May we all remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice during the battles for our freedoms. Happy Memorial day.

Today we add a couple of art works that are commissions. First up we have an updated B-52. This time a G model which flew missions during Operation Desert Storm. “Lets Make A Deal”, B-52G s/n 58-0173, was one of the first B-52’s deployed to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. In fact she launched out of her home base, Wurtsmith AFB, MI., in the early morning hours of Jan. 18, 1991 and flew an 18.5 hour mission to Saudi Arabia. During the war she completed 42 missions for a total of 190.6 hours. The aircraft retired to AMARC at Davis Monthan AFB, with a total of 14,331 hours accumulated flying time. This art work was commissioned by a EWO who stood alert in this aircraft while at Wurtsmith, as well as flew a few missions during Desert Storm.

Next up we have another KC-10 Extender aircraft. This one has a special background which includes three F-22’s approaching for much needed fuel. This is a special retirement print for a member of the 605th AMXS. As you can see we can accommodate all kinds of requests for custom prints.

I have also added a couple pictures I took at the Plane of Fame air show. A P-51D from the 352nd FG. “Heller Bust” looked factory fresh and as even carrying a couple bombs on the under wing pylons. The detail of this restoration is awesome as even the bomb arming wires were included. She looked great in the air and along with all the other Mustangs that seemed to be everywhere. There was at least 12-15 P-51’s in the air at one time early in the show. From an A-36, a P-51A, a P-51B/C and numerous D’s, the Mustang seemed to dominate the show. Lets not forget there were also two P-38’s at the show and the second picture I have added is a great formation shot of a P-38 and an unmarked P-51D. Again if you have never been to this air show make sure you put it on the calendar for next year. Prints of these two pictures are available for purchase.

I also want to announce that we will be discontinuing the 11×14 size prints. Going forward we will be offering a 12×17 size print in place of the 11×14. The prints will be priced at $35. Not to much of an increase seeing as the paper is a heavier weight then the older 11×14 size and slightly bigger size. There are some 11×14 prints still available of existing prints and they will be offered until they are gone. The cost will remain the same, $30.

That’s about it for now. Enjoy the holiday weekend and keep checking back as there are lots of new art works coming soon.

I would like to take a minute to thank all the people who stopped by the booth at the Planes of Fame air show. You made our first air show vendor experience a success. I was overwhelmed by the response to my art. Everyone seemed to love the caricatures. It was fun watching as people passed by the booth, look at the art and either smiled, laugh or said “Ohhh how cute.” Those that took the time to stop in, take a closely look and say Hi seemed really impressed with detail and uniqueness of the art. It made my day and filled me with encouragement for future art.

I also want to thank everyone that purchased a print or prints from Blackheart Art. Your support is greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy your caricatures.

Again much heart felt thanks to everyone for the kind words and suggestions for future art.

A quick update on up coming caricatures. I am currently working on a B-52G and will be starting on a MD-520N NOTAR for the Burbank PD. There had been allot of requests for more helicopters like the AH-1 Cobra, UH-1 Huey and a few others especially police department birds. There seems to be interest in the Century series fighters as well. F-100, F-105 and other Vietnam era aircraft. I even had someone interested in the new F-35. So look for some of these soon.

Well here we go. The big push to get ready for the Planes of Fame airshow is in full swing. We are down to the last day or so of prep work, getting the booth ready, prints indexed and boxed. This is going to be a crazy weekend. Wish me luck.

Oh and I would like to thank all the fine men and women at the Pasadena Police Department air support division. They put on a great Helicopter Awareness day and BBQ, the other day, and where kind enough to invite Blackheart Art to attend as a vendor. Each and everyone connected with the event went out of their way to make sure everything went smoothly and made sure we had everything we needed. They even allowed me time on the flight line so I could “gather intel” as one office put it, grabbing pictures for future caricatures. Thanks to all and I look forward to next year. Oh and congrats to Burbank PD for winning the raffle and the custom caricature of their MD520 NOTAR. I look forward to working on that one.

