Born and raised in Augusta, GA, Russell's love of flying was instilled at a very young age. Some of his earliest memories are of his father taking his family flying. Beginning with a model B-25 at age seven, his interest of aviation and knowledge of aircraft grew as he poured much his childhood energy into model airplanes.

While majoring in art at Augusta State University and studying the works of master artists, Russell also discovered the works of aviation artists such as Robert Taylor and Kieth Ferris. He realized then that there is a spiritual connection between art and aviation and from there his course was set.

Russell expresses his lifelong passion for aviation through his art. He finds great expressive power in the shapes of aircraft and the movements involved in flight, and is  fascinated by how light can be used to create a mood. Translating those ideas into color, shape, and line is the backbone of his work. With an emphasis on composition, he tries to use those concepts to create pieces that convey to the viewer his love of the subject.

A native of NC, Rector joined the Navy out of college but was recruited into the AVG to help protect the Burma Road from the Japanese onslaught. As a member of the AVG's 2nd squadron, the "Panda Bears", Col. Rector scored 6.5 victories in his P-40B Tomahawk #36. He participated in many key AVG missions, including the decisive attacks on the Japanese troop as they attempted to cross the Salween Gorge, as depicted in "The Bite of The Tiger". Rector would go on to become vice squadron leader of the 2nd squadron and would score more victories as a member of the 23rd Fighter Group, the sucessor to the AVG.

"Bite of the Tiger" Co-signed by Col. Ed Rector

$95.00
 Artist Proof - $125
23.5" x 33.5"

Signed and numbered Col. Ed Rector
and the artist
L/E of 500 and 50 artist proofs

A Thumbnail Gallery of Russell Smith Prints
Click on any image for a larger picture and details.

"Belle of Bassingbourn"
Signed by Col. Bob Morgan"

"Bite of the Tiger"
Signed by Col. Ed Rector

"Winged Valor"

"Fokker DR.1
Depicting Werner Voss' aircraft.

"Werner Voss" - Sketch

"Albatros D.Va."

"Blue Angels 1"

"Face Off"

"Piedmont Falcons"

Commission a Painting or Sketch...
Russell Smith is available for commission work. For a truly "limited edition" piece, why not commission your own painting or sketch? Inquire for details.

"Albatros D.Va."

This print depicts the airplane of Hauptmann Eduard Ritter von Schleich, who was credited with 36 victories.

$30.00
Signed, Open Edition, 13" x 19"

"Sixth on the Sixth"

Rebirth of a Legend
Signed by Scott Crossfield
$75.00

RIVETING IMAGES  3827 RED OAK COURT, OSHKOSH, WI 54902  USA
PH. (920) 410-7988    www.riveting-images.com   email:kerry@riveting-images.com
Evening and Weekend Calls Welcome through 10 PM CT