Working in conjunction with Ed Kaminsky of the Military Art Gallery in Harper Woods Michigan I completed two initial panels. They were shipped in 1996 to the gallery for an event featuring Colonel Robert Morgan. The intention was for him to sign both pieces. One for auction one and return one to me. The event was a great success! However, before the auction began Colonel Morgan paid me the biggest compliment an artist could ever receive, he enjoyed and appreciated the piece so much that asked to take the panel home with him rather than auctioning it. Ed and I unanimously agreed to gift it to him. It hung in Colonel Morgans home until his passing and remains in possession of his family today.

Shortly afterward I had the opportunity to meet the Colonel and his wife in person at an event.  A remarkable man, to see him smile when we talked about the art that he looked at every morning, Well, How often do you get to give back to someone who had given so much to the nation.

I had many considerations in creating this series, to paint the artwork as an exact replica of the somewhat crude painting on the Belle herself or to raise her up to another level in admiration of both the original nose art, and the Petty pin-up that had inspired the crew. I chose the latter.

An interesting fact about the Belle, the color of her outfit was red on the starboard side and blue on the port side.

Having undergone extensive restoration,  the aircraft is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force -Wright Patterson AFB. Dayton Ohio.

Dedicated to Colonel Robert K Morgan and the Crew of the Memphis Belle.