-61 Hien piece for two evenings now, although work has halted while I obtain extra reference photos and search out vital information.

I chose to depict the Ki-61 Hien (translated as 'Flying Swallow') as it’s one of my favourite WW2 fighters.....I know, I know, I say that with all of them! You’re right of course, but I do have a love affair with props remember! I just love the shape of this bird and its strong aesthetic presence (see great photo below!).


(public domain photo)

Even more intriguing is that the particular type I'm working with carried wing-mounted Mauser cannons that were supplied by the Germans and delivered to Japan via U-boat; it's an intriguing little scenario to imagine and perhaps worthy of a separate piece of art. I’ve already pictured, in my mind’s eye, a U-boat surfacing on a humid, moonlit night as it enters Japanese waters to make its deliveries….......... Are, wonderful! Isn't the imagination a fantastic tool?!

B-24 H 'Will-er Run?' 445th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force

An A4 graphite study depicting one of the 8th Air Force’s ‘heavies.’

This piece is in preparation for an upcoming commission and may or may not be the composition I choose for the final. It's been a long time since I worked with a Liberator, so I’m enjoying working with this one.

P-51B Lt. Ray S. 'Silky' Morris, 354th FS, 355FG, July 1944

Pencil sketch of P-51B of the 355th Fighter Group on acid free paper.

Price: 105.00 GBP (including ivory mount/matting) + postage and packing.
E-mail for payment details: ww2artist(at)yahoo.co.uk

332nd P-51C 'Skipper's Darlin' III'

I've been busily working away on my P-51s this week. This is the first one completed. It depicts a P-51C flown by Capt Andrew 'Jug' Turner of the 100th FS, 332nd FG (all African-Americans) that was based in Ramitelli, Italy in or around the later summer of 1944.

Image size is approx: 12'' x 8''

Price: 105.00 GBP (including ivory mount/matting) + postage and packing.
E-mail for payment details: ww2artist(at)yahoo.co.uk

6./JG 300, Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8

Here's a drawing of Unteroffizier Paul Lixfeldt's A-8. This was the aircraft he flew in November of 1944 in the Lobnitz area of Germany.

Price: 105.00 GBP (including ivory mount/matting ) + postage and packing.
Email for payment details: ww2artist(at)yahoo.co.uk

P-51C Sketch

Just checking in to let you know what I'm working with right now. I've wanted to create a pencil sketch of a Mustang for a long time, so although not in my 'art-plan' for this month, have decided to work on an impromptu sketch of a P-51C of the 332nd FG.

I've never decided whether I like the C or D models better, but reckon the C might have the slight edge.............Will have the finished drawing to show you in a few days.

'Red 13'

Here's my latest pencil study in the form of Oberstleutnant Heinz Bar's Me 262 'Red 13'. This machine was part of III./EJG2.
Oberstleutnant Bar was the leading daylight jet ace with a total of 16 kills with the 262 (total wartime victories: 220). The leading jet ace was Oberstleutnant Kurt Welter, a night fighter pilot, with at least 20 kills in Me 262s.

The original drawing is now sold.

Crash-landed A6M5 - 1945

Here's my sketch of an abandoned A6M5 in around 1945. It was inspired by photos I've seen of crashed Japanese aircraft on Pacific islands. There's something fascinating about coming across something like this. It's so hot of the drawing board I've yet to name it...........

Price: 105.00 GBP (including ivory mount/matting ) + postage and packing.
Email for payment details: ww2artist(at)yahoo.co.uk

P-38J 'Here's Hopen', 55th Fighter Group, 343rd Fighter Squadron

I've just finished this painting. It's the aircraft of 1st Lt. Joseph McDaniel Fluty, or 'Mack' as he was known to friends and family. The scene depicts his P-38J as it flies up into clouds, the number one engine feathered. It was on this fateful day, 8th March, 1944, that 'Mack' was lost returning from escorting 8th Air Force bombers. It remains a mystery as to why the pilot left his wingman, and without radio contact flew up and into the overcast. That was the last time he was seen alive, for the crashsite of his a/c was later found on the English coast.

