Russell Smith Studios

So here is something a little different from my easel. A customer recently commissioned me to create a painting and a frame of the fountain in Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. He had friends that recently moved from the area and he wanted to give them a gift for their new home. Knowing that I have deep family ties to Savannah and that I’m very familiar with the area he came straight to me.

The Forsyth Park fountain is 165 years old, and as beautiful as it is, it isn’t unique. It was ordered from a catalogue. This isn’t the first time I’ve painted this fountain. I can count 6 paintings that I’ve done of it, including 2 plein air studies. For this one I actually made a day trip down to Savannah back in Oct. and created one of those plein air studies to use as a reference for this painting.

“Forsyth Park”
12” x 20”
Oil on linen on panel

Sad news today. I’ve just found out that legendary aviation artist Robert Taylor has passed away.

It is no small thing that I owe my career to Robert Taylor. I have had many teachers and mentors over the years of my artistic journey, and to honest many of them have had far more influence on my work than Robert Taylor. However, I stumbled upon RT’s work as a young art major in college. At the time, I had no real direction or intention with my artwork. In fact, I was planning on transferring to an aeronautical college to study aeronautical engineering. One day during that period a serendipitous find in a bookstore would alter my life forever - a book entitled "The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor". I often times drew airplanes as a kid growing up, but this was my first exposure to true aviation art. I had never imagined the idea that someone could make a living painting pictures of airplanes. I knew immediately that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

My exposure to Taylor’s work really opened my eyes and I began to learn that aviation art was, in fact, a broad world and that there were many more hugely talented artists to learn about and study. 10 years out of college I was finally able to make it my career. Aviation art led to western art, and here I am today making a living in both genres.

From a technical point of view, Taylor’s work wasn’t always “perfect”. A knowledgeable viewer could spot the occasional drawing problem or perspective issue. But Robert Taylor was a true painter’s painter. I had the honor of viewing firsthand a very large collection of his work in 2013, and I will say that the man painted like Vermeer. Every painting was an art lesson on brushwork and color. Every piece was simply exquisite.

I regret that I never had the honor of meeting Robert Taylor in person. Rest in piece Mr. Taylor, and thank you for your inspiration.

A couple of months back I finished the little miniature of Raoul Lufberry’s Nieuport 17 seen atbv the bottom left. I was so pleased with how it turned out that I decided I wanted to paint a larger version of it. It took me a while to get around to that, but I was finally able to get started on it this week. I just finished up the first layer for this one. Now that it’s done I can ship the miniature off to the customer. I’ll come back and finish up the larger version in a couple of weeks.

The bigger one measures 12” x 20’ and will be available for purchase.

I just finished up a pencil study for a commissioned project that I have been working on for a couple of years now. It’s one of those slow-burn projects that is finally coming to the front of the line.

The image depicts an actual event that occurred on April 6, 1926 and involved a pilot name Franklin Rose. Rose was a pilot for Varney Airlines which was contracted to fly the mail between Pasco, WA and Boise, ID. On that afternoon Rose was piloting his Curtiss C6 powered Swallow from Elko to Pasco as one half of the inaugural flight for that service (pilot Leon Cuddeback was flying the reverse route). Rose’s first stop was to be in Boise, ID, but as he crossed into so southwest Idaho he began see ominous dark clouds coming in from the west. As the weather became more threatening he decided to try and pass under the storms, but as he dropped altitude his engine sputtered and quit. He found a place to land and set the plane down. As the plane rolled to a stop it began to sink down into the soft ground. As he climbed for the plane he saw two men on horseback riding towards him. As the men approached Rose could tell that they were visibly agitated. The men, on seeing “U.S” painted on the airplane, accused Rose of being a government Prohibition agent searching for illegal stills in the desert. After a considerable exchange of accusations and explanations he was finally able to convince the men that he was simply flying the mail. The men pointed him to the nearest ranch and departed. After two days of walking he finally found the ranch where he was able to report in his position. ��Franklin Rose returned to active duty with the Air Force in 1951 and retired with the rank of Brigadier General. Varney Airlines would go on to evolve into United Airlines.

The painting will measure approximately 16” x 30” and will be entitled “Friend or Foe”.

On the easel today in Tryon. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do with the background, but my goal is to capture the explosive action if the bucking horse, and the background should reflect that. It measures 18” x 12” and I’m going to call it “Launch”.

I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, but from now until the end of the year I am offering up a number of aviation and western art originals at 20% off their list price. These are good pieces that for some reason have not yet found permanent homes. I don’t paint these to decorate my walls, and I would much rather see them go to people who appreciate them rather than languish in a corner of my studio. Do you see one you’re interested in? PM me and let me know!

The following originals are now available for 20% off.

