F/A-18 Super Hornet
Navy Super Hornets - Oil Paintings by Russell Recchion
These two original works of art were both created by Russell Recchion in 2021. They are the second and third paintings in Russ’s Naval Aviation Collection and follow his first painting, “Old Salt,” an oil painting of USS Nimitz. Each of these original works of art are being released as limited series fine art prints!
“Crossing The Ramp” depicts the Navy’