The Military Aviation Art Blog

The Aviation Art of Richard Taylor

2009-01-13T19:42:00.004Z

Richard Taylor is fast becoming one of the best military aviation artists in the world and under the expert tutelage of his father (Robert Taylor) his work is getting stronger and stronger with each new painting. We thought we would highlight some of this exciting young artist's more recent work.

The Typhoon’s lethal weaponry is clearly visible in Richard Taylor's beautiful new painting Typhoons Outward Bound. As another fine summer day begins, Typhoon Mk1b’s of 247 Squadron are en-route to the Normandy battlefront, the first of several missions that day. With prints signed by Typhoon pilots who flew and fought at D-Day, there is no doubt that this will become a fine collector’s piece for the future

When it came to hammering German ground forces in the days after D-Day, Lockheed's outstanding P-38 Lightning gained an awesome reputation. Richard Taylor's evocative painting recreates the scene over Pegasus Bridge shortly after D-Day as a pair of P-38 Lightnings thunder inland in support of the advancing allied armies. Below, signs of the recent action are still plainly visible as trucks and their exhausted drivers hasten back to the beach-head to collect reinforcements.

High in the Arctic Circle a bitter war of attrition was fought in freezing, unforgiving conditions, the desperate conflict played out against a majestic, awe-inspiring backdrop of beautiful ice-clad mountains. Richard Taylor's spectacular painting portrays the Me109s of 6./JG5 led by Oberleutnant Heinrich Ehrler, while based at Petsamo in Finland, as they soar high above the towering peaks of ice capped mountains glistening in the cold polar air, March 1943. Their dawn patrol keeps constant vigil along the glacial fjords of the Norway's far-northern coastline, as the majestic vista gives the battle-hardened Me109 pilots a brief moment of tranquillity far removed from the grim and bitter battles being fought below.

Closing The Gap by Robert Taylor

2007-11-09T17:01:00.000Z

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

2007-08-23T12:55:00.000+01:00

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

2007-08-14T20:42:00.001+01:00

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

2007-08-14T19:17:00.000+01:00

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.

New online military art gallery

2006-10-23T14:31:00.000+01:00

Aswell as being a genuine fan of military aviation art I'm also the website and marketing director for a new online military art gallery entitled "The Colours Call". The website is a showcase for the very best military artists from around the world and as you would expect features Robert Taylor, Nicolas Trudgian and Simon Atack.

I lot of time and effort has gone into the website and we really hope you find it a pleasant browsing experience. We are adding all the latest releases to the gallery and also some very rare and collectable prints so make sure you pay us a visit from time to time.

Cracking new WWI aviation movie

2006-08-16T10:27:00.000+01:00

If like me you wanted to see more of the great CGI arial dogfighting sequences that were in Pearl Harbour then the new WWI flick, "FlyBoys" will be just the ticket for you! It follows the story of the 38 idealistic young american volunteers that joined the war effort and formed the squadron that became known as "Lafayette Escadrille" or "legendary Fly Boys".

After watching the trailer I was blown away by the amazing dogfighting scenes between the Sopwith Camels of the British and French armies and Fokker Triplanes from "Richthofen's Flying Circus" and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more of the Reb Baron in action.

Despite a slightly dodgy Indiana Jones-esque scene upon a Zeppelin I was very impressed by the trailer and I think the movie will end up being a huge success and surely one to see on the big screen.

Its released on September 29th and I'll get a full review posted as soon as I've seen it. Now roll on the remake of "The Battle of Britain"!

Watch the trailer for Fly Boys.

New website for Nicolas trudgian

2006-06-14T21:25:00.000+01:00

I'm sure many of you aviation art enthusiasts will know that Nicolas trudgian, the world renowned military aviation artist has left the military gallery. He has since set up a website over at http://www.nicolastrudgian.com and although in the early stages it looks promising.

Of particular interest to collectors is the fact that Nick is offering an exclusive free print with your first order so make sure you join the Collectors club.

Fancy a flight in a WWII warbird

2006-05-17T11:01:00.000+01:00

Now if this doesn't get you salivating I don't know what will. Delta Aviation are selling experience flights in DH82A de Havilland Tiger Moths.

These de Havilland Tiger Moths dates back to the golden age of flying - the 1930s - when the RAF used the Tiger Moth as a training aeroplane for almost all their pilots including those who flew Hurricanes and Spitfires. All flights are flown as a trial flying lesson with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) qualified flying instructor as your pilot who will give you the opportunity to take control of this beautiful aircraft. Awesome!

Whats even cooler is they have a AT6 harvard WWII US Air Force trainer and ... wait for it ... a P-51 Mustang at very limited availability. I have to be honest I almost wet myself when I found this out as I had no idea anything like this was available in the UK.

I dare you to book a flight today and if you do make sure you come back and tell us all about it. I'm saving right now I can tell you.

Delta Aviation

Air Shows!

2006-04-26T10:31:00.000+01:00

Well its coming around to that time of year again and I've promised myself I will at least get to one air show this year! I tell you its not easy when you have a little toddler to look after and organising anything seems like a military operation. Goodness knows what it will be like when we have our next.

