"Thunderstruck" - Dru Blair - A-10 Thunderbolt "Warthog" 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 Signed Open Edition Print "Thunderstruck"

For sheer firepower, there isn’t much that compares to the A-10. Designated the “Thunderbolt II,” but more affectionately known as the “Warthog,” the A-10 is among the most lethal and most resilient aircraft to enter the force. The A-10 is the first aircraft designed specifically for close air support and can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm. The aircraft was built around its GAU-8/A Avenger seven-barreled cannon, the most powerful gun ever fitted to a tactical aircraft. The ultimate measure of a fighting force’s effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in the past year and many combat scenarios will be played out toe-to-toe with the enemy at close quarters. Despite improved capabilities of potential adversaries, the A-10 accomplishes its mission by its capacity to deliver punishing firepower, yet withstand astonishing damage at extremely close quarters. "Thunderstruck” depicts a pair of “Hawgs” ravaging a column of tanks in the close confines of a mountain road. With its GAU-8/A Avenger blazing, the lead aircraft makes short work of the enemy’s assets, as the ground passes by in a blur of speed.

“Thunderstruck” is carefully reproduced on 100 lb. Archival Stock, each print is individually signed and inspected by the artist for color consistency and accuracy.

24" by 30" Open Edition print is signed by the artist

Also available as a S/N Artist Proof - limited to 100 - $165.00

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.