Aviation Art of William S. Phillips

dave 911 · dave 911's Garage

I've had a poster since the late '80's titled 'Shorebirds at Point Lobos', of the Blue Angels flying over the beach, by William S. Phillips...it's one of just a few of my bachelor decorations that the wife approves of

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A friend of mine loaned me the coffee table book 'The Aviation Art of William S. Phillips' - and it's fantastic. I didn't realize who he was (even though his name is on the poster in the hallway) or how prolific or GOOD he is. He does paintings from pre-WWI to modern day, and every one of them is fantastic. Being a former Navy flight officer I can definitely appreciate his accuracy and attention to detial.

https://www.google.com/images?hl=en&gbv=2&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ei=t4QyVMemGLiZsQSo4oL4Aw&ved=0CCAQsAQ&q=aviation%20art%20of%20william%20s&tbm=isch

Does anyone have any of his prints?

herr_oberst · 10-06-2014, 04:51 AM

His use of light and shadow is amazing. Some of those paintings glow like they're backlit.

yazhound · yazhound's Garage

This is a great link. My father flew Hueys in VN for two tours. Also as Army aviator liasoned with the 33TFW was first guy in Army to have his name on an F-15. With Christmas coming this gives me some ideas. Thanks

BE911SC · 10-06-2014, 07:36 AM

I have several of his works. "The Hunter Becomes the Hunted" hangs in my living room as does the B-29 work "Fifty Miles Out."

bmcuscgr94 · bmcuscgr94's Garage

Have always wanted one of his works. My favorite is this one:

Artifacts Gallery - Point Bonita: The Last Light

My son served on the aircraft carrier in the picture and has gone under the Golden Gate on board. I served in the CG and have gone past that light and under the GG more than once.

2porscheguy · 2porscheguy's Garage

I have always loved his work!

Some 10 years ago I decided to offer to each of my close friends, as a birthday present, an oil painting of their choice. One couple asked me if I could paint (OK, copy!) two works by W. S. Phillips with some "modifications", for their gift:

J didn't want the aircraft and schooner in the painting. He wanted me to emphasize the lighthouse and make it the focal point.

G didn't want the sleigh and horses in the painting. She wanted the sun reflected on the snow to be the focal point.

I didn't argue as this was their wish.

These were my attempts!

I decided to "advance" the sunset so that the clouds and snow would appear a little more vibrant. (Note: This is actually just a pic of the painting and not the painting itself.)

I haven't painted in quite awhile but someday I hope to find the time to get back into it....just thought I'd share this as I, too am a great fan of W. S.'s work!