Closing The Gap by Robert Taylor

This stunning new release has to be one of my favourite Robert Taylor's in recent years. and judging by the buzz it has created on some of the aviation forums I visit, "Closing The Gap" is going to go down a storm. I couldn't help but reserve a Normandy Veterans Edition as I've got a feeling this will be a worthwhile investment.

It's great to finally have a print that really does the Typhoon justice and to be honest apart from Richard Taylors "Typhoon Scramble" (see below) I've nearly always been disappointed with previous prints.



What really sets this print aside apart from the stunning composition is the amount of signatures and the Military Gallery have really gone for it this time. The Normandy Veterans editions feature 20 allied veteran signatures and the Wittman Publishers proofs features an additional twenty-nine Panzer tank commanders and crew who hold Germany’s coveted Knight's Cross. It's also matted to include the authentic and very rare signature of Michael Wittmann, the famous German tiger tank ace. All yours for £4995.00. Ouch! This is one for serious collectors only.

I'm now looking forward to the next Robert Taylor print with even greater anticipation.

Big Guns by Nicolas Trudgian

Although Nicolas Trudgian released this a while ago (and to be honest I think that Horrido by Robert Taylor stole a lot of its thunder) I feel it is well worth mentioning as its a fine collectors piece.



It features the Me 109G's of JG52, including those of the greatest aces of all time, Erich Hartmann and Gerhard Barkhorn as they share the sky with the most highly decorated soldier of The Third Reich, Hans-Ulrich Rudel, in his tank busting Ju87G of SG2.

Perhaps what makes this print really special however is the pencil signatures of 10 Knights Cross holders of the legendary JG52. The print itself is a fine composition with the usual high level of detail in the aircraft that you come to expect from Nicolas Trudgian and a dramatic backdrop featuring the mountains on the eastern front.

Personally if I had a choice between "Horrido" by Robert Taylor or "Big Guns" I think I'd have to go with "Big Guns" as your getting the same collectable signatures and in my opinion more "print" for your money. I'd love to hear what you have to say on this subject and what is the best JG52 print out there. Is "Big Guns" better than the best selling "JG52" by Robert Taylor? Controversial? I'll let you decide.

Gustavs Over Sola-Stavanger by Barry Spicer

Part of what the Military Aviation Art Blog is all about is creating buzz about artists that aren't as well known as Robert Taylor and Nicolas Trudgian. Following on from Horrido by Robert Taylor is this very nice print by Barry Spicer called "Gustavs Over Sola-Stavanger" (see below) which features a Bf-109G of JG5 flown by Ofw Heinz Halstrick as he circles the German airfield at Sola-Stavanger in occupied Norway, late 1944.



I've always been a sucker for detailed work and I do like a strong focus on the plane itself. The details around the cockpit and underside of the Bf-109G are superb. This is well worth the price and its a signed and numbered print by the artist in an edition of 350. Print size is 23" x 31". Price is 150.00 USD.

Check out more great work on Barry Spicer's website.

Horrido by Robert Taylor

Horrido is the latest print from Robert Taylor and features me109's form the famous JG52 squadron. The topic of JG52 is hugely popular and Robert Taylor's hit 1986 print JG52 still commands record prices on the secondary market as it has long been sold out. The style of the particular painting is reminiscent of Taylor's older work especially the clouds in the atmospheric backdrop and will undoubtedly be popular with die-hard Taylor fans.



What makes this print more unique is the amount of signatures is carries. The limited edition print has 10 veterans from JG52 including Gunther Rall. It's no surprise that the Knights Cross editions despite their high price tags( $3000 & $6000) have already sold out.

"Horrido!" was the battle cry of the Luftwaffe pilots upon sighting an enemy aircraft in World War Two, much the same as "Tally Ho". Horrido was also the title for the popular Robert Bailey print which can be seen below.