12” x 16” Watercolor

This painting is inspired by the uplifting tale of Flt. Lt. Gatward and his navigator Sgt. Gilbert Fern on June 12, 1942. France had been getting used to Nazi occupation after practically being defeated with only small splinter cells of spy networks working against Germany. Hope was nearly lost until Gatward and Fern made a bold attempt to show solidarity and raise moral of the French people by returning a French flag in a Bristol Beaufighter draping it beautifully over the corner of the Arc de Triomphe.

12” x 16” Watercolor

While watching the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, a wild thought came to my mind. What if the horses were accompanied by the aircraft after their own namesake. In this imaginary race, my mind raced to some of the best to do this. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, who sadly just passed, was a triple ace and with the 357th Fighter Group, the “Yoxford Boys”. I would also be remised to not mention a member of one of the most famous mustang squadrons of all time, the Red Tails of the 332nd Fighter Group. One of their most legendary pilots is Charles E. McGee who flew his P51C nicknamed kitten throughout WWII and his legend only grew as he continued his flying career throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

16” x 12” Watercolor

This painting showcases one of Japan’s most notable fighter planes during World War II. The A6M Zero airplane, depicted here, is piloted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Saburo Sakai. Lt. Sakai was Japan’s fourth-ranking ace who is most notably known for never losing a wingman in over 200 missions. It is shown with Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most scenic and oldest castles, built in the 12th century. These two features, a war plane and an ancient castle, are summarized within the picture and the Japanese meaning of the cherry blossom. These blossoms reminds us that while we all go through hard times there is always optimism for hope and new beginnings