New work

Russell Smith · 2 November 2006, 06:48 AM

Well, this one is finished.

Into the War Zone
oil on linen, 16" x 26"
(it doesn't have an owner yet)

You all might remember the 2 color studies for it that I posted a couple of weeks ago:
Halberstadt CL.II - 2 new color studies

The Halberstadt CLII was originally designed in mid 1916 as a two-seat escort fighter. Built in considerable numbers, the CL.II first began to see service on the front lines in the summer of 1917. Although it was designed as a two-seat fighter to escort reconnaissance and photographic aircraft., Idflieg had by this time come to appreciate the importance of close-support aircraft operating with infantry attacks and the duties were accordingly varied.

With its distinctive communal cockpit facilitating improved co-operation by the aircrew, the Halberstadt proved admirably suited to the new role and with the unusual one piece elevator providing exemplary longitudional balance, was generally regarded as the best ground-attack aircraft of the war.

This particular machine flew with Schlasta 26b, a Bavarian unit known for its distinctive flame markings.

Barker · 2 November 2006, 07:16 AM

josef scott · 2 November 2006, 08:36 AM

Very, very nice work, sir! Kudos!

Trebrys · 2 November 2006, 09:42 AM

A fantastic effort! Really impressive!

ONEALM · 2 November 2006, 09:43 AM

...except the dropped trousers....

Nice job Russ.

Taz · 2 November 2006, 01:03 PM

Russ- Looks even better than the color studies. Love the sky in the background. Copper skies work for one of your contemporaries and they certainly are working for you. Hard to believe nobody scarfed this one up yet.

Taz
Terry Phillips

margaret smith · 2 November 2006, 01:35 PM

Beautiful job, Russell, I stand in awe!

AAC Cadet Leader · 2 November 2006, 05:00 PM

oooooooo, ahhhhhhhh. nuther nice one russ! is it my imagination or are you starting to crank 'em out?

Russell Smith · 2 November 2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAC Cadet Leader

oooooooo, ahhhhhhhh. nuther nice one russ! is it my imagination or are you starting to crank 'em out?

Thanks, AAC.

No it isn't your imagination. It just so happens that lately I've had these three works (the Halberstadt, the Pfalz and the DH2) that seemed to come together almost at the same time. i finished the Halberstadt studies and then immediately went on to the DH2 study. once that was done I went back and blocked in the Halberstadt. I then did all of the drawings for the Pfalz. Once those were done I went back and finished the Halberstadt. While that was drying I did the color study for the Pfalz. As soon as that was was done I blocked in the Pfalz. That one is now drying and awaiting its finish coat. In the meantime I am blocking in the DH2 this weekend. As soon as I am finished with the block-in on that one I should be able to go back and finish out the Pfalz. When th Pfalz is finished I'll go and finish the DH2. And while I am working on that I'll be working on the drawings for the next in line.

Its a juggling act, really.

Russ