It certainly seems to be a busy time for me now with commissions deadlines and shows looming. One or two of them are particularly interesting, such as the underwater aircraft ditched scenario I am near completing. It represents a Mitsubishi Zero off the Solomon Islands. There will be a presence of coral on the left, with an appropriate addition of colourful fish. This is a terrific last detail to add as it allows one to place them anywhere to the advantage of the composition and balance of the completed canvas.

-----<>-----

The picture below, is that of the High Ball test off Chesil Beach when the device just splintered into lots of pieces. This was to result in good information that would lead to the successful conclusion of the Upkeep tests that destroyed the dams. I have still to conclude what the final markings and livery of the Wellington will be. This is proving quite tricky to pin down. Has anyone got any advice?

-----<>-----

An oil exploration company has approached me to do some work for them involving the production of pencil sketches of the Whirwind that will eventually be reproduced on their tee shirts. They name each new rig after a WWII aircraft type, and if the latest well comes in, they want me to paint a major rig canvas with rough sea, stormy sky and safety boat being bashed about. So watch this space, I can’t wait for that one!

-----<>-----

I am in the process of having a test piece jig saw puzzle produced to see how popular that will be, so if things work out ok there could be a selection to choose. The subject I have chosen for a starter puzzle is ‘Two Boys…One Dream’. They are of superb quality, produced from 3mm thick timber and presented in a beautifully designed box. A wonderful gift for any aviation enthusiast.

One of the special features that just make them a little special, are the ‘Whimsy’ shapes. These are specially shaped pieces that reflect the nature and subject of the puzzle. For example, if the subject was a cobbler scene, several of the pieces would be suitably shaped eg one would be a
shoe, another would be a hammer etc. I am not sure what the company has got lined up for my subject, can’t wait to see!

-----<>-----

My Chinook helicopter painting featured in the last News Letter, was accepted for the Guild of Aviation Artists exhibition in London. It was certainly a fresh take on the helicopter scenario, and I can’t wait to get it into print. I did just add a couple of soldiers in the foreground after I published the image in the last News Letter.

-----<>-----

A have also been approached by a company that produces coasters. They saw me and my work at an airshow and would like to take on the reproduction of x5 subjects…
1. ‘The Tail Chase’
2. ‘Preparing for Action’
3. ‘Letters From Home’
4. ‘Sunset Saviours’
5. ‘The Safe Return’

They have a lovely gloss finish and will be produced to a size of approx. 4” x 5”. They will sell out at £3 each or £10 for 4.

-----<>-----

The image below is the start of my Sydney Camm Still Life. The paraphernalia on the table is in fact a photograph of a group of artefacts that I collected to compose the Camm scenario, and it is just pinned to the canvas. The table is the actual painting on canvas but I think I am going to just make an adjustment to the perspective of the far edge of the table. I think it is just a little too horizontal at the moment. Funny though, I didn’t realise this small error until I saw the image on the screen just now! What do you think to the ‘tea rings’ on the table to the right? I thought that was a rather cute addition. The feature element of the composition will be the ‘signature model’ of a Hurricane on a wire stand placed strategically on the table to add height and balance whilst casting a nice shadow over the display.

I try to calculate to the last detail as much as I can during the preparation of a painting, Things like…the model will be nicely highlighted in front of the dark background Looking at the result on the screen, I think I will just tape the photo onto the canvas. Look at the way the photo bottom right just seems to hang over the table edge! Even a subtle shadow just where it would appear!

The difficult part of the whole painting will be to convert the dye line prints into old fashioned blue prints…AGHHH! White lines on blue paper, imagine that.

-----<>-----

Hope you found all that of some interest and look forward to showing you some progress, even completion in the next newsletter.

Speak soon, Robin.

-----<>-----

If you require more information about ordering prints please telephone 01507 327681 or email robin@robin-smith-art.co.uk