It was a great painting to work on, all the while corresponding with one of 'Macks' relatives to create a piece that could pay tribute to this brave aviator. I read the combat report I supplied and got personally involved with the project, keeping a photo of 'Mack' on my easel to remind me that when this painting was sent to the USA, perhaps he would finally be home once more.........

Original painting sold; now in private USA collection.

World War 2 Aviation Art

Click here to see my website

WW2: USAAF Photographer Portrait

Summer of 1945

Jack Heyn who spent 3 years in the S.W. Pacific, as a photographer-labtech with the 3rd Bomb Group.

U-Boat Painting, U-Boat Art Project

Today one of my tasks was to carry out some research for a new project.

I don't think people realise that before embarking on a new piece of art, 90% of the work is the preliminary sketches and extensive research required, that's if it's a historical piece anyway.....

The U-Boat I have been researching was based north west of here, at a place called Lorient. It was sunk in May, 1945, as it fled into Danish waters and was depth charged by an RAF Liberator.

All the crew escaped the sub, although 3 died in the water before they could be rescued.

I think it was in 1993 that the U-Boat was raised from the depths. Lots of exciting objects were found inside, and although there had been high suspicion she was carrying gold, there's strangely no mention of any being recovered. I wonder.........

Photo below is the U-Boat after it was raised:


Maybe not exciting to most, but for me it's been a most enjoyable beginning to a project; I look forward to learning more.

USS S-27 in1942 / Submarine Commission (WW2 U.S. Navy S-boat)

Here are some photos of my latest commission, which depicts my client's S-Boat, S-27,
somewhere in the Aleutian Islands area in Spring of 1942.

The size of this canvas board is approx: 16'' x 10.5'' (The actual painting looks much better and the colours more vibrant)

Note: please click on paintings for a larger image

S-27 U.S. Submarine Commission

Thought I better show you what I've been up to of late. U.S. submarines of WW2 have been the main focus of interest this last few days.

For my commission brief I have come up with two ideas, the first being my favourite. Bear in mind, these are just very rough sketches, with no real detail, and are just to give a general idea of what a composition could look like. The finished piece will actually be an acrylic painting.

Idea 1)


Idea 2)

Crash-Landed A6M5 - 'Zero' Fighter

Inspiration's a funny thing. It can hit you at the most unexpected moments, but this time I was ready for it!

A new piece of art is currently in the planning stages, along with too many other pieces.

Anyway, the topic of my art will be a crash-landed Japanese fighter. I may have it shown as:

1) recently crashed in full navy paint/insignia scheme (the paint always chipped off these, even when when new),

or

2) perhaps it can be shown lying on some Pacific island where it's rested for the last forty years.

I like the last idea best.

If you visit some of the Pacific islands, there are still WW2 relics to be found. Aircraft having gone down in remote jungle areas can sometimes be quite well preserved, turning up from time to time, unfortunately sometimes with the remains of its pilot!

I'd love to get my Indiana Jones costume out and go relic hunting!

Anyway, I have begun a preliminary sketch which will be a stand-alone piece of work and available for purchase as a one off original, then they'll be a version in acrylic that will be available in the not too distant future.

That’s it, folks.

Art Studio

Here's a commission in the planning stages



A fraction of my library and a few of my many models, used in helping plan compositions.



A corner of my studio, and the area where most of the hard work is done.

Book Jacket Art for 25th Bomb Group - A Proud Moment

Today I have the first copies of a book by my friend Peter Bodle, which has been published and is out right now and ready for purchase (contact me for Peter's contact details).

On the book jacket, is art he commissioned me to do featuring every warbird enthusiast's favourite: the De Havilland Mosquito! I'd like to remind you I have in stock some prints that would be perfect for the collector, or as a gift for the Mossie fan.

