Aviation Art
At the end of World War II thousands of military aircraft were decommissioned and sent to scrap yards. Salvage workers at these yards recognized that a fascinating aspect of military history was about to be lost forever, namely nose art. Many specimens of nose art were saved by these workers who literally hacked out portions of the aircraft hulls with axes. Sadly, less than 100 pieces of original World War II nose art exists today.
I am proud to have the gratifying distinction of having been the creator of the replica Nose Art panel. I developed the concept and was the first artist to produce these panels. While many other artist have followed suit since then, it is immensely satisfying to know that I created an art form that has inspired so many others.
While I no longer produce these Nose art panels they remain very dear to my heart. The accomplishments awarded me by my years in the aviation art community have defined and fulfilled me as an artist.
During the summer of 1990, my lifelong fascination with aviation led me to begin flight training. It was there that I stumbled upon the inspiration for these Nose Art panels. Hanging in the lobby of the small flight academy was a faded, hacked out aluminum hull section. This remnant B-17 scrap had enthralled all who had approached it. Visible hatchet marks defined the edges, telling the story of how it had been separated from the airframe and complimented by the barely visible weathered artwork that had been applied so many years ago. Cool to the touch, the tactile nature the hull in conjunction with the aesthetics of the aged art led me to an Epiphany. Immediately I began researching the fabrication methods necessary to begin producing these hand made full scale aluminum panels. I endeavored
to create rivet for rivet, accurate pieces including the proper curve of the hulls. I believe the result honored the original nose art that adorned nearly every aircraft of the Second World War, as well as the young men who had applied them. Many of the pieces replicated the aircraft of accomplished and very historically important aviators, others were stylistic interpretations or original art.
In 1991 I began offering these pieces professionally. Soon thereafter, I became overwhelmed with orders. It seemed that I had discovered a new and unique style that alighted the aviation and military historian community.
The years spent creating these Nose Art replicas offered me the opportunity to develop professional collaborations and friendships with members of an amazing community of people. The chance to work with members of the military, veterans, museums, pilots, collectors and some of the finest aviation and military art galleries around the world. Additionally, I was invited into a circle of amazing professional artists whom had inspired me to follow this path originally.
There are a few individuals I wish to acknowledge for their enthusiasm, friendship and generous support as a young aviation artist. William S. Deakyne, Randy Frey and of course, artist Stan Stokes of The Stokes Collection, Ed Kaminsky of the Military Art Gallery, and Col. Ward Boyce of the American Fighter Aces Association. Also, I wish to thank James Dietz for inviting me into the American Society of Aviation Artists.
Pictured below are just a few of my favorite pieces accompanied by descriptions of the individuals they represent. Many of which are examples of my “Signature Series.” These were usually one or two of a kind custom panels created for events and hand autographed by the featured pilots and crew. In addition to the Nose Art panels are some of the profile paintings created to compliment my Shadow Box pieces, and maybe a few other surprises. My nose art panels still reside internationally in museums, airports, officers clubs, private collections, restaurants and more.
Check back for future additions.
