2022 saw me visiting Oceana Naval Air Station for research into backgrounds suitable for an F-14 painting. When there I was fortunate enough to be invited to quick tour of VFA 211’s crew room and hangars, before accessing the apron and viewing what felt like a sea of Super Hornets! I’ve always admired the F-18 and so I was in aviation heaven!
I was pleased to be able to take plenty of reference photo’s for a new drawing that I had in mind. as I wanted to portray an action shot I was minded to depict an F/A-18E on the moment of take off.
Using my references I wanted to show a particular aircraft. After my visit to Oceana I also drew the squadron crest/badge, this was incorporated into my image for a VERY limited edition print.
I’ve been humbled by the squadron’s amazing reaction to the drawing, feedback and their response to the prints themselves. Some are still available – the original drawing too.