WIP - Rickenbacker's SPAD

[Russell Smith]

I've finished roughing in the base colors. I'm going to let this layer dry for a couple of weeks before coming back and putting in a top coat. At that point I'll add definition, adjust colors, darken shadows, etc. (Don't judge the colors from this photo. They're looking a little too warm in this shot).

What isn't evident here is that I've raised Eddie's goggles so that you will be able to see his face. His hand is positioned so that he is about to bring them down.

[Holedigger]

Like that dust effect, really give it depth!

[Russell Smith]

Well, finally got this one finished and scanned. I may do prints of this one in the spring.

So here it is:
Starting Line
oil on linen
50" x 23"

[The Inspector]

Excellent study of a much under covered subject, WW1 aviation, too few great paintings of CAMELS and PFALTZ' and too many B-17's and P-51's. Not to criticize anyones efforts, it just seems that WW1 escapades and heros take a backseat to WW2 types.

[Django]

That looks fantastic!!

It's been about 20 years since my last painting class, so can you explain what the monotone underpainting does for the process?

[Russell Smith]

Thanks guys. The underpainting serves several purposes:
1. it provides a guide, so to speak, for further refining layers. I can be a bit looser with the underpainting - tweaking my colors adjusting lines, etc. - so that when I come back with the top coats I can follow what I've done in the underpainting only to a more refined degree.
2. Some of my colors in the upper layers are often transparent. The underpainting gives a good base color which shows through those transparent colors in places and really gives a nice effect.
3. The primary monotone coat basically helps to establish values. big blank, white holes in the paint can throw your eye off, so the monochromatic coat fills in those areas with the appropriate neutral value.

[daveymac82c]

excellent work Russell.

The detail in your painting is amazing. The people in it look so life like and expressive.

Keep up the great work. What is your next project going to be?

Cheers,

David

[Russell Smith]

Thanks David. Next off the easel will be a 1913 Curtis model G floatplane for a client in Hawaii. Following that I've got to do a 27th Sq SPAD XIII for the cover of "Over the Front".

[Holedigger]

Dang! I need a drink!!! Got to get that taste of dust and oil out of my mouth!!! Great job as usual. Your backlighting of the subjects really helps give them depth and jump off the page. Makes me want to dig out my brushes and....and....awe heck....guess I'll stick with my computer! Perhaps doodle more with the pencils!!

[Avn-Tech]

Mr Smith,

Very nice painting.
I enjoy reading/Collecting WW I aviation artifacts.

I am currently reading through the of the original Cross & Cockade (USA).
Currently I am only missing 3 years to complete this collection.
I also have several years of British, Cross & Cockade.

I have also started collecting Over the front magazines as well and can not wait to get time to read them.

WW I flight clothing in my collection are several helmets, patches and one set of gloves.
I was trying to get one of evry aviationunit patch, but have not worked on the collection for a while.
I also have a collection of WW I photos (sterograph).

I can not wait to see your future painting on the cover of Over the Front.

Laterrrrr
Avn-Tech

[Russell Smith]

Sounds like quite a collection you have there Avn-Tech! Those US C&C's are definitely something to hold on to. A very good friend gave me the entire set a couple of years ago. I still haven't finished going through them.

[lmritger]

A stunning piece of work, sir... tremendous depth, wonderful color balance, and astounding detail. Truly excellent.

Lynn

[Russell Smith]

Thanks so much, Lynn.