My personal airshow recommendation of the year is the "Flying Legends Air Show" at Duxford on 8 Jul 2006 - 9 Jul 2006. It's probably the best established air show for propeller-driven combat aircraft of the two World Wars and to put it their words...

"In beautifully staged and choreographed flying sequences, classic American and European fighters take to the sky with both days culminating in the emotive spectacle of the mass flypast finale. The veterans, the pilots, the aircraft and the atmosphere are all here in this wonderful, nostalgic two-day action experience."

It's going to be a classic I can tell you!

Perhaps if your like me and in the South West of england you might want to try out the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (near Swindown) on 15 Jul - 16th Jul 2006. It's a far more modern affair but you'll still get to see the old RAF classics like the Spitfire, Hurricane and Avro Lancaster. Actually you might be interested in the Air Tattoo Shop they have some great products from T-shirts and other clothing to Corgi die cast models, its well worth a visit.

If anyone knows of any smaller air shows, particularly in the South west that are worth a visit then leave a comment below.

Bye for now.

Are you a fan of the 352nd Fighter Group?

2006-03-21T21:21:00.000Z

Well if you are then your going to love this work by Troy White. He specialises in the P-51 Mustangs of the 352nd Fighter Group dubbed the "Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney". To quote the website...

" The Bluenosers flew 420 combat missions and destroyed 519-1/2 Luftwaffe planes in the air and additional 287 on the ground against the loss of 118 of their own in combat. The group produced 29 aces with five or more aerial victories."

Checkout the website for more details over at http://www.starduststudios.com

And if you can't wait then have a look at the eye candy below.

Click on the image for a larger version.

New Robert Taylor print

2006-03-21T21:14:00.000Z

Just found out what the next Robert Taylor painting is and its an absolute cracker! Its called "The Fighting Red Tails" and features the Mustangs of the Tuskegee Airmen. I know there are many Mustang paintings out there now but I think the Tuskegee Airmen are due a fitting tribute from one of the finest military aviation artists in the world don't you?

Nicolas Trudgian paintings

2006-02-27T15:15:00.000Z

As promised I've put together a nice entry about Nicolas Trudgian and his paintings.

After graduating from Falmouth College of Art in Cornwall where he specialisied in technical illustration and paintings of machines and vehicles for industry, Nicolas trudgian pursued a career as a professional illustrator but soon turned to fine art and in particular, military aviation art and Steam engines. After three years of formal training in this area of painting he became a teacher of the subject and after several years of teaching he turned to painting full time.

In the summer 1985 Nick moved away from Cornwall to join an energetic new design studio in Wiltshire. Here he painted detailed artwork for many major companies including Rolls Royce, General Motors, Volvo Trucks, Alfa Romeo and, to his delight, the aviation and defence industries.

He is a fine landscape artist and paints in the time honored tradition which shows in his aviation art. You only have to study his work briefly to see his paintings have tremendous impact and detail. He is particularly adept within military aviation art and this is where his most popular paintings can be found.

His crisp style of realism, attention to detail, compositional skills and bright use of colours have found favour with collectors all over the world and demand for his original work has soared in recent years.

In a recent independent poll Nicolas Trudgian was ranked in the top three military aviation artists in the world. Today the popularity and quality of his limited edition military aviation art is so widely recognized that he has built a following of loyal collectors from all around the world

Here are some of my favourite Nicolas Trudgian paintings

Victory Over Gold

Frustrated by the absence of Luftwaffe aircraft over the Normandy beaches on D-Day, Allied fighter pilots were spoiling for a fight. When a dozen JU88s appeared over Gold Beach on the following morning, June 7, 1944, the patrolling Spitfires of 401 Squadron wasted no time in getting into the fray

Kursk - Clash of Steel

In July 1943 two huge armies clashed on the rolling steppes around the town of Kursk, 300 miles south of Moscow.
The Germans had launched Operation 'Citadel' to try and regain the initiative on the Eastern Front. It was to be an encounter of epic proportions - the largest tank battle in history

Head to Head

A spitfire despatching the enemy Me109 aircraft to notch up his second victory of the day. 602's tally amounted to 13 aircraft destroyed without loss.

Invasion Force

Almost every major invasion that took place in Europe in World War II began with para drops, and in almost every case the C-47 was the aircraft that delivered these elite fighting troops. Few C-47 pilots had more combat experience than Sid Harwell, seen flying his Dakota in this typical action scene, dropping airborne troops into occupied Europe soon after D-Day. No matter what resistance he encountered, the good C-47 pilot put his aircraft right over the Dropping Zone, every time.

Recommended military aviation art online retailers

If your in the UK, USA or Canada then I'd recommend Cornwall's best military art gallery

Nicolas Trudgian "Winter Wolves"

2006-02-25T12:05:00.000Z

I'll be posting more about Nicolas Trudgian in the future and he certainly has my vote for artist most likely to succeed Robert Taylor.

