Sometimes I slow down and try to look in the mirror to take
a bit of stock in this journey I have been lucky to be on. People often have
memories triggered by pictures, songs and even smells. For me, I can add seeing
my old artwork to that list of triggers. Looking at a piece of art that I have
done in the past acts like a time machine of memories. In some cases, I can
even remember the songs that were playing in the studio as I was working on
them.
Hornet High and Roger Ball, Hornet have a lot of these
memories for me. I did this pair of FA-18 hornet paintings in 1997. My head is
still spinning with what was happening in my life back then. I had been
graduated from college for six years without a whole lot of hope of having that
degree earn a living, I was married and had two young children. It really was at
a point where painting pictures for a living seemed like a selfish hobby.
However, something happened to my work to reinforce the path that I knew I
needed to be on. This pair of Hornet paintings were received very well. Better
than I had really expected. Both were accepted into the EAA juried art exhibit
in Oshkosh and
led to my first articles in Airbrush Action and Airbrush Magazines as well as a
feature in Naval Aviation News. In addition, these two paintings became my
first limited edition prints. It was clear that I needed to continue pushing.
Roger Ball, Hornet |
Not only did these two paintings give me a boost of hope, they
also brought me into contact with so many of the heroes that make this plane as
incredible as it is. I was fortunate to meet pilots, ground crew, mechanics and
even designers that made this plane live and breathe. They are memories that
will live with me forever.
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