“Say When”
20” x 11”
Framed
SOLD

“Campfire Beggars”
24” x 34”
Framed
$7350 until Dec. 31

“Desert Music”
14” x 20”
Framed
$2000 until Dec. 31

“Dog Soldier”
36” x 20”
Framed
$5440 until Dec. 31

“Torque”
28” x 24”
Framed
$5200 until Dec. 31

“L’Aquila Audace”
12” x 20”
Unframed
$1520 until Dec. 31

“Up With The Dawn”
14” x 25”
Unframed
$2520 until Dec. 31

“A Pair of Jennies”
20” x 30”
Unframed
SOLD

New work
“Hot Rod”
14” x 20”
Oil on linen on panel, framed
Available for purchase

New work
"War Pony"
10" x 10"
oil on linen on panel
SOLD

Red dot. In the art business a red dot on a piece of art signifies that it has been sold. We artists love red dots and we appreciate the people who enjoy our work so much that they want to hang it in their home.

I kind if figured that this one might find a home pretty quickly.

New miniature
“Lufbery”
6” x 10”
SOLD

Well I finally got around to finishing this one. Here we see Raoul Lufbery, the highest scoring and most well-known pilot of the Lafayette Escadrille. He is at the controls of a Nieuport 17, the aircraft machine that is perhaps most associated with the Escadrille. The 17, an improvement on the earlier Nieuport 11 and 16 designs, carried a Vickers machine gun mounted to fire through the propeller arc and often carried a Lewis gun mounted on the top wing. The fabric surfaces of N17 were usually covered in an aluminum-based dope, giving the machine a silver appearance.
Depicted here is Nieuport 17 N1844, a machine assigned to the group's Captain, Georges Thennault, but usually associated with Lufbery. A quiet man of mixed French and American decent, Lufbery took great care of his equipment. His plane was always the best in the squadron, as noted by fellow pilot Edward Hinkle, “Anyone would rather have a secondhand Lufbery machine than a new one anytime”.

I'm thinking this one may need to be painted in a larger format.

On the easel tonight in Tryon. I’m going to call it “Hot Rod”.

I am very pleased to announce that “Dust Up” has been accepted for the Friday Night Strike portion of the 2024 C.M. Russell Art Show and Auction. This prestigious event benefits the C.M. Russell Museum and will be held March 14-16. I’ll provide more details as the event gets closer.

“Dust Up” measures 24” x 36” and is oil on linen on panel.

First project off the easel in Tryon tonight is a 10” x 10” native war pony. I’m really happy with the underpainting. I’ll finish this one out in a couple of weeks.

The catalogue for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Small Works, Great Wonders show and sale is now online. This year's exhibition will run November 4-26 with the art sale beginning at 6pm on Friday, November 10. This sale was created in part to showcase both established and emerging artists while beginning to build anew generation of art collectors. It also spurs fresh interest in the National Cowboy & Western HeritageMuseum, locally and beyond. It is in keeping with the Museum’s long-standing commitment to spotlightoutstanding contemporary Western art of the highest quality. As suggested by the title of the show, theintent of Small Works, Great Wonders is to present smaller, more affordable works of art.

All Artwork All Artwork William Acheff SoaringOil, 12" x 8"Price: $8,500Edward Aldrich Into the AirOil on linen, 12" x 16"Price: $2,900Edward Aldrich Just Another DayOil on linen, 16" x 16"Price: $3,900Carol Amos Sunny SimplicityOil on canvas, 16" x 12"Price: $2,300Carol Amos Chillin’ ‘Til Show TimeOil on l...

New painting

“Castor and Pullox”
9” x 12”
Oil on linen on panel, framed
Available for purchase

Two new works, both on their way to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for the Small works, Great Wonders show and sale.

"High Tailin'"
oil on linen on panel
14" x 12"

"Steadfast"
oil on linen on panel
18" x 18"

This year's exhibition will run November 4-26 with the art sale on Friday, November 10. This sale was created in part to showcase both established and emerging artists while beginning to build anew generation of art collectors. It also spurs fresh interest in the National Cowboy & Western HeritageMuseum, locally and beyond. It is in keeping with the Museum’s long-standing commitment to spotlightoutstanding contemporary Western art of the highest quality. As suggested by the title of the show, theintent of Small Works, Great Wonders is to present smaller, more affordable works of art.

Small Works Great Wonders - https://swgw.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Third and final day out in Tryon for Rodeo Carolina, the richest rodeo east of the Mississippi. I made a good bit of progress on this one yesterday, and I’m hoping to get it to a good stopping point by the end of the rodeo today. This one measures 18” x 36 and will be entitled “Head Count”. It will be available for purchase once completed.

On the easel today in Tryon.

Actually this IS my first rodeo!