Anyway, below is the book: (sorry for the poor quality of the photo, I was too excited to get a steady shot)

''Upon Foreign Soils'' (A war poem by Alexandre Jay (c))

Upon Foreign Soils

Until I met my untimely end,
I was once like you, my friend:
Hopes for the future and steel-like nerves,
Desires to caress sweet female curves,
And warmth within my heart for those held dear,
It’s maybe tragic I ended up here.

You see something happened, something big,
And like other young men, I’d done as they did,
Before I knew it, service, adventure in a foreign land,
And also King and country helped me hold up my hand,
With vigour I’d marched to the cheer of a crowd,
My family, my friends, everyone proud.

Back then this land was a living hell,
As with wave upon wave, our numbers fell,
War hadn’t been, as I’d first thought,
The greens had turned brown, bodies, skin stretched taut,
With the rats in our trenches, is where I lay,
Praying the sniper’s next shot wasn’t coming my way.

I’d cried, ‘Oh mother dear, why did I come!’
An execution I’d faced, if I’d tried to run,
So many had yearned for the uniform and gun,
And the chance to say they’d killed one of the hun,
By the time I’d realised, it was just too late,
My naivety and romantic notions had sealed my fate,
With puddles that had turned a crimson red,
Bodies lay rotting, uncovered, stone-dead.

As you gaze down upon me now,
Don’t pity my loss or wonder how,
I came to rest upon this soil,
Upon foreign lands on which I’d bitterly toiled,
For it little matters, I came of my own accord,
Not for the promise of glory, gold or bigger reward,
I’d thought eternal youth could never fade,
But it was with my life this soldier paid.

And now I’m here forever more,
So many years have passed since that hellish war,
A land so beautiful and green,
You tread those same fields where in body, I’d once been,
Such sights as I’d seen, no eyes should see again,
I beg of you, don’t let my efforts have been in vain,
Next time you see a poppy blowing in the breeze,
Please think of us, me and my brothers, please.

A poem by Alexandre Jay, (c) 2007 (this image and poem is copy written, and may in no way be used without permission of the author)
Dedicated to those who lost their lives during two world wars.

B-17 Ball Turret Gunner WW2 Portrait (381st Bomb Group)

''S/Sgt. Robert Gilbert''

Bob Gilbert served with the 381st Bomb Group, 533rd Bomb Squadron, flying as ball turret gunner aboard B-17s. He and his crew successfully completed 35 combat missions, including notorious targets such as Schweinfurt and Big B(Berlin).

Bob kindly gave me permission to use his photo as a reference for my graphite artwork, and tells me it was taken in approx. October of 1944. I would also like to mention the original photo is featured in Mr. Gilbert’s wartime memoir, "The View From The Bottom Up.''

The original is for my private collection, but prints are available for purchase at: 9.99 GBP / approx.19.99 USD/ approx. 14.63 Euros.

(Please allow for postage and packing which would have to be added to this price) ;)

Tuskegee Airman Portrait

A graphite drawing of, Howard A. Wooten, who graduated on December of 1944 from the Air Corps School at Tuskegee, Alabama.

(I would like to credit NARA for the use of one their photos for my reference).

This piece is NOT for sell and is for my own Tuskegee collection.

However, if you require any portraits of family members, relatives, or maybe friends,
please drop me an email for a no obligation quote.

'Fighting on Two Fronts'

Prints available also with drawing of squadron badge. (please see my website for details)

The 332nd Fighter Group have always been of special interest to me;
the men of this outfit had a different experience than many; they
were aviators segregated for being African Americans.

Pilots who flew for this group would have had to overcome many
obstacles to prove their worthiness in order to fight for a country that
for the most part, regarded them as second class citizens.

This fighter group not only battled the Luftwaffe, but also fought
for their race in the hope that on their return, they too would be
regarded as equal men.

My drawing depicts P-51C: INA The MACON BELLE, piloted by
Lieutenant Lee ‘Buddy’ Archer of the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd
Fighter Group. His ship is seen lifting from the PSP runway of
Ramitelli Airfield, Italy.

