Aviation Commissions
Bespoke oil paintings of seaplanes, warbirds, military jets, and airliners.
A painting that captures the aircraft
and the sky it belongs to.
The Spitfire your grandfather flew, the airliner that carried you across the Atlantic, the squadron jet you spent a career maintaining. A painting captures the feeling of flight in a way that photographs and models can't match.
Accurate in every detail, alive with atmosphere, permanent. Whether it's a retirement gift, a squadron presentation, or a personal piece for your own wall, the result is a unique original artwork.
For Pilots & Aircrew
A personal tribute to an aircraft you flew or served on — or the perfect gift for someone who did. From first solo to final sortie, captured in oil on canvas.
For Squadrons & Organisations
Mess presentations, squadron anniversaries, and corporate displays — with full reproduction rights so the painting works across your organisation as prints, gifts, and merchandise.
For Enthusiasts & Collectors
A warbird you've always admired, a type that shaped history, or an aircraft connected to your family: commemorated in traditional oils as a serious piece of original artwork.
M-130 Inbound to Honolulu
14″ × 20″ · Oil on panelA Pan Am Martin M-130 descending over Diamond Head on the approach into Hawaii
Around the Mark - Monaco 1914
14″ × 20″ · Oil on boardHoward Pixton's Sopwith Tabloid during the Schneider Trophy competition
Crossing the Pond
10″ × 12″ · Oil on boardA British Airwarys Boeing 777 over the Atlantic en route to Tampa
Harriet Quimby
10″ × 12″ · Oil on boardHarriet Quimby's Bleriot XI passing Dover's cliffs before her successful Channel crossing
See more aviation paintings in the gallery
Your Experience
A straightforward, friendly process with regular updates. Four main stages from first conversation to having the painting on the wall.
Discussion
A brief call or email exchange to cover what you have in mind. The aircraft, the occasion, any deadline, and the size that suits. No formal brief needed — just a conversation.
Sketch
I research the aircraft and produce a compositional sketch for your approval. You'll see the angle, setting, and markings before any paint is committed — and adjustments are straightforward at this stage.
Painting
The painting is created over six to eight weeks in traditional oils. I'll send progress images at key stages so you can follow the work as it develops.
Delivery
Professionally framed, fully insured, and shipped to you worldwide. High-resolution digital files can be included for reproduction — corporate prints, merchandise, or squadron use.
Surface & Detail
These are paintings made to be lived with — built up in careful layers of oil paint with compelling colour, detailed brushwork, designed for your wall. Every commission is a one-of-a-kind original.
Straightforward process with an outstanding result
Works delivered to the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. Fully insured shipping worldwide.
Gregory Smith
Gregory Smith is a British artist working in traditional oils, specialising in maritime and aviation subjects. A multiple award-winner at the Guild of Aviation Artists' exhibitions and seven-time exhibitor with the Royal Society of Marine Artists, his work spans historic and modern shipping and aircraft — all approached with the same commitment to technical accuracy and atmospheric quality.
Every commission is approached practically and collaboratively — built from manufacturer's drawings, technical plans, photographic archives, and direct consultation. The aim is to get the aircraft right first, then bring it to life with genuine atmosphere.
Ready to discuss a commission?
Whether it's a gift for a retiring pilot, a squadron presentation, a piece for a family member who served, or simply an aircraft you've always admired — I'd welcome hearing from you. A quick conversation is all that's needed to start.
Common Questions
What if I don't have reference photographs of the aircraft?
Not a problem at all. Sourcing references is a core part of what I do. Simply provide the aircraft type, serial number, squadron, or approximate dates and I'll locate technical drawings, museum archives, and photographic reference to ensure accuracy — including correct markings, colour schemes, and period details.
Can you paint a specific aircraft my relative flew?
Yes. I regularly paint aircraft connected to a specific pilot or crew member — often as memorial or retirement gifts. Provide whatever information you have (squadron number, aircraft type, dates of service, any photographs) and I'll research the rest to ensure the painting is historically accurate.
Do you paint modern military jets as well as warbirds?
Yes. I paint aircraft from all eras — from First World War biplanes through Second World War fighters and bombers to modern fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft. Cold War subjects, Falklands-era Harriers, and current RAF and Fleet Air Arm types are all within scope.
Can you work to a specific deadline?
Yes. Commissions are frequently timed to retirements, squadron disbandments, anniversaries, and presentation events. If you're working toward a fixed date, let me know from the start and I'll confirm the timeline before any work begins.
What are reproduction rights and why do they matter?
For squadron and corporate commissions, I include full commercial reproduction rights. This means you can use the painting image for prints, mess gifts, squadron merchandise, event programmes, and publications — anything your organisation needs.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Works are professionally packed, fully insured, and delivered worldwide. I've shipped to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and further.