eHangar.com Aviation Art - Robert Taylor, Nicolas Trudgian, William Phillips, and many more
Aviation Art Books
As is our custom, here at eHangar.com we have compiled what we believe is the world's most comprehensive directory listing of books dealing specifically with aviation art.
If you are interested in getting more details on the books or you would like to buy them, just click on the links on the right side. You have a choice of two sources: Amazon.com (USA) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).
The neat thing is that you'll be supporting eHangar.com by buying from the Amazon sites via the links here as we are Associates/Affiliates and we earn a small commission from each book's sale.
If you have any of these titles, we invite members to share your opinions on the books by reviewing them on eHangar.com. You can submit your review here. If you are not already a member of eHangar.com but would also like to share your opinions on these books, its easy and free to register first.
Table listing Aviation Art books
Book Cover
Description
Buy From:
A Portrait of Military Aviation in South Africaby Ron Belling
This book traces 60 years of South Africa's military aviation history through the work of resident artist Ron Belling. Some 150 paintings covering 100 different aircraft types are reproduced in authentic scenarios, many of which were witnessed first hand by the artist. 160 pages, published 1989.
Aviation Artby Michael Sharpe A nice gallery of artwork celebrating a century of aviation, from WWI to the present day. Includes over 150 color reproductions of canvases by both known and unknown artists, rendered in a number of styles, including many photo realistic paintings. Each work is accompanied by a short narrative giving historical background and biographic details of the artists. 208 pages, published October 1, 1998.
Aviation Art of Keith Ferris edited by Ian Ballantine
Book featuring the aviation art paintings of Keith Ferris. Out of print but still available on Amazon.com, usually as second-hand. Softcover paperback, published 1979.
The Aviation Art of Michael Turnerby Michael Turner Michael Turner is one of the best known names in aviation art. He has built up a reputation based on his ability to paint a wide range of aviation subjects to standards of blueprint accuracy while capturing the mood and atmosphere of an outstanding moment or event in aviation history with consummate talent. This first major compilation of his art is accompanied by an introductory text and comments on each painting by the artist himself, offering a rare glimpse into the private world of this outstanding artist. 96 pages, published April 2004.
Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor, Vol 1by Robert Weston
Robert Taylor is one of the world's leading aviation artists. This paperback book offers reproductions of Robert Taylor's very best air combat paintings and sketches, as well as behind-the-scenes stories of his meetings with some of the finest aviators in history and provides a rare glimpse into Taylor's working methods. 128 pages, published November 1, 2002.
Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor, Vol 2by Charles Walker This book offers superb reproductions of Robert Taylor's very best air combat paintings and sketches, as well as behind-the-scenes stories of his meetings with some of the finest aviators in history. 128 pages, published
October 1, 2002.
Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor, Vol 3 by Charles Walker For this new collection aviation artist Robert Taylor has selected some of his most acclaimed paintings, along with new works never before published in book form. Aircraft pictured include: B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, Messerschmitt Bf 109, Me 262, Lightning, Spitfire, Hurricane, Mosquito, and more. 128 pages, published September 1, 2002.
Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor, Vol 4by Charles Walker The fourth collection of Robert Taylor's distinctive and popular scenes of aeroplanes in action.
This book features 31 full colour reproductions of some of his most popular recent works, supported throughout with a wealth of colour detail and pencil sketches. Writing about his life and work, his introduction illuminates his painting career and ongoing developments and also includes essays written by veteran pilots of the World Wars. 128 pages, published
September 1, 2003.
Aviation: A History Through Artby
Philip Handleman
With memorable paintings from members of The American Society of Aviation Artists, this book relates the history of aviation from the first planes of WWI to the Space Shuttle Discovery, from the fierce air-combat of WWII to barnstorming and stunt flying across the Midwest, from Charles Lindbergh's famous flight to combat over the jungles of Vietnam. 96 color paintings.
216 pages, published October 1, 1992.
Aviation Art of Frank Woottonby Frank Wootton
This collection encompasses the full range of Wootton's art, from his intense early years as official artist to the RAF during WWII, to the very recent past, including his impressions of Concorde and modern high-tech fighter planes.
Over 70 plates reproduced in full colour.
96 pages, published April 30, 2005.
Aviation Paintings of John Youngby John Young
This book features the aviation paintings of John Young, with 48 paintings in all, featuring aircraft from before World War I, biplanes for military and sporting use, heavy bombers, sleek fighters, modern military jets and airliners. The author tells in his own words the story of his early struggles and adventures, and offers an insight into the creation of his oil paintings. 96 pages, published December 1, 1992.
Bomber Missions: Aviation Art of World War IIby G. E. Patrick Murray
Features 75 paintings that showcase the drama and action of combat in World War II. Contributors include today's most noted historical artists, including Robert Bailey, Stan Stokes, Robert Taylor, Roy Grinnell, and Jim Dietz. Captions offer additional insight, with information on the pilot, crew, and unit, while archival photographs breathe life into each scene. 144 pages, published May 2001.