In the meantime checkout Winter Wolves which captures the FW190s of JG-26 at full tilt, as they power across the spectacular winter landscape in the Ardennes. Flying at tree-top height to avoid radar detection, the Luftwaffe pilots hurtle above German tanks and trucks lumbering towards the battlefront. The early morning glow glistens in the crisp morning snow bringing an air of serenity to a poignant and historic scene.

I'll be putting up a list of recommended UK and US dealers very soon so make sure you check back.

Company of heroes by Robert Taylor

2006-02-25T11:11:00.000Z

I came across a fantastic painting ( see below ) called "Company of heroes" by Robert Taylor and was quite literally amazed. I've always been a big fan of Roberts work but had somehow managed to miss this one.

It shows B-17's of the 34th Bomb Group returning to base after another gruelling daylight raid.

Queenie, first home to Mendlesaham today, has come to a standstill, the co-pilot already briefing the crew chief on the state of the aircraft. Meanwhile the last man home makes
his final approach, streaming vapour from a badly overheating engine.

The level of detail, character and atmosphere in the painting is just amazing and worthy of any collection.

New found appreciation for WWII fighter pilots

2006-02-25T10:37:00.000Z

Coming back from our holidays in Ireland this month I was very lucky to be able to fly in the cockpit with the pilots. It was a real buzz I can tell you and I feel very priveliged to have had such an enlightening experience, especially in this post 9/11 era.

It was about half way through the hour or so flight and after the co-pilot had gone through what all the controls were that I realised just how much control both the pilots and traffic control had over the aircraft. They had GPS, three artificial horizons ( two digital and one traditional) aswell as countless gauges and readings for every element of the plane. One of the devices even detected and communicated with any other plane in a 12 mile radius and told the pilots whether to climb or descend, Amazing!

This really gave me a new found appreciation for WWII fighter and bomber pilots and just how much skill it took to fly the planes let alone survive a dogfight with the enemy. With no GPS, collission detection or digital readouts must have a meant a extremely high level of concentration was needed to survive in the skies.

Found a nice military art blog

2006-02-06T11:18:00.000Z

This military art blog fromVincent Wai makes an excellent read and features some nice paintings and works in progress. Its good to see a military artist embracing blogging like this.

Vincent hopes to produce some military aviation art in the near future so make sure you bookmark his blog.

The most popular military aviation art print?

2005-11-19T15:53:00.000Z

I was talking to a gallery owner in Helston, Cornwall a while back and was browsing through some of his spitfire prints. I came across an amazing print of a spitfire by Barrie Clark

Whilst I was looking at the print he mentioned that it was the best selling military aviation art print around. Its not hard to see why and needless to say it will be on my wall before christmas.

Me 262 WWII Military Aviation Print by Mark Littlejohn

2005-11-19T15:28:00.000Z

I'm a big fan of any WWII aviation art as you can see from this blog and one of the things that has really impressed me is the progress in printing technology. I'm specifically talking about gi-clee canvas prints. These are literally like owning your own painting as they are printed onto high quality canvas and look just like an original but at the fraction of the cost. When you think how much an original would cost from a top artist like Simon Attak or Nicholas Trudgian then this is a very real alternative.
One artist thats really embraced this technology is Mark Littlejohn. In fact his Gi-Clee canvas prints represent some of the best value I've seen coming in at £300 or £365 with a M3 mahogany frame. Not bad at all!
Have a look at this incredible painting of a Me 262 being pursued by a couple of P-51's.

Check out Mark Littlejohn's military aviation art Gi-Clee gallery for more.

RAF Lancaster painting by Mark Littlejohn

2005-11-13T17:07:00.000Z

I'll be writing more about Mark Littlejohn and his works in the future but I wanted to start by posting a great painting of his called "Can we make it skipper?". It shows a Lancaster of No 61 Sqn struggling back across the North Sea after suffering damage from fighter attack during a bombing mission over Germany.

I've always loved the RAF Lancaster and Mark has really done justice to this stalwart of the RAF. There's a great story behind this painting which is a particular trademark of all Mark Littlejohn's work which you can read at the website. The original painting has been sold but there are prints available along with a very limited edition run of gi-clee canvas prints.

These gi-clee canvas prints are an absolute steal at £300 in my opinion and they look just like an original so if your interested in a fantastic collectors item then grab one while you can.

Currently Mark's work is only available from his gallery in Falmouth, Cornwall or his website and if your outside the UK don't worry he delivers worldwide via insured courier.

Read more about this print and others like it at Mark's online aviation art gallery
If your interested in the gi-clee canvas print visit his gi-clee gallery.

So whats this blog all about?

2005-11-13T16:19:00.000Z

Well, I love military art. Period. I Particularly like military aviation art and I couldn't find many blogs about this subject so I thought, "what the hell, I'll create my own!"

There are some great artists out there in this niche so I thought I would talk about those popular artists, some up and coming new artists and review some of their best works. I'll also give you a good guide of where to buy prints, giclee's and originals from these artists.

Stay tuned for more!