This piece is dedicated to the men of the 332nd Fighter Group In
acknowledgment of their great combat records, but also for the
tremendous determination displayed in leading the way to
desegregation and equality that would be beneficial for future
generations. Thank you Tuskegee Airmen!

'Scouting for the Eighth'

Prints are available of this drawing: please see my website or contact me for details.

SOLD: Original pencil drawing commissioned for the publication: ‘The 3rd SAD and 25th Bomb Group in Norfolk’ by Peter Bodle. Its release date is currently estimated to be the spring 2007.
Peter Boldle produces a variety of publications, many of which are photo histories, each one concentrating on a particular Eighth Army Air Force bomb group stationed in the UK during
World War 2 (visit my website for further details)

Description / Inspiration: Winter, 1944

A Mosquito PR MK XVI from the 25th Bomb Group, 653rd Sq stationed at Watton, makes its wayto Germany on another scouting mission. The pilot and navigator’s mission is to reach the targetat least 20 minutes before the main bomber force arrives; once over the target their job will be toreport weather conditions and enemy aircraft activity in the area. Conditions not being suitablefor the main bomber forces’ primary target will mean flying on to towards the secondary targetand carrying out similar observations.

This version of the extremely versatile de Havilland Mosquito flew devoid of any weapons. Theweight of any weaponry removed meant these PR versions relied on their speed and highaltitude to escape the clutches of the Luftwaffe’s interceptors.

'Upon Silver Wings' (No 17 Sq Spitfire MK VIII over Burma in early 1945)

A No 17 Squadron Spitfire MK VIII flies high above Burma on a cloudy and moonlit night in early 1945

'Loco Buster' painting complete!

Today I have more or less completed my P-51 painting. I may still make a few last minute 'tweaks', but this is more or less the finished piece. The Mustang involved, The Millie G, was flown byMajor Edward Giller of the 343rd Sq, 55th Fighter Group, of whom I had the honour of 'speaking' to while planning this painting.

I would like to point out that my aim with this work was not just to create a straight-forward P-51 study; I chose to show as little detail as possible, relying on composition and tonal values to present the story, while also setting an atmospheric backdrop in which the aircraft would fly.

Trouble Over Tokyo..........

I was too tired to update this blog last night, and felt like I'd flown a mission myself, as yesterday saw me sitting in front of the computer for most of the day and continuing my research for this Ki-61 project. Just as I thought it was complete, I found some wartime combat reports contradicting my modern references! Such is the life of an aviation artist; so, I'm back to square one once more! Think I need to design and implement a time-machine into my work (if you're reading this blog in a few days and this is still the last entry, I'm back in 1945 and something has gone wrong, leaving me stranded.........). Am I getting getting paid by the hour in this artist job thingy? No, I'm not..........!! Oh well.......Tally Ho, old bean!

'Loco Busting'

Having decided to depict this particular aircraft, The Millie G, I began my research and was most fortunate to contact the veteran P-51 pilot of this Mustang, Mr. Giller, who kindly answered my many questions regarding his wartime career.

Utilising a scale model, 3D plans, wartime photos, and many other references, I went about creating a small model of my intended composition and set up lighting that would replicate the sunlight, while also making notes and sketches for a lighting plan, all of which will be vital when painting begins.

Today was spent blocking in colours and defining tonal values both on the viaduct and boxcars.

'Calm Before The Storm'

Another painting recently completed. I will let the description for this one speak for itself: ''12th April, 1943. 41st Fighter Squadron/35th Fighter Group''
''As a tropical storm approaches overhead, a 41st FS/35th FG P-39D flown by Lt. Lloyd ‘Yogi’ Rosser lifts from her airstrip at Port Moresby, New Guinea, to intercept a formation of Japanese‘Betty’ bombers that were reported to be in the area. This day the 35th Fighter Group were credited with the destruction of 12 of the 28 enemy aircraft destroyed. Lt. Rosser claimed one ‘Betty’ in this particular P-39D (41-35806).''