Brace by Wire to Fly by Wire: 80 Years of Royal Air Force 1918-1998by Peter R. March A year-by-year history of the RAF, from19181998, enhanced with100 color paintings and illustrations. 176 pages, revised second edition published February 1, 1999.
Carrier War : Aviation Art of World War II by Paul Stillwell
A bit of a misleading title, this isn't actually a book of aviation art featuring aircraft carriers, but the history of the development of carriers in modern warfare illustrated by aviation art by various artists. The text is mostly about the carriers, and not as much narrative text about the aviation art prints themselves. 160 pages, published August 28, 2004.
Celebration of Flight - The Art of Roy Crossby Arthur Ward
Roy Cross' genius in portraying aircraft in a wide range of illustrative styles has been admired by every generation since World War II. He created many of the distinctive paintings which adorned the famous Airfix model kits that every keen aviation enthusiast will remember with affection. This book is a collection of some of Roy's best sketches, paintings and technical drawings. They are gathered together in a logical chronological sequence that will offer the reader a visual history of aviation from World War II to the latter part of the last century.
Classic Aircraft in Aviation Artby Roger Markman
Through paintings and sketches by more than twenty of the world's most accomplished aviation artists, this book celebrates six of the best-known aircraft of WWII: the Spitfire, Lancaster, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Messerschmitt 109, North American P-51 Mustang, and P-47 Thunderbolt. 70 color paintings, 20 pencil sketches. 96 pages, published February 1, 1994.
Classic RAF Battles: From World War One to the Presentby Sir Michael Armitage Forty full colour paintings accompanied by detailed background narratives, show the RAF in action, from the dogfights of the First World War to missions in the Gulf War. In compiling this visual testament to the RAF, the general aim has been to capture the very reason for the RAF's existence - the combat actions which have given it such an historic tradition of the defence of the nation. Some scenes are of general campaigns or aspects of the RAF's history; most, however, are of specific raids, operations or incidents; but they all demonstrate the variety of locations, tasks and aircraft types that feature in the RAF's reputation. 172 pages, published January 1, 2000.
Combat in the Sky: The Art of Aerial Warfareby
Philip Handleman
Combat in the Sky portrays the heart-stopping drama of aerial combat in approximately 60 full-color paintings and illustrations with leading aviation artists from North America and the United Kingdom such as Keith Ferris, James Dietz, William Phillips, and Craig Kodera. Offers a glimpse at history-making planes such as the Enola Gay, through the fighters and bombers of the Korean and Vietnam wars, to the high-tech aerial weaponry of Desert Storm and the modern era. These captivating works of aviation art serve as the book's core while each painting is accompanied by descriptive captions. 192 pages, published December 2003.
Flight : The
Five Ages of Aviation by John Blake
The story of aviation illustrated from original works of members of the highly regarded Guild of Aviation Artists. The book's glossy cover and pictorial dust jacket feature the painting of "de Havilland Mosquitoes" by Frank Wootton. Several dozen colour reproductions grace the interior of the book. Includes short biographiess of the artists. 151 pages, published 1987.
Flying Aces: Aviation Art of World War IIby James H. Kitchens & Bernard C. Nalty
The "Ace" had become a new kind of hero by the time the skies became a primary battlefield during World War II--and the dogfights that ensued became more deeply personal than those on the ground below. These inspired paintings capture both the courage and tenacity of these men and their machines in more than seventy works, painstakingly recreated by artists in vivid detail. 144 pages, published December 31, 2001.
Frank Wootton: 50 Years of Aviation Artby Frank Wootton
Celebrates Frank Wootton's career as an aviation artist, from his work as an official war artist for the RAF for much of WWII to his work for the Allied Forces beginning in 1944 as he moved with the troops through France into Belgium and later in Southeast Asia, where he chronicled the end of the war in Japan. 69 color paintings, 40 black & white sketches. 96 pages, published January 1, 1997.
The Great Book of World War II Airplanes by Jeffrey Ethell Illustrated by Rikyu Watanabe. Illustrated in color and black and white. 24 fold-out plates of aircraft suitable for framing. A large book - 10½" x 13¼", it was originally published from 1980-83 in 12 individual volumes. Contains great color illustrations by master realist artist Watanabe. Planes profiled are P-38, P-51, B-17, F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, Spitfire, Mosquito, Lancaster, ME 109, FW190, Ju 87, and Mitsubishi Zero. Hardcover, 632 pages, published 1986.
How to Draw Aircraft Like a Pro by Andrew C. Whyte, ASAA with text by Charlie and Ann Cooper
This lively and informative guide will help everyone from casual doodlers to artists with professional aspirations draw World War I biplanes, World War II fighters and bombers and modern jet aircraft. Softcover paperback, 159 pages, published November 30, 2001.
Into the Sunlit Splendor : The Aviation Art of William S. Phillipsby Ann Cooper, Charlie Cooper
America's premiere aviation artist, William S. Phillips has spent a lifetime in the aviation field, on the ground and in the air. More than an airplane portraitist, Phillips is a superb landscape and "skyscape" painter who places his subject in geographic and historical context. Hardcover. 224 pages, published October 1, 2005.
