"The Starlifters" - Dru Blair - C-141 Starlifter Aviation Art

DRU BLAIR

Dru Blair was born in Newbern, NC., September 7. Growing up in Columbia, SC, his ambitions originally were directed toward a career in medicine. However, during his undergraduate studies at Furman University in Greenville, SC, he discovered an artistic ability. He switched majors his senior year and graduated in 1981 with a BA. degree in art. He later found employment in Myrtle Beach, SC. as an airbrush artist painting shirts. He continued his education at the University of South Carolina in Columbia earning a Masters Degree in 1984. He worked in Atlanta from 1985-1987 transitioning to commercial illustration.

In 1988 he won the National Airbrush Excellence Award, which ushered in a wave of commercial opportunities. The following year he produced his first aviation painting, "Power" which became the first of three Air Force Magazine covers and remains the number one selling aviation print in the world .

Dru Blair is an Air Force Association Life Member (1989), Honorary Member of the United States Air Force (since 1991), Army Aviation Association of America Life Member (since 1993) , member of the North Carolina Association of Designers and Illustrators (since 1989), member of the Air Force Art Program (since 1991), member of the Graphic Artists Guild (since 1993), Artist Fellow member of the American Society of Aviation Artists (since 1994), and board member of the International Airbrush Association. He has been featured in television interviews and on dozens of magazine covers. His paintings can be found in hundreds of magazine and book publications. Commercial projects have included popular themes such as the Budweiser Bullfrogs . He has produced a half dozen instructional videos on airbrush techniques and is a featured lecturer at the World Airbrush Exposition. In march he was the Guest of Honor at the International Airbrush Forum held in Germany which drew over 10,000 artists from around the world. He was the official artist for Star Trek: Voyager book covers, as well as several of the other Star Trek licensees. Dru currently resides outside of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dru Blair S/N Limited Edition Print "The Starlifters"

Considered by many to be the finest heavy airlifters in the history of the world, a pair of C-141 Starlifters are displayed in striking repose as the crews prepare to launch yet another mission.

Beginning operations in the mid 60’s, the Starlifter has proven its worthiness time and time again in several theaters including Vietnam, Panama, the Gulf War, and Yugoslavia. It has tirelessly performed its mission role as a long-range, high speed, heavy logistic transport moving a maximum amount of materials in the shortest time possible. Whether carrying troops, equipment and supplies, returning patients to U.S. hospitals or providing battalion sized airdrops, the superb performance of this aircraft and its ability to make rapid long distance flights at little notice, is underscored by its record of dependability and endurance.

Sadly, the C-141B is scheduled to be phased out by the new McDonnell/Douglas C-17 Globemaster III, and is to be fully out of commission sometime around the year 2002. Drawdowns and organizational restructuring have already begun at the eight remaining C-141B bases nationwide. This painting pays tribute to the memory of the C-141, and to the men and women who served aboard her.

"The Starlifters" is carefully reproduced on 100 lb. Archival Stock, each print is individually signed, numbered and inspected by the artist for color consistency and accuracy and is limited to 950 signed and numbered lithographs. Artist proofs available for an additional $100. A certificate of authenticity is offered with each print. As the demand for this print will certainly exceed the availability, we encourage you to act quickly to ensure your copy.

15" by 39" Limited Edition print is signed by the artist

Also available as a S/N Artist Proof - limited to 100 - $225.00

All Limited Edition prints are signed and numbered (S/N) by the artist. Limited Edition prints are restricted to a certain number. For example, if 400 prints are made from an original painting, once they’re gone, that’s it. There is no limit to the number of open edition prints of a particular painting. That’s why Limited Edition prints are more expensive — and more valuable to collectors — than "open" edition. Rare objects are more valuable.

An Artist’s Proof (AP), generally, is the first 5% - 10% of the Limited Edition prints that come off the press. This status is noted on the print. Collectors prefer APs because their value increases even more than a Limited Edition as time goes by.

All Limited Edition artwork is subject to availability at time of order. Although seller strives to remain currrent as to inventory, seller reserves the right to cancel a sale if item is no longer available at time of purchase.