Okay just in time for the Planes of Fame airshow I present two new P-51D caricatures. First up the Mustang flown by legendary pilot Chuck Yeager. This P-51D is named “Glamorous Glen III“. Capt. Yeager flew this aircraft when he was with the 363rd FS/ 357th Fighter Group. His final WWII tally was 11.5 victories. Next up we have one of the top scoring Mustang aces of WWII, Maj George Preddy and his “Cripes A Mighty 3rd“. Maj Preddy downed 4 aircraft in one mission in this aircraft (one kill was later changed to probable) then on Aug. 6th 1944 he scored 6 Me-109’s in one mission. The most of any pilot with the 352nd.

So there you go. these will be the last updates added before the airshow. Remember, if you are coming out to the airshow this weekend, please stop by the booth and say Hi. I would love to meet some of my fans.

One last add. I will be phasing out my 11×14 size prints and moving to a slightly bigger size. Once out of 11×14 sixes, we will be offering a 11.5×16.5 size print. These prints while slightly lager are also heavier. The cost will be $35 for the new size prints. This is not to much of an increase when you consider you are getting a bigger, heavier print.

Well that’s all for now. Have a good one and wish me luck.

Today we add a couple new caricatures. First up, is a updated Hornet flown by VMFA-232. I have been working with the CO of MALS-11 down at MCAS Miramar, for several months now, to create a print they could use as a retirement/ presentation gift. Instead of a plaque they wanted to do something different. They ordered a print that included all the squadron aircraft they support. MALS-11 is the oldest squadron in the Corp and they support all the fixed wing squadrons based at Miramar. So the print includes a caricature of each squadron, VMFA-323,232, and 314, VMFA (AW) 225 and 121, VMFAT-101, all Hornets both single seat and 2 seat versions, and the KC-130 Squadron VMGR-352. The MALS-11 unit patch is the center piece. Well I received the good news that they wanted the print. They also sent along a set of pictures updating me as to the change in markings for one of the Hornets. All the aircraft on the print depict the squadrons colorfully painted aircraft. It seems that VMFA-232, the “Red Devils” changed their paint scheme. So I updated the Hornet I had completed months ago to accurately portray the new scheme. The aircraft now shows a paint scheme that is very reminiscent of the paint schemes the unit carried on their F-4 Phantoms back in the 70’s. I like this scheme more the the previous one and I am so glad they used something other then black which seems to be a trend with allot of squadrons. Hopefully I will get the MALS-11 print up on the site soon so you can all see it, and maybe it will give the commanders of other squadrons ideas… hint hint hint.

Next up is a new MD500E caricature. Pasadena Police Department recently acquired a brand new MD500E to add to their fleet of helos. I had the pleasure of meeting the guys at their Air Operations unit and got to photograph a couple of their helos. They are a good bunch of guys and have even invited me to their annual helo day and BBQ, where I will be a vendor. So here is their new MD500E caricature.

Lastly something fun. I was recently asked to come up with a design using one of my aircraft caricatures, that could include a sports theme and the name and number for my nephew. He plays football and volleyball for Temple City High School. My sister wanted something different and something she could put on a tee shirt and give to him as a birthday present. I had just finished the SPAD and thought it worked out perfectly. So here is a custom painted Spad XIII. Ohh and shhhhhh, his birthday isn’t till Tuesday the 11th so don’t tell him. I had fun with this one and just so you know there is also a volleyball version and could be a basketball version soon. It is just that easy to have a custom caricature. So feel free to email and ask for yours today. While I do this for the love of the art, it is still how I make much need $$$$.

Last add……I can’t believe it is just over a week before the Planes of Fame Airshow. Time feels like its slipping away. As this will be my first airshow as a vendor I am desperately getting prints made and hope to have enough for the show. If anyone out there is coming and wants to order a print now to pick up at the show (which will save shipping costs) please feel free to order the print now and I can have it ready for you at the show.

See you at the Show!!!