War Stories -an oil painting from Planes of Fame Museum, Chino SOLD

oil 11x14 inches magnify/purchase info Here's a painting I did back in March but never posted. I took the photo reference on a visit to the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino. I loved how the light shone on the seated veteran's white hair. Maybe they were telling stories of Vietnam. I have such deep respect for our veterans that for me, it was a poignant scene. For the vets who may be reading this, THANK YOU and God bless you.

P-38 Lightning -a plein air oil painting of aircraft SOLD

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase A Special Event at the air museum on Saturday brought "Louise" the P-38 out of the hangar. As soon as I set up a very kind docent who now knows what I'm up to informed me that she would be moved to fly in about two hours. I decided to stay put and paint fast. It worked out. Just as I finished, some clouds came in and they moved her out to take off. She flew right over our heads several times, fast and really pretty quiet considering her power. I can't tell you how exciting that was for me right after I had finished painting! The crowd was interested in what I was doing and so kind and encouraging. A boy about 12 came close and said, "Just to help you out, I think you should put a little more green right there by those guns." So cute!!! These people know their war history and their planes! I hope I did her justice. Here are some more pics just for fun.

Lockheed Lodestar -a plein air oil painting of aircraft

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase Up close and personal because the planes are parked so close together in the "boneyard" that it's hard to get back any distance. I got permission though, to plant myself inside the ropes next time, as long as I don't get paint on the planes! (Don't tell anybody.) I really like this view though, and the various colors I saw in the shiny underbelly. A bit more of the cockpit shows in the painting. My photo is a bit lopped off at the top.

Discharged -a plein air painting in oil

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase Saturday I met up with SOCALPAPA, (Southern California Plein Air Painters) at the Planes of Fame Air Museum. Amid all the aircraft, this truck caught my eye. I settled in and started painting. Soon I was informed that there would be some sandblasting going on not too far from me. The noise added to the feel of the place, but in a few minutes a cloud of dust and paint particles hit me. The painting was going well. I really didn't want to move, but I really couldn't breathe. Thankfully, a volunteer wearing a mask was able to get me one quickly. So I was able to continue and hardly noticed the mask.

Flight Day Prep -sold

oil 9x12 inches
click here to bid
100% of sale to benefit Wounded Warrior Project
custom framing available

This aircraft is a favorite of mine. Admittedly, I know very little about planes, but the paintjob on this one is cool. And look- the engine is almost half the size of the whole plane. I bet it was really fast back in the day. I painted it once before, but it was inside the hangar. I felt lucky to see it out in the sun getting ready to fly.

Under The Wing

oil 8x10 inches
click here to bid

100% of sale to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project
custom framing available

Painted in my studio from photo references taken at The Planes of Fame Air Museum. All proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to The Wounded Warrior Project.

War Bird -sold

oil 6x8 inches
click here to bid
100% of sale to benefit The Wounded Warrior Project
custom framing available

I painted this field study out at the Planes Of Fame Air Museum last Saturday. They were having a special event, and so I was surrounded by veterans and war bird lovers, one of whom helped unjam my tripod with his pliers. Each time I go there I look at the planes and think about the brave and honorable men who flew in them, what they had to do, what they accomplished for our country and others, and whether they got home in one piece. We owe so much to our veterans and active duty military.

Next Tuesday marks the two year anniversary of my blog. To celebrate, I'm planning to honor our military by donating 100% of sales of my next few paintings to The Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit dedicated to meeting the needs of severely injured service men and women coming home since 9/11. To learn more, click here Wounded Warrior Project, or here for a BBB non-profit report.