Given that I had a 25 year flying career, many people ask me why I don't draw aeroplanes. After all I get lots of chances, even now, to take reference photographs of unusual flying situations. For example when we go to the annual reunions with two of my old Squadrons, we actually get airborne, yes Pat as well!
Both squadrons fly tankers. That is to say airborne tankers that refuel other aircraft in-flight.
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| VC10 Tanker at work...another day at the office. |
Here they are. The front one is a Tristar of 216 Squadron (pronounced Two Sixteen) and the second one is a VC10 of 10 Squadron.
You can see the hoses hanging from them that the fighters have to hook on to. Although this might be a nice scene to paint ... there's not a lot for me and pen & ink.
We get airborne and fly up and down the refuelling zone above the North Sea. All sorts of NATO Allies refuel from us over a 4 hour sortie: British, German, American, French....etc.
Here are pictures I took from a VC10, on our last visit.
These are RAF Typhoons waiting their turn to refuel. As you can see, they'd be OK to paint, but no good to me. Given that the picture loses its punch if you don't know where it is being taken from. Below is the best I can come up with, it would hardly be a popular picture when you consider the paintings/photos that are published.
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| Pen & Ink (5" x 7") John Simlett |
Maybe I'll do a series of old world aircraft ... the old bi-planes. We'll see! Meanwhile ......
HAPPY LANDINGS!
The blue of the sky and the sea is magnificent in those photographs, John! Recently our Dutch astronaut came back from 6 months in space, and, being asked what he would miss most, he answered: the fantastic views on our planet and being weightless. I know you were not that high up :) but that is what it reminds me of: a world up there I can hardly imagine! Happy landings!
ReplyDeleteYou may have noticed when you have flown at 40,000 feet (12300 metres)that the sky above looks pretty black - the atmosphere doesn't go up all that far really.
DeleteI know that when I used to come back from a few weeks in the desert s of the Middle East, that as you broke through the clouds the greens were breathtaking.
Dear John, I admire the photographs of the aircraft and your beautiful drawing!
ReplyDeleteYou make me reflect on something strange.
I love see drawings and prints of things that belong to the past.
But even these modern things tomorrow will be passed
and charming to those who came after ...
What is the truth?
I do not know today the beauty of present aircraft or they are really less beautiful than aircraft of the past?
Thanks to you and your post,for these thoughts!
Rita
You are exactly right, Rita, today's thoughts are tomorrows memories. I have visions of the cave-woman shouting at her cave-son for the graffiti on the cave walls!!
DeleteYou have many talents...that's for certain! Aircraft amazes me! Your drawing looks exceptional--though I understand why you might prefer to draw architecture. Have you ever heard of Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom?? I actually met him and got to stay at his house (near Harrow)! Long story, but suffice it to say...I was duly impressed! I admire aviators!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! He's famous! One of the most decorated pilots of World War 2. He died 2003 at 82.
ReplyDeleteAIR MARSHAL SIR IVOR BROOM, Knight(KCB) Commander of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Order, with THREE Air Force Crosses!!!
Never had the honour of meeting him. You must tell me your story!!
Correction ....He had the DSO (Distinguished Service Order) THREE DFCs (Distinguished Flying Crosses) one AFC (Air Force Cross)
DeleteHe was Welsh (from near Cardiff) started as a Sergeant pilot ... and was only 24 when the war ended in 1945!
That last photograph is exquisite, John! I've never seen such a thing and those pilots have that craft perfectly aligned on the runway. I love the little view in front of each of them on the instrument panel as well. Love the drawing, but then I love all your drawings.
ReplyDeleteI shy away from drawing anything mechanical! You really come in to you own with the subjects you choose! Is there anything you can't draw? Amazing photos and an amazing story!
DeleteI tend not to draw people ... you would see how inaccurate I was from the likeness, whereas you take my word for it that the 'mechanical' object is accurate :0)
DeleteThank you, Sherry. Flight Decks are strange places if you are unfamiliar with them.
DeleteWonderful photographs John. I agree, though, aircraft is better photographed or videoed than drawn or painted. Though your drawing is brilliant, I don't get the feeling that I do with the architectural renderings, which clearly demonstrate your affinity to the subject. Aircraft is not your best cup of tea. But then you don't have time to drink much tea from what I can tell. You are a very busy guy who's been into everything. You are truly amazing. --And see I found your site right there where it always is on my side bar.
ReplyDeleteThe trouble used to be that every commission seemed to be for aircraft pictures.
DeleteI have had a varied career path(s) ... not always by choice ...it just happens.
There was a mirage on your sidebar :0))
I must admit, I much prefer the historical buildings to the aircraft, but some of the old biplanes would be fun
ReplyDeleteI did have a commission for some 1914-18 'bi-planes' but that 30+ years ago!
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