Nearly 50 World War Two-era airplanes, both famous and little-known.
Their fascinating backstories with historical ads, images, and new amazing illustrations that capture each aircraft’s personality. Landscape format: 11-3/8″ x 8-3/4″. 96 pages, hardcover.
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What Is an Aerocature™️?
“Aerocaturetm” is a term I invented to describe my aircraft caricatures. They are NOT cartoons. I think of a cartoon as something that is visually very simple and generally not with much realistic depth or detail. When I create an Aerocaturetm, my goal is to combine the characteristics of the aircraft, the personalities of the flight crew, and the relevant details of their mission. Yes, they are exaggerations, but the exaggerations are what focus attention on the most important aspects of the portrayal. The exaggerations act as filters to remove the distracting story elements that contribute the least.
When I begin to develop an Aerocaturetm, I prefer to work without any reference materials in front of me. I don’t want literal reality to override my visceral impressions. If I can’t work without referring to photographs and 3-view drawings, it means I don’t yet know enough about my subject and more research is in order.
As a stereo (3D) photographer and enthusiast, I try to give my Aerocaturestm dimension and volume. I always have some part of the aircraft extending beyond the frame of the background to create depth. I want the aircraft’s “musculature” to tell about the physical stresses the aircraft structure is undergoing. My images are created using India ink and Prismacolor colored pencils on Bristol pad.
Although I want to give myself as much latitude as possible in telling a visual story, there are certain options I will not entertain. Political and social statements are right out. I want to tell aviation stories, not make comments on the state of humanity and world affairs. I also avoid depicting fatal accidents, in-flight disasters, and overtly graphic combat kills. When all is said on done, I want to leave viewers with a positive, enjoyable experience, not doom and gloom.
