Painted C-47 Cowling for mustangdriver

[Django]

Thought I would share a C-47 cowling I painted for mustangdriver at the request of his wife as a Christmas present. I could do anything I wanted. Knowing that they spend ALOT of time on the phone due to his job at EAA, I thought a pin up with a phone would a no brainer. So I did some sketches and got to work. I bought 4 of these cowlings a couple years ago. The first one I painted up with the 366th Gunfighters insignia for my Dad. The 2nd I had polished and have been trying to decide what to paint on it. (It's tough doing something for yourself sometimes!) The 2nd box remained unopened all this time. When I cracked it open, I was pretty surprised to see them wrapped in the original paper. Cool right? Unfortunately the tape had corroded into the metal and would not come off. So after some head scratching, I tried some aircraft stripper and that did the trick. In the end, it gave the panel a cool patina.

So here's the finished panel, "Miss You Much". I am really happy with how it turned out. Chris' wife arranged for him to drive to Chicago to pick up his gift but didn't tell him what or where. He was pretty surprised when he walked in the door to our shop and saw me standing there! He got the nickel tour of all the hot rods and race cars (which he thought was his gift), then I showed him the panel. He was blown away. It was pretty awesome. Glad I could be involved for a piece of art for a really great friend.

[lmritger]

This is utterly fabulous, it really is. And I can scarcely think of a more worthy recipient of such an amazing gift as Chris... he is a true prince. Well done Django, it's absolutely amazing.

Lynn

[Pat Carry]

[cooper9411]

Nice work. And what an amazing wife to give a gift like that.

[mustangdriver]

I love the panel. It's awesome. I'm very lucky to have the love and support of an amazing wife and great friends as well. It was an awesome day!

[Mark Allen M]

Beautiful work and beautiful idea from a beautiful woman to a beautiful ... Err nice guy ...
Congrats Chris, that's a really nice gift.

M

[Jesse C.]

Super cool! Nice work and a great gift!!

[Fouga23]

Awesome work, Django! And Chris, your wife sure is a keeper!

[Ken]

Thanks for sharing!

[UC61K]

Hi Django!
That is really an awsome piece you painted.
Would like to talk to you about that Ranger Engine the cowling is sitting against!
Send me a PM
our shop is located at 1C5 (Clow) in Bolingbrook

thanks
Jim C
UC-61K USAAF # 43-14964 / RAF #HB-690
Midwest Aeronautiques LLC

[Django]

Thanks everyone!

Jim, pm sent.

[p51]

Nice work.
What's the story on the design itself?

[Misterg97]

It must be nice to be that talented ... Great Work

[Steve Nelson]

Much Awesomeness!

[Django]

Nice work.
What's the story on the design itself?

Beyond they are on the phone a lot? I wanted a pin up with a phone, so I looked at some existing '40s artist's work with phones and drew up a sketch. The first one ended up being nude. So far, no one will approve any nude sketches for their projects (including the Mrs.) but I will keep trying… As for the name, I looked through all my nose art books for a phone related name, but couldn't find anything thing. Miss You Much just popped into my head one day, so I went with that.

The sketch was enlarged and roughed out on the computer. I printed it out, taped it together and transferred it onto the panel with chalk. Paint is all done in One Shot sign enamel.