All bits flying in the same direction?

[Paul Rigby 47]

Hi Folks

Just popped in to put a word in for a local artist. His name is Robin Smith and is situated in Lincolnshire (http://www.robin-smith-art.co.uk). I must admit that, although I love it, I rarely find aviation art that is done well. Problem is that many artists, while obviously full of enthusiasm and painting in good faith, tend to produce aircraft from Picasso'a Cubist period. Half a dozen bits flying in different directions, all at once. There's an issue with angles. The nose is flying in this direction, the wings are flying over there and the tail has yet to make up its mind. You know the sort of thing. Robin never seems to have this problem.

Another issue I have with artists is the 'story'. OK, it's nice to see a Lanc 'doing it's thing' but 99% of Lanc art, for example, sees the aircraft flying over a cloud...or a field...or a dead dog (possibly not the last one). To me, this sort of composition is bland verging on the lazy. I enjoy images that tell a story, that give me a sense of the emotion from the time, that conveys a slice of the energy and adrenaline... After all, WW2 aircraft, specially, were created and flown in a time of high drama.

Again, Robin understands this too.

This example is a great part of the Dambuster's story and one that is often ignored: the run up, the tense period of testing where the entire operation was still in the balance. It's call 'Too Low? Too Slow? Four Days to Go!' It was created in co-operation with the pilot who flew this very aircraft.

Just to say that I've got nothing to do with Mr Smith, I'm just a fan of his work. In fact I have three of his prints framed on my wall. I'll post the other two soon.

Paul

Edited July 12, 2015 by Paul Rigby

[keefr22 11,628]

That is superb!

Keith

edit: I just read all your text, ignore my previous question!

[Paul Rigby 47]

That is superb!

Keith

edit: I just read all your text, ignore my previous question!

Edited July 12, 2015 by Paul Rigby

[Gray 109]

Good drama being engulfed in the back splash.

[bhouse 1,374]

Good drama being engulfed in the back splash.

Now that suggests that the splash was moving at approximately twice the velocity of the aircraft. Seems unlikely...

[Gray 109]

I think the artist is pretty close, bhouse. There may be some artistic drama in the splash but I think it's pretty accurate. Here's a pic of an actual bouncing bomb test from "Ice Pilots NWT" show on the dambusters. The water certainly appears to engulf the rear of the aircraft. How much would depend on other factors. I think Robin did a splendid job on this painting.

[JohnT 2,887]

Wasn't a Lanc damaged by the splash during trials?

I recall seeing that on film when either a bit of airframe or flap got pulled off

[Gray 109]

You're probably right, John. I've seen the video where the bomb bounces up and takes the tail off the plane with catastrophic results.

[Tentacles 113]

Good find, thanks.

And good point about the composition/story element. I'm not that into modern or rotary stuff, but his painting of a Chinook is very effective - even though you can hardly see it!

[HOUSTON 2,246]

a VERY GOOD painting and the rendition of the actual events closely matched; but artist have that thing called artistic license on their side... so seeing a painting in such good quality et al is delightful ; and Robins works of art are EXQUISITE..

I like this one too.

[NeilF92 12]

I'm sure that in at least one instance the splash damaged the tail of the aircraft during trials so Robin is quite correct in his depiction .

[planeart 151]

very good painting Keith!! Keep up the good work!!!

[keefr22 11,628]

very good painting Keith!! Keep up the good work!!!

Errr, if I'm the Keith you're referring too, it isn't mine! I wish it was...!!

Keith

[planeart 151]

Errr, if I'm the Keith you're referring too, it isn't mine! I wish it was...!!

Keith

Hahahahaha Sorry!! Mistake!! I wanted to say paul and i wrotte Keith.....thanks for the correction!!!

[woody37 10,160]

Not sure I agree with referring to work that artists do as being lazy. Totally agree that this is a fine painting, but to be critical of others is some what generalist and certainly contrary to my opinion. As someone who paints aviation portraits from time to time, I have upmost admiration for what many artists are able to produce, something that I could only aspire to.

[keefr22 11,628]

. As someone who paints aviation portraits from time to time, I have upmost admiration for what many artists are able to produce, something that I could only aspire to.

Second that!