DH2 WIP

Russell Smith · 14 October 2006, 07:17 AM

I finally got around to tackling the color study for this one. There are a few minor details that need to be adjusted before I go full scale with this one - particularly to the uniforms. I may tweak a couple of the figures a little more as well. However, this is generally what it will look like.

With all of the detail in this one, I knew that there would be several potential pitfalls and trouble spots throughout the composition. i took my time on this study, though, and I think I've gotten all of the trouble areas smoothed out. Fortunately there is no rush on this one. I've got to finish up a couple of other paintings before I tackle the big version of this, so I have plenty of time to think this one over.

As usual, its available to anyone interested. Email me or PM me if you want some details.

Russ

Taz · 14 October 2006, 12:33 PM

Russ- Love this one. Outstanding D.H.2 which really captures the aircraft. You get better with people in every painting, too.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Russell Smith · 14 October 2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taz

Russ- Love this one. Outstanding D.H.2 which really captures the aircraft. You get better with people in every painting, too.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Thanks Taz. As you know, I come from the "less is more" school of thought. With all of the different elements in the painting, this one is really a bit of an experiment for me. The way I see it, if the big one falls flat and turns out to be a "busy" composition, then at least I can look at it as a learning experience.

I avoided doing figures for a long time, and for the life of me I can't remember why. I think I was a really focused on the aircraft and not so much the people, and, to be honest, there was probably a little trepidation on my part of tackling such a grand subject. I have to give credit to the Gentleman who commissioned "Feeding On the Legend" for throwing me in the deep end, so to speak, and forcing me to add some figures into my work.

russ

Taz · 14 October 2006, 05:44 PM

Russ- We know he has great taste. He is building the best WW-I collection outside of the USAF Art Collection, but then they have been at it much longer and use taxpayers' money. Great taxpayer investment though, since the USAF's paintings are worth multiple times what they cost. I used to go to the Pentagon and just spend hours wandering the halls admiring the original paintings. Hard to get in now.

Taz
Terry Phillips

AAC Cadet Leader · 14 October 2006, 11:47 PM

Russ,
Nice atmosphere you have going in that one! As always, I'm curious as to the dimensions, as well as the size plans for your larger version.

Russell Smith · 15 October 2006, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAC Cadet Leader

Russ,
Nice atmosphere you have going in that one! As always, I'm curious as to the dimensions, as well as the size plans for your larger version.

Thanks AAC. Dimensions for this one are 8" x 16". The big version is going to be 20" x 40".

Russ

AAC Cadet Leader · 15 October 2006, 06:31 AM

Russ,
Would you happen to have any small color studies (or two or three of them) available that you'd consider shipping across the country (and back) to display for our aviation art show in November? We'd sure love to have one of more Russell Smith's to show off on our walls. If we don't sell it, we could have it back to you in time for you to wrap up for some special person in time for Christmas. (

Hey, what a great idea, everybody - buy an original aviation painting if you want to give someone a very special gift!!! )

Show reception is November 18 & 19, 2006 and show runs through December 2, 2006.

ONEALM · 15 October 2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

USAF Art Collection, but then they have been at it much longer and use taxpayers' money. Great taxpayer investment though, since the USAF's paintings are worth multiple times what they cost.

Taz -

You may already know, but the AF art paintings are mostly donated work. The only cost to the Gov'ment is the cost of taking the artists where-ever they are going to get reference for the painting they are doing. It's really low cost though since since they have to jump seat (or lie on the floor) - just like our guys in service - no special treatment.

I agree they are worth more than what is expended for them, but most of the people I know involved with the program are in it for two reasons -

1) To contribute something lasting to document the history of our AF, and
2) Go somewhere they've never been before.

As for # 2, most of the trips I've heard of in the past couple years have been to garden spots like Bosnia and Iraq. But the work that comes out of that effort is really great stuff. Nothing like being there........

-Mike

Artist · 15 October 2006, 02:38 PM

Russell, I think your color study is in itself a great painting. I know the larger one will be great as well. My problem with doing color studies ( I may have some kind of adult ADD ) is if it comes out as well as yours has, I can never do the larger one. I have accomplished what I wanted to achieve, so I can't seem to get into the larger painting. Again, great job! Robert

Taz · 15 October 2006, 03:22 PM

Mike- You are right on most of the work being donated. I was talking about their collection of earlier art like the large number of Farre paintings from WW-I. Do not know if they were donated for a tax deduction or bought. Will have to do some more research. My collection goes to the National Museum of the USAF eventually, and that is part of the USAF Collection, so a collector may have donated the Farre paintings as well. My donation will put at least one of your paintings in the USAF collection eventually. Do you already have paintings in the Collection?

Taz
Terry Phillips