Aviation Painting Commissions
Bespoke oil paintings of warbirds, flying boats, military jets, and airliners.
A painting that captures the aircraft
and the sky it belongs to.
For Pilots & Aircrew
A personal tribute to an aircraft you flew or served on — or the perfect retirement gift for someone who did. The Spitfire your grandfather flew, the squadron jet you spent a career maintaining, captured in oil on canvas with every detail correct.
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 — accurate in every detail, alive with atmosphere.
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 Airways Boeing 777 over the Atlantic en route to Tampa
Harriet Quimby
10″ × 12″ · Oil on boardHarriet Quimby's Blériot XI passing Dover's cliffs before her successful Channel crossing
Your Experience
Four stages from first conversation to painting on the wall. You'll know what's happening at every stage.
Discussion
A friendly call or email about the aircraft, the occasion, any deadline, and the size that suits. I'm happy to suggest what will work best if you're not sure.
Sketch & Approval
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. Nothing moves forward until you're happy.
Painting
Six to eight weeks in traditional oils, with progress photographs at regular intervals. You're welcome to comment at any point.
Delivery
Professionally framed, fully insured, shipped worldwide. High-resolution digital files can be included for reproduction — squadron prints, mess gifts, or corporate use. Timed to your deadline if needed.
Whether you guide every detail or leave the composition entirely to me, the process works the same way. Some clients arrive with detailed knowledge of the aircraft's markings and service history. Others simply name the type and enjoy watching the painting evolve. Both are completely fine.
Surface & Detail
These are paintings made to be lived with — built up in careful layers of oil paint with compelling colour, detailed brushwork, and the kind of physical presence that a print or photograph cannot replicate. From weathered panel lines to the luminosity of a sunset sky behind a Spitfire's wing. Every commission is a one-of-a-kind original.
I'm impressed with the professional way you approached the task with a desire to get it just right.
"Very straightforward process with an outstanding result"Private Collector, Switzerland
"It has arrived and is gorgeous!"Private Collector, USA
"Thank you Gregory! I'll contact you in some years with my next boat."Yacht Owner, Norway
A painting of the aircraft someone flew, served on, or has always admired — accurate in every detail. During our process, you can include personal touches: a specific serial number, a squadron crest, the markings from a particular date of service. An aviation painting they'll treasure.
I can composite the colour sketch and a frame into a photograph of your room so you can see exactly how it will look. I can also post you the physical colour study to test in your own light. Size guidance and framing consultation included as standard.
You Don't Need to Be an Art Expert
If you've never commissioned a painting before, you might be wondering how it works or what you're supposed to say. Most commissions start with a short email — often just an aircraft type, a squadron number, or a pilot's name.
There's no obligation to commit, and no question you should worry about asking. Whether you know every rivet position or simply want a Spitfire over the Channel, the process works the same way. Get in touch and I'll talk you through it.
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 aircraft — from First World War biplanes and interwar flying boats through to modern airliners.
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 artistic 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?
Not a problem. Sourcing references is a core part of what I do. Provide the aircraft type, squadron, or any other details, and I'll locate technical drawings, museum archives, and photographic reference — including correct markings and colour schemes.
Modern jets as well as warbirds?
Yes — the technical drawing and painting requirements to create one type of aircraft carry across to all forms of aviation, so I can work with any period of flying.
Can you work to a deadline?
Yes — commissions are regularly timed to events. Let me know the date and I'll confirm the timeline upfront.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Works are professionally packed, fully insured, and delivered worldwide.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit secures your slot, with the balance on completion. Formal quotations available on request — including for squadron and corporate procurement.