Yet another WIP - Rickenbacker & #1

Tim West · 11 September 2009, 07:58 AM

That's huge!

I sort of think the goggles up would work well with this piece. It'd be more personal.

It'd be even cooler if you could some how indicate he's pulling them down.. Like the last thing before take off.

Russell Smith · 11 September 2009, 08:00 AM

Ooooo....that's even better!

Russell Smith · 8 October 2009, 02:43 PM

I've finished roughing in the base colors. I'm going to let this layer dry for a couple of weeks before coming back and putting in a top coat. At that point I'll add definition, adjust colors, darken shadows, etc. (Don't judge the colors from this photo. They're looking a little too warm in this shot).

What isn't evident here is that I've raised Eddie's goggles so that you will be able to see his face. His hand is positioned so that he is about to bring them down. (Thanks for that suggestion, Tim!

)

dpolglaze · 8 October 2009, 02:58 PM

Outstanding stuff, Russ. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Seminar next week.

Dan

Tim West · 8 October 2009, 04:00 PM

He's pulling his goggles down!! Wow! Very lively scene.

Will this be available as a print?

Well Done!

Russell Smith · 11 October 2009, 06:33 AM

FWIW - drawing on the themes of creativity and copying that are being discussed elsewhere, here is how I (and most other aviation artists that I know) go about creating a original oil paintings:

Russell Smith Studios -The Evolution of an Image

Also worth adding that in terms of inspiration, this piece, believe it or not, was originally inspired by a painting of a cowboy sitting on a horse.

JohnReid · 11 October 2009, 07:27 AM

Thanks Russ,that is a wonderful explanation of your artistic process in developing an image.

I too am inspired by Western artists , paintings , cinema, music and storytelling.A lot of the interior of my hangars,especially the lighting is inspired by Sergio Leone.

Russell Smith · 11 October 2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnReid

Thanks Russ,that is a wonderful explanation of your artistic process in developing an image.

I too am inspired by Western artists , paintings , cinema, music and storytelling.A lot of the interior of my hangars,especially the lighting is inspired by Sergio Leone.

Thanks John. Yes, I am a HUGE fan of western art, and of course, more specifically western oil painters. My admiration is not so much based on the subjects, although they do appeal to me. My admiration is really based on the fact that those guys just flat know how to paint! One would think that as an aviation artist most of my inspiration would be drawn from other aviation artists and their works. That's partially true, but a large quantity is also drawn from the western guys, particularly in their use of color and atmosphere.

The painting that sparked the idea for "Starting Line" was created by an artist named Tom Browning. I saw it in a magazine, but I can't find it on his site. He does have several there that are similar, however. He's a really talented guy:
Tom Browning Portfolios

tcrean7828 · 11 October 2009, 02:30 PM

Russ,
Outstanding!!!!!!! what more can I say.

See you at the Alamo, or somewhere there about. Talk about westerns, there still one of my favorite shows to watch and with painting you can almost believe that you are standing at the spot that the artist used for his work.

ttfn

tcrean7828

tom

Tim West · 11 October 2009, 03:21 PM

I've always felt the better western artist and especially the ones from the period are somewhat akin to the painting equivalent of a Ken Burns film. By telling a story with little more than what's in front of you and a interest in telling that story. In a lot of cases, the only records of events we have, are these paintings.

In the case of this painting..it does just that..it's telling us a story and puts us right in the 'wash so to speak