SEATTLE — On Dec. 8, renowned portrait and aviation artist John Shaw will share his thoughts about his craft, World War II aviation and the stories that inspire his paintings. Joining Shaw is aviation historian Larry Chambers. This unique program will blend tales of the war’s heroism with recent stories about the peace time heroics of Angel Flight West, a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs.
Chambers was once an Angel Flight patient, while one of Shaw’s most famous paintings is “A Higher Calling,” (pictured) which depicts an act of mercy during the air war of World War II. In keeping with the theme, a Puget Sound Blood Center bloodmobile will be onsite that day, where donors will be awarded 2- for 1-museum passes. The program is at 2 p.m. and free with admission to the museum.
John D. Shaw was born in 1961, and was raised in Carson City, Nev. From as far back as he can remember, he was interested in creating visually exciting artwork. In the early ’80s he began his career in Illustration and graphic design. Since then, he has created a wide variety of commercial artwork for clients including LucasFilm, Major League Baseball, Kellogg’s, and in all aspects of software design. Shaw has also created commissioned work for other publishers, organizations and individuals, involving historical personalities ranging from the original Mercury astronauts to both Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush. Shaw’s personal art has taken a serious direction highlighting America’s great veterans, with a special interest in World War II aviation. He is now regarded as one of the great aviation artists, according to museum officials.
For more information: LibertyStudios.us, MuseumOfFlight.org
Are there prints of the above painting? The book was fantastic. Once you start, you can’t put it down.
There must be. I talked to a friend who has a copy signed by both pilots!