Bus Number 7 - WW1 RE8

[Russell Smith]

Hi guys. I thought I might share my latest with you. Some of you might be interested in seeing my workflow, so I'll include that as well.

Here, the perspective drawing is done as is the lighting shot. Not only did I use the Wingnut Wings RE.8 for my lighting reference, but I also used it for my markings reference as well (I love the angular white line that wraps the fuselage).




Here is the start of the painting. I stained the canvas in a Raw Siena/Burnt Siena mix to give it a good warm underglow. The background wasn't planned out. I decided to be daring and simply see where it lead me.

[Russell Smith]

Here it is at the underpainting stage. This layer of local color provides a base over which I glaze modifying colors and details.

[Russell Smith]

And the finished painting.

This particular RE8 - A4267 - served with 52 Sq from February to March of 1918. Unlike most RE8s which carried only single Lewis gun at the observer's position, this one carried a twin Lewis mount. Interestingly, the covering of the center portion of the bottom wings was cut away (doubtless for improved visibility), leaving only the spar tubes.

Bus Number 7
non-commission
11" x 17"
oil on linen on masonite

[PbyCat-Guy]

I'm an amateur aviation artist myself and had a question for you. These painting were based off of photos. The 747 was painted for my dad because he's a Captain for the company depicted. Anyways, I have a bunch of models laying around. Is it a good idea to take them, draw straight lines so I can photograph them and use the lines for the correct perspective view? I've had problems in this area.

[Russell Smith]

Hi Cat-Guy. Drawing straight lines or grids to help you with your perspective isn't a bad idea, but if you're basing your images entirely off of models you need to make sure that you know what the proper focal length and camera distance is to achieve the correct perspective, otherwise the lens distortion will create what is referred to as "forced perspective".

[RMAllnutt]

And the finished painting.

This particular RE8 - A4267 - served with 52 Sq from February to March of 1918. Unlike most RE8s which carried only single Lewis gun at the observer's position, this one carried a twin Lewis mount. Interestingly, the covering of the center portion of the bottom wings was cut away (doubtless for improved visibility), leaving only the spar tubes.

Bus Number 7
non-commission
11" x 17"
oil on linen on masonite

Beautiful image. Amazing in a way that you picked 52 Squadron, as my grandfather's uncle, 2Lt. Thomas H. Buswell and his observer, Lt.C.E.Wharram, were shot down and sadly killed in a 52 Squadron RE8 C5052 on 26 March, 1918. I don't suppose you have any 52 Sq. photos of that time period?

All the best,
Richard

[Russell Smith]

Beautiful image. Amazing in a way that you picked 52 Squadron, as my grandfather's uncle, 2Lt. Thomas H. Buswell and his observer, Lt.C.E.Wharram, were shot down and sadly killed in a 52 Squadron RE8 C5052 on 26 March, 1918. I don't suppose you have any 52 Sq. photos of that time period?

All the best,
Richard

Thanks Richard. Very interesting about your Grandfather's uncle! I have a few photos at hand in a couple of books, but unfortunately I don't have any electronic versions that I can give you. You might find some good success here: http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/i ... wwRedirect

[RMAllnutt]

Many thanks Russell. I did actually trace down who his victor was. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I believe it was someone from JG-3, and their 1st victory of 18 or so to follow.

Cheers,
Richard