Some months ago I received a commission artwork from the Director of Intelligence of 27FG from Langley AFB in Virginia. The request was a litho of their last bird, the F/A-22 RAPTOR.

I got lots of pictures including details and some more informations on this unusual subject (at least for me till today). The disponibility of the 27^th Fighter Group was complete and allowed me to draw this artwork stright from nothing, preparing also the lineart. Thanks to all “Fightin’Eagles” men.

 

 

Construction

 

Some highlights on the artwork

I started to study carefully all the pictures that 1FW gave me on this subjet. So joining this material to some more stuff in my bookshelf I prepared the line art with Corel Draw 11.

Once this was ready I made a bitmap from this lineart almost 4900 pxls as lenght. Over this wired looking Raptor, using Corel Photo Paint, I applyed all my skill in shadowing and detailing.

I decided to write this article to show some tips on my way of doing such a kind of artworks. Here is a sandwich looking of intermediate steps:

Joining all the layers all together, here is the base of the artwork: Adding some more shadwos and lights, I got this:

Concerning the cockpit and the glass reflex, in this picture are shown all the layers needed to get this drop looking glass:

The final one: Here are some details of the final artwork. This lithograph can be purchased through the online catalogue http://www.aviationgraphic.com 

Detail Images

 

           
 

Conclusion

Lockheed Martin F/A-22 Raptor 03-042

27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing Langley Air Force Base, Virginia

Art. JP-148

Size 30x40 cm Size 11.8"x15,7"