William Thaw SPAD XIII

Russell Smith · 13 July 2008, 11:08 AM

Here's the latest project from the easel. This one was commissioned by a relative of the Lafayette Escadrille's

William Thaw (this is the same client that commissioned Mark of Distinction).

4 Down for Thaw is a depiction of a Dec. 3, 1917 kill scored by Lt. William Thaw of the Lafayette Escadrille. Although unconfirmed, this victory marked Thaw's 4th claim. His victim that day was described simply as a "Rumpler C".

Although William Thaw is known to have flown several SPAD's while with the Lafayette Escadrille, very little photographic records exist of most of them. This machine, SPAD XIII S'525, is the only SPAD flown by Thaw for which clear records exist.

Bill (the client) insisted on 2 things: he wanted some sunset colors in the clouds and he wanted a second 2-seater of a different type than the Rumpler. I decided to take the sunset colors to the extreme in order to emphasize the drama of the moment - thus orange clouds. I put the second 2-seater in, as requested, but made sure to keep him off in the background so that he didn't distract from the primary subjects.

It took me a while to color correct this image to my liking. I'm working on a new computer with a high-def screen, and my eyes aren't used to this system yet. 8O Hopefully it looks okay on everyone else's monitors.

Russ

stephenl · 13 July 2008, 05:58 PM

Russ as always outstanding work!

I like the subject matter of this work. I like Thaws' character and the story of his brother as well, although tragic, non-the-less interesting.
I have always wanted to see a picture and or painting of Thaw flying under those bridges in Pittsburgh long before the war.

Stephen L.

Russell Smith · 16 July 2008, 01:07 PM

After comparing notes with a couple of other folks on different computers, it sounds like the image above is showing up too dark and saturated. Seems I can't edit the first post, so I'll just try again by dropping in a new (and hopefully "correct") version.

Russ

Gregvan · 16 July 2008, 02:27 PM

Holy Moses! Incredible work, Russ. Beautiful, as always.

Greg

Russell Smith · 16 July 2008, 06:11 PM

Thanks greg. I hope the flooding up your way didn't cause you too much distress!

Russ

buzz1941 · 16 July 2008, 06:13 PM

In a word, wow!

jastaflieger · 16 July 2008, 06:46 PM

Now, i do need tostart with a disclaimer: i enjoy the wonderful aviation art of the "masters" as much as anyone, Jack Leynwood, Keith Ferris, Brian Knight, and many others- these incredibly talented artists are and always will be at the forefront of aviaiton art: deservedly so.
But, as an avid tennis player on the side , and watching the Wimbledon match of Federer/Nadal: i think i begin to see something in these " younger artists".
And considering that in my lifetime there has been THe Great One in hockey, MJ in basketball and Tiger in golf:: i think this new generation of aviaition artists are arguably just as great, and setting the standards of excellence so high- that i feel that i am fortunate to be living at the golden moment of WWi aviation art that is simply unparalleled in time!
And this latest effort of MR Smith makes my point quite well, he may well be the Gretsky of WWI aviation art- and that certainly leaves the other places of comparison for Mr Anderson, Mr O"Neal, Mr Dietz and other artists that are almost solely dedicated to WWi aviaiton art and the pursuit of their incredible art, which we get to enjoy!
many thanks,
Jim

Russell Smith · 16 July 2008, 06:54 PM

The Wayne Gretsky of Aviation Art.... that's a new one!

Thanks Jim. Coming from someone who knows aviation art as you do, thats a mighty high accolade!

(but just for the record, i'm more of a baseball fan, myself

)

Russ

jastaflieger · 16 July 2008, 07:08 PM

Okay, i will go along with baseball- if the

ALbert Ball triptych is done by the end of this year, i will call you Mr October- getting things done in the clutch when the highest stakes are there at the plate!
ANd if you should ever make it up to the Maine coast, i will take you to a Portland Sea Dogs game( AA of the Red Sox) : several ex - Sea Dogs in the allstar game last night: Hanley Ramirez, Youkilis, Pedroia, Papelbon; and in a week Big Poppi will be playing in POrtland as he makes his rehab!
Jim

Russell Smith · 16 July 2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jastaflieger

ANd if you should ever make it up to the Maine coast, i will take you to a Portland Sea Dogs game( AA of the Red Sox) : several ex - Sea Dogs in the allstar game last night: Hanley Ramirez, Youkilis, Pedroia, Papelbon; and in a week Big Poppi will be playing in POrtland as he makes his rehab!
Jim

You're on, Jim! I'm long overdue for a trip back up way!

Russ