"Freedom Isn't Free" - James Dietz - Military Art

The growing popularity of aviation art has brought before the public eye the works of a number of professional aviation artists. Among these one artist stands out for his unique approach to this genre. "The people, settings, and costumes are what make aviation history exciting and romantic to me." It is this feeling that makes James Dietz, and his artwork, so different from that of his contemporaries. Rather than simply illustrate aviation hardware, Dietz prefers to portray human involvement.

After graduation from Art Center College of Design in 1969, Jim began a successful career as a commercial illustrator in Los Angeles. The subject matter varied from automobiles to action scenes to romantic book covers. A steady flow of work from New York enabled the Dietz' to move to Seattle in 1978. It was at this time that he took his first concrete steps toward fulfilling his dream to specialize in aviation art, at that time an almost unheard of genre. Since then, aviation art has played an increasingly large part in his career. Jim Dietz's clients include Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Allison, and Flying Tigers, to name just a few.

Jim has also branched out into the fine arts field with his aviation art. A strong following has developed for his originals and a growing number of limited edition prints have introduced Jim's name to print collectors worldwide. Four of Jim's originals were put on display in the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation; one of the paintings was presented by the Navy League to then Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman. A regular contributor to the Air Force Art Program, Jim's work has been featured on the cover of AIR FORCE magazine.

Jim Dietz has been honored with several gold medals from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators and has won Best in Show in three successive years in the EAA Aviation Art Show. In 1988, at the second American Society of Aviation Artists forum, Jim was awarded the "People's Choice Award" for his painting selected by forum attendees. Major showings of Dietz's originals have recently been held at the EAA Museum and the San Diego Air Museum. His work is found in a number of private and corporate collections.

James Dietz Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Print "Freedom Isn't Free"

The Mobilization of American Guard and Reserve Forces for the War on Terrorism

No scene is more compelling to an appreciation of the price of freedom than one capturing the emotional departure of a service member from their families. Though almost routine for members of America’s active duty military, it becomes quite challenging for our citizen soldiers. Beginning with the first settlers, it was critical to their survival that every man was prepared to pick up a weapon and join with their neighbors to defend their homes. This requirement continues today as the active component has been downsized, placing greater responsibility on the shoulders of our National Guard and Reserve forces.

Then came the events of September 11, 2001. Within minutes of the tragic events of that day, the National Guard had units mobilized to assist in New York City, the Pentagon, and western Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, a full-scale mobilization occurred as National Guard and Reserve units responded to protect the American homeland in Operation Noble Eagle. This duty included security at all commercial airports, guarding nuclear power plants and water facilities, and numerous other civilian and military installations. Then came the call to Enduring Freedom, and most recently Iraqi Freedom.

In the final analysis, all Americans must understand that “Freedom isn’t Free.” To preserve those liberties that we enjoy require a tremendous sacrifice on the part of our entire military, including our National Guard and Reserve forces. In this limited edition print, renowned artist Jim Dietz has captured a typical scene where our citizen soldiers are about to answer duty’s call. Leaving their jobs, their homes, and their families, they continue to respond in the finest traditions established throughout our history. This print captures their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families to insure the liberty and security enjoyed by all Americans. “Freedom isn’t Free!”

Whenever the country calls, America’s National Guard and Reserves are there, Americans at their best. Whether serving their community in time of natural disaster, working in a state emergency, or serving in a federal status as part of the active component, the Guard and Reserve is there.

This 25-1/4" by 16-3/4" image size print, 31-1/4" by 23-1/4" overall, limited to 1000, is signed by the artist.

This print is also available as an Artist's Proof (limited to 100) - $200

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.