Be sure to come out to the Tryon International Equestrian Center for Rodeo Carolina, the richest rodeo east of the Mississippi, sponsored by the World Champions Rodeo Alliance. I’ll be here all weekend in the Equine Instincts Gallery located in cabin number 6. Come see us!

Why no, I don't want to sell you my work as an NFT. I don't even know what the H*** an NFT is. Take your scam somewhere else.😡

New work
“Eindecker” 6” x 10”
Oil on linen on panel
Available for purchase

The legendary Fokker Eindecker with its wing-warping monoplane design began wreaking havoc among the allied aircraft soon after its introduction to the front lines in 1915. Its forward firing Spandau machine gun synchronized to fire through the propeller gave it an enormous advantage over the allied types, and the months following its introduction became known as the “Fokker Scourge”. Its dominance in the skies above the western front was short-lived, however, as new types such as the Neiuport 11 and Airco DH.2 were introduced to the front.

Ernst Udet was born in Frankfurt-am-Main in 1896. The beginning of the war found Udet serving as a motorcyclist messenger. Having learned how to fly through private lessons, Udet joined FFA68 and soon was soon appointed the unit’s Kommando. On March 18, while flying his Fokker E.II Udet scored the first of an eventual total of 62 victories when he downed a Farman over Altkirch.

New miniature
"Number One"
6" x 10"
oil on linen panel

I actually finished this one up before heading to NY for the workshop, but am only just now getting a chance to post it. "Number One" depicts Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, the highest scoring American Ace of WWI, after a victory over a Fokker DVII. With its distinct red nose, star wheel covers, and hat-in-the-ring insignia, Rickenbacker's SPAD XIII was perhaps one of the most recognizable SPADs of the war.

This video features highlights from the 2023 Color of Flight Painting Workshop at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The workshop was led by myself and fellow artist Marc Poole and was sponsored by the American Society of Aviation Artists. During the course of the workshop I had the great opportunity to interview author and illustrator James Gurney as well as illustrator CF Payne.

2023 Color of Flight Painting Workshop featuring interviews with James Gurney and C.F. Payne This video features highlights from the 2023 Color of Flight Painting Workshop at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The workshop was led by myself and fellow artist M...

SOLD - Many thanks to the individual who just added "Noble" to his collection.

Day 3 of our Color of Flight workshop

We had a great first day at our Color of Flight Workshop. This afternoon we got another visit from James Gurney, author of Dinotopia and several great art instruction books. What a great guy! We’re looking forward to what tomorrow has in store.

Another new piece.

“Noble”
10” x 10”
Oil on linen on panel, framed
SOLD

No big explanation on this one. This is simply a small piece I worked to to go in the gallery at the Tryon Equestrian Center. It’s a small piece at 10” x 10”.

New Work
“Thuy’s Thoroughbreds”
20” x 30”
oil on linen on panel

“Thuy’s Thoroughbreds” is a commissioned piece depicting the scout aircraft flown by Lt. Emil Thuy

Thuy exhibited an early interest in aviation and as a child could often be found building and testing models. He volunteered for service in 1914 but was soon badly wounded and cut from his duties. He then volunteered for the Imperial German Air Service, and once his training was complete he was assigned to FFA 53, an observation unit. In November of 1916 he began his training as a single seat fighter pilot and was soon assigned to Jasta 21 flying Albatros D.Vs. He served with Jasta 21 for 10 months, scoring 14 victories with the unit.

In November of 1917 he was transferred to Jasta 28w taking on the role of the unit’s commander. While with Jasta 28w he flew a Pfalz DIII until the unit was equipped with the much more formidable Fokker DVII. During his time with Jasta 28w the unit was combined with three other Jastas to form JG7. Thuy was given command of JG7 also was awarded the Pour le Merite. Thuy ended the war with 35 credited victories.

In the foreground we see Albatros D.V 2016/17. This machine was painted in the signature two-toned olive/light blue pattern found on many of the Jasta 21 aircraft at the time. It also carried the black and white band of Jasta 21 as well as Thuy’s personal emblem, a stylized “T”.

Next in line we see Fokker DVII 262/18. Thuy flew this aircraft while with Jasta 28w. This was an early model DVII from the first batch of 300 produced by the Fokker factory. It carried the Fokker streaked camouflage finish with 4 color lozenge on the wings. The tailplane was painted the unit colors of yellow and black and Thuy marked this bird with a light blue band around the fuselage.

Third in line is Albatros D.V 2164/17, another Jasta 21 bird. This Albatros carried similar markings to Thuy’s other mount, only this one remained in its varnished plywood finish. Notable on this particular aircraft is the headrest, a feature found on only a few Albatros D.Vs.

Last in line is Pfalz D.III 4017/17, another Jasta 28w bird. While Thuy may have, at some point, applied squadron and personal markings to this bird, the only known photos of it show a factory finish with only national insignia.