This unusual American jet fighter is the subject of one of 10 small paintings commissioned by a friend and art collector in the US. Efficient in the air, but hazardous operating from carrier decks, this aircraft had a high accident loss rate and had a short service life with the US NAVY. Painting bare metal is challenging for an artist, but I am glad for the challenge and was able to use this to good effect on the Cutlass’s colourful livery scheme. This was the first time I had painted this fighter and I was glad for the opportunity to paint one of the lesser-known jet aircraft.
This magnificent aircraft is the subject of this painting commissioned by a client in the UK, the country of origin of the Shackleton. This Mk3 model was one of 8 or so aircraft used by the SAAF from the late 1950’s up until 1984. As a young, boy I saw a flight of 6 Shackletons fly over our school, so there is a measure of sentiment each time I have the opportunity to paint this beautiful aeroplane. I was interested to learn that the client who ordered this original, owns one of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engines from Shackleton 1717.
