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"Spitfire Mark Vb Pencil Draft"

In order to get the “pressing the attack” angle on the RAF Spitfire for the painting, I purchased a 1/48th scale Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb model. After building and painting the model, I mounted it on a special rig that allowed me to position and move the model in the x, y, and z-axis. I took photographs of the model and then did the sketch below for the rough draft. After enlarging the sketch to the full size for the painting, I drew in all the detail on the final rough draft in preparation for the painting.

"BF-109E Pencil Draft"

In order to get the “in your face” angle on the Messerschmitt BF-109E (Specifications) for the painting, I purchased a 1/48th scale Tamiya BF-109E –4/7 TROP model. After building and painting the model, I mounted it on a special rig that allowed me to position and move the model in the x, y, and z-axis. I took photographs of the model and then did the sketch below for the rough draft. Since the BF-109E was going to be visually close to the viewer, I enlarged the sketch to the full size for the painting, and drew in all the detail on the final rough draft. The research done on the rough draft was my guide for making the details on the BF-109 accurate.

"Spitfire in Progress"

The full size rough draft was traced onto the canvas, and I began working on the RAF Spitfire. It was important to match the colors, markings, and camouflage paint scheme on the profile gliders that were part of the ad. Aviation artist Tom Tullis painted the aircraft profiles. Once the Spitfire was done, the base color for the wings of the BF-109 was started. Digital photographs were sent to the art director to show the progress on the painting.

"BF-109 in Progress"

Detail work was started on the wings and damage was added to the tail. The next issue was the two-tone camouflage paint scheme used by the Luftwaffe on the side of the BF-109. I airbrushed the camouflage along the side of the fuselage, and any overspray would be covered when the cockpit and nose were painted.

"Cockpit Close-Up"

The yellow nose was painted next, then the black propeller spinner. Once that was done, the cockpit was started. The title for the ad is øAchtung! Hauptmann ¨ Ihr Flugzeug brenntÓ, which means, øAttention - Captain! Your aircraft's on fireÓ. To capture the drama of this moment, it was important to show the pilot of the BF-109 looking out the right side of the cockpit where the fireball would be on the wing. The flash from the fireball on the wing was reflected in the canopy to add to the drama. Final details were added to the plane.

"Fireball Close-Up"

I painted in combat wear and bullet holes on the BF-109, and then painted in the fireball explosion on the wing. I then signed my name to the painting, applied the varnish and built a crate for transporting the painting.

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