#Plane art

[theglitterdome]

Jane Russell as plane art in WWII

[zipperpillar]

This is what Area51 is hiding from you

[usnatarchives]

Tailspin Tapestries: The Colorful Faces of WWII Aircraft 🃏

Nose art, the decorative painting or design on the fuselage of military aircraft, has a storied history that peaked during World War II. This vibrant, often cheeky artwork served as a morale booster for the crew, adding a personal touch to the grimness of war and providing a sentimental tie to the home they were fighting to protect. The practice traces its origins to Italian and German pilots in World War I, but it was during World War II that American airmen embraced this form of expression with unparalleled creativity.

World War II represented the golden age of nose art, with American crews stationed in Europe and the Pacific leading in creativity. Artworks ranged from ferocious animals and cartoon characters to pin-up girls and patriotic symbols, each with a unique name that reflected the aircraft's character, the crew's aspirations, or an inside joke among the squadron. Names like "Memphis Belle," "Enola Gay," and "Sack Time" became as legendary as the aircraft themselves, symbolizing the spirit of the crew and their mission.

Nose art was crucial to boosting morale among crew members, providing a sense of individuality and ownership over their aircraft in an otherwise regimented and dehumanizing environment. This artwork fostered an emotional attachment to their planes, with each piece a vivid manifestation of the crew's bond. It represented a piece of home and personality in foreign skies, a reminder of what they fought for and the camaraderie that sustained them.

The subject matter of nose art varied widely, reflecting diverse personalities within the crews. Cartoons and comic characters like Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny were favorites for their humor and relatability. Artwork also featured fierce sharks, tigers, and eagles, symbolizing the aircraft and crew's power and aggression.

Many nose art pieces were painted by the crew members themselves, though some squads had designated artists. Individuals like Don Allen, who painted nearly 100 pieces of nose art, were celebrated for their contributions. Using whatever materials were at hand, these artists created masterpieces under challenging conditions, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and talent.

The practice of nose art declined after World War II, largely due to stricter military regulations and the evolving nature of warfare. However, its legacy endures, captivating historians, veterans, and enthusiasts. World War II nose art remains a powerful reminder of the human element amidst war's machinery, a colorful testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of those who served.

The National Archives holds a treasure trove of photographs featuring this iconic nose art, often discovered in ordinary crew photos where the art itself isn't the primary focus of the image. This creates a fascinating treasure hunt for enthusiasts and researchers alike, offering glimpses into the past where this artwork accompanies stories of bravery, camaraderie, and the personal touches that made these aircraft more than just machines of war.

More resources on the National Archives website and Catalog:

https://nara.getarchive.net/topics/nose+art https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww2/photos

[janontoast]

Painted plane on a plane

[boeing-787]

i finally finished the Airbus A350 painting before the end of 2023!

2nd version is without the colour editing etc.

here's to another year of plane art 🎉

[polar-equinoxx]

sparkling✨

[celestite-caroline]

oughh random gusty doodle because I realized I changed how his alt mode looks

[diadotcom]

spitfire birthday present poster💃💃💃

[demichrising]

[themissingmango]

🌈 Pride Planes shop updates! It’s been a busy month so I thought I’d share everything that’s now available and where.

Firstly, wallpapers!

this pack is available over here on my ko-fi and includes a few variations on the ace plane that I think are quite fun!

INPRNT is next and I’ll link that here

Finally, Redbubble! Linked here where you can find the bi-plane sticker that I’m really excited about!! 💙💜💖 ✈️

[sibbydoo]

“Champion of the Freeway” (2024)

Here’s a commissioned book cover illustration for my dad. It’s a tribute to a late friend of his who owned an Aeronca Champ plane; that friend had apparently flown around a lot and would have picnics in clearings on his own, and that is something I find so so frickin cool!

[aviatrix-ash]

Been wanting to jump on the airplane furry/animal art trend with the lil plane I’m (slowly) restoring. They’re a lil Preceptor N-3 Ultra Pup, or the miniature ultralight Piper Cub from Wish with a little 1960s VW bug engine under the hood. I plan on painting a sorta retro PSA inspired Ace Pride livery on it. :3

This little friend loves nose spinner boops and AvGas treats. Just beware of the propeller when giving pets, their propeller spins when they’re happy, they would be very sad if their prop accidentally nipped a friendly hand ;o;

[lockheed-martin-unofficial]

POV: you are Pilot

Inspiration under the cut:

(This and the scene in Django where Schultz says he feels vaguely responsible for Django)

[zipperpillar]

Made an au where all my characters r just airplanes, here’s my character Marlow, as an Airbus a380 :P

[nocternalrandomness]

Flying Lady and Her P-40 by Anthony VanArsdale

[aviafoil]

A plane that is somehow ticklish