Introduction and New Work

[Russell Smith]

Hello all. First let me take an opportunity to ointroduce myself. My name is Russell Smith and I paint images of WW1 aircraft for a living (yeah, you read that right!). This is one of my first post here in this forum, but having surfed around I see a few characters here that I already know. (What are you guys doing letting someone like Wade Meyers hang around here??? Just kidding - Wade and I are actually good friends.)

With that said, I would like to go ahead take an opportunity to show off a my latest.

This is a piece that I've been working on for several months. It is entitled "Release the Hounds" and is a depiction of an Airco DH-2 of 32Sq RFC, circa summer 1916. The airfield is Vert Galand, a major base of operations in the Somme area during that time period.

The specs -
oil on linen, 40" x 18.5"
(the original is sold, but limited edition prints will be available soon)

Russ

[Russell Smith]

Detail shots:

[Chicoartist]

Good to have you here, Russ!

Wade

[Tom Crawford]

Welcome!! Throw your "Hat In The Ring". Beautiful work!....most of us are trying to hang on to WWII history so maybe you can broaden our scope
some.....Again welcome to the Wix, Tom

[Matt Gunsch]

Russell, welcome aboard, AWSOME work, I wish I could do that, but I am all thumbs, guess that is why I turn wrenches on Warbirds.

[Randy Haskin]

Hey Russ! I met you at the Robins AFB Museum opening with Wade. Your work is great!

[Ztex]

Nice stuff.

Welcome to the WIX.

And...who is that guy in your avitar?

Z

[Russell Smith]

Thanks so much, guys, for your warm welcomes.

Hey Russ! I met you at the Robins AFB Museum opening with Wade. Your work is great!

Aw Geez! there's another one!

just kidding. Hey Randy!

Nice stuff.

Welcome to the WIX.

And...who is that guy in your avitar?

Z

Thanks ZTex. That is Leutnant der Reserve Josef Mai. Mai is perhaps best know as one of the three pilots who made up Jasta 5’s “Golden Triumvirate”. His contribution of 30 confirmed and 15 unconfirmed victories helped make Jasta 5 the third highest scoring German Jasta of WW1. Mai flew a variety of aircraft throughout the war including Albatros DV’s, Fokker Dr.1’s and Fokker DVIIs. Although Josef Mai was nominated for the Pour le Merite, the “Blue Max”, the war ended before he could receive the award. Mai survived the war and lived to the ripe old age of 94.

Russ

[DaveM2]

Nice work, we have a flying DH-2 full scale replica here at Omaka. Blenheim.

Dave

[Russell Smith]

Nice work, we have a flying DH-2 full scale replica here at Omaka. Blenheim.

Dave

Hi Dave. Yes, I know you do...and I'll be seeing that DH2 firsthand when come down to the Omaka show in a few weeks. Really looking forward to seeing the show and the new museum!!

This particular painting is ging to be part of the Museum collection, by the way.

cheers
Russ

[blacksheep]

Hi Russ,

Welcome to the WIX family! You'll really enjoy this site. There are a lot of folks here who contribute from the warbird front line, making things happen.

Guys, as an owner of a couple of Russ' original paintings, I can tell you firsthand that his work is top caliber. Just check out his website for a trip back in time.

[DaveM2]

Hi Russ

Well that is great news, drop by the 'Classic Wings' stall and say 'Hi'

Dave

Check this link for a photo:
http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... =ahc+omaka

[Jack Cook]

Holy cr*p that a nice piece of work.
Even though it's not in 4th FG colors (right Wade/Randy ).
Geez I may have to post some WWI shots now

[Russell Smith]

Hi Russ,

Welcome to the WIX family! You'll really enjoy this site. There are a lot of folks here who contribute from the warbird front line, making things happen.

Guys, as an owner of a couple of Russ' original paintings, I can tell you firsthand that his work is top caliber. Just check out his website for a trip back in time.

Hey Roger. Good to see you here.

Hi Russ

Well that is great news, drop by the 'Classic Wings' stall and say 'Hi'

Dave

Check this link for a photo:
http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... =ahc+omaka

Thanks Dave. I'll be sure too!

Russ

[Jerry O'Neill]

Beautiful work, Russell and welcome to WIX!
I like your style!
Any other works that you could post would be fantastic. I got started in aviation when I went to my first airshow at Old Rhinebeck, so I will always have a soft spot for the Wire & Wood beauties!
Jerry