A much-anticipated highlight every summer at the Atlantic City Air Show is an appearance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Their daring high-speed maneuvers and precision formations thrill the thousands gathered on the beaches and buildings around Atlantic City. Artist Tim Smith is tasked with the challenge of transforming that energy and excitement onto a 24” x 36” canvas for a very special commissioned painting he will unveil just in time for the Air Show.
Tim Smith said he loves a challenge like this. Known for his spontaneous realism style, he is using a photo of four F-16 Fighting Falcons for inspiration. Smith said he puts the photo on his iPad and strips all the color from it. He is using a red, white, and blue palette for the Thunderbirds. “Painting, to me, is like a puzzle. You have to balance the warms, and the cools and capture the depth with shading. One of the challenges is to know when it is finished. I have to step back and really assess the painting. I do not want to overpaint or overthink it. They are constantly in sync when they fly, so I am working to capture the excitement of the Thunderbirds as well as their precision. This is a challenge, but it is also a wonderful and fun opportunity, added Smith.
Aside from the original painting, there will be posters made of the Tim Smith original Thunderbird painting that the artist will sign, and they will be available for sale.
To see more of Tim Smith’s paintings, www.TheArtworkOfTimSmith.com