Luftwaffe Aircraft - Paintings by Frank Michael Turnerby Frank Mason
An insightful book by one the world's leading aviation artists of the last 30 years. Luftwaffe Aircraft chronicles the evolution of the German air force from World War I to the 1980s.
Technical accuracy combined with realistic settings making this a fine collection of images in its own right, but when married with very readable text from author Frank Mason it results in a very enjoyable reference work.
55 colour reproductions supported by numerous pencil sketches.
Out of print. Published 1986.
The Man and His Art: R. G. Smith an Autobiographyby
Rosario Zip Rausa R.G. Smith began his career as an engineer for Douglas Aircraft Company in the 1930s, and played a key role in the design of many successful tactical airplanes and along the way developed world-class skills as an artist. In this autobiography, "R.G." describes his transition from helping design tactical aircraft to painting them in such compelling and dramatically beautiful fashion that he earned a worldwide reputation as one fo the most skilled and admired aviation artists of all time. This book features over 140 of his best paintings, drawings and sketches, and includes an excellent sampling of his non-aviation art depicting landscape, harbor and other scenes from the far west. 112 pages, published
February 1, 1999.
The Mighty Eighth in Art by Roger Freeman
A collection of artwork featuring the US 8th Air Force during World War II. The paintings are accompanied by a commentary and include: air combat scenes; on board situations; and images of the British bases they flew from. 160 pages, published June 18, 1998.
Nicolas Trudgian Air Combat Legends, Vol I by Nicolas Trudgian A collection of over 40 full colour paintings of combat aircraft dating from the Second World War by aviation artist Nicolas Trudgian. Each painting is accompanied by the preliminary sketches and working drawings. 96 pages, published September 1998.
Nicolas Trudgian Air Combat Legends, Vol IIby Nicolas Trudgian
This sequel features 50 aviation paintings, the most elaborate collection since the artist's first volume of Air Combat Legends was published in 1998. 96 pages, published August 27, 2002.
Portraits of Combat: The World War II Art of James Dietz by Jay Broze
James Dietz's book featuring his military art and aviation art paintings. This book is out of print and quite difficult to get, and usually only as second-hand. If you see this one in stock, grab it! Hardcover, 160 pages, published 2004.
Royal Air Force - The Aircraft in Service since 1918 - Paintings by Michael Turnerby Chaz Bowyer
Around 100 colour reproductions of original paintings by Michael Turner illustrate the history of the RAF. Forewords by both the artist and Raymond Baxter are followed by the story of RAF aircraft evolution, starting with World War I and continuing through to the modern jet age. The images are complimented by text from Chaz Bowyer one of the world's leading aviation historians and are also backed up with numerous pencil sketches. 208 pages, published September 1981.
Sabre to Stealth
: 50 Years of the US Air Force by Peter R March
The second volume in the RAF Benevolent Fund's acclaimed series of aviation art and history books.
Tuskegee's Heroes: Featuring the Aviation Art of Roy Lagroneby Charlie Cooper, Ann Cooper and Roy LA Grone
Combining the beautiful art work of Tuskegee Airman Roy La Grone with the heart-rending story of brave Americans who had to "fight for the right to fight," this book is a must for all people searching for true heroes. 156 pages, published June 1, 2001.
War in Pacific Skies: Featuring the Aviation Art of Jack Fellowsby Charlie and Ann Cooper War in Pacific Skies covers the most famous air engagements in WWII's Pacific Theater of Operation. Full color maps, previously unpublished photographs, original artwork and personal accounts visually and mentally enliven the air battles at Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, Midway, Guam, Tinian, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and more. 191 pages, published June 1, 2003.
War in the Air: The World War Two Aviation Paintings of Mark Postlethwaiteby Chris Goss
For over 15 years, Mark Postlethwaite has been a well-known and respected throughout the world of aviation art. Now, for the first time, over 50 of Mark's original paintings of this period are brought together in one edition. Unlike most aviation art publications, War in the Air sets out the history shown in each of the paintings, with first-hand accounts and rare original wartime photographs. The historical text was commissioned from aviation author Chris Goss, an expert in Luftwaffe and RAF operations over Europe. 128 pages, published January 28, 2005.
Wings by Charles Thompson
Book featuring the aviation art paintings of Charles Thompson. Out of print but still available on Amazon.com, usually as second-hand. Hardcover, 128 pages, published August 10, 1990.
Wright to Fly: Celebrating 100 Years of Powered Flightby Peter R March The third volume in the RAF Benevolent Fund's acclaimed series of aviation art and history books, Wright to Fly commemorates the 100th anniversary of powered flight.
that have shaped the amazing story of powered flight since the Wright brothers' first successful flight on December 17, 1903. A hundred beautifully reproduced paintings illustrate the enormous strides that have been made—from the flimsy wood and fabric aircraft of the earliest years, through the powerful piston–engine fighters and bombers of World War II, to the stealth jets, the Concorde supersonic airliner, and shuttle–flight into space. A slipcased volume, featuring 100 color paintings. 216 pages, published 2003.