Island-Hopping Corsairs - work-in-progress

[StratoArt]

During WWII, in the air war against Japan, the F4U Corair's and other fighters were used on island-hopping missions to help the push back of the advancing Japanese Empire. I have a special interest in this subject having lived in Guam and Hawaii for a number of years and also visiting Wake Island.

In this piece, I am portraying a typical, though not exactly specific situation of two earlier model F4U-1A Corsairs (such as the ones that Pappy Boyington and his "Black Sheep" squadron flew) sitting at a typical Pacific island while two Corsairs fly over the base in the background. Island coconut palms lining the background. There will also be thunderheads building up in the backdrop as well.

Here are a few work-in-progress screenshots. The canvas I am working on is 40" x 24" and suitable for printing through my gallery with Fine Art America.


Initial sketch concept with pencil on Canson paper.


I scanned in my sketch and redrew the scene in ArtRage. I later replaced the single Corsair in favor of the pair.


Starting to block in the initial colors, using photo references as a guide. Weathering will be applied on a separate layer.


Working on the engine details

[TomasBj]

Very cool! Do you use Oil Brush for blocking in colors?

[StratoArt]

Very cool! Do you use Oil Brush for blocking in colors?

Thank you! Yes, I sure did and I used the palette knife in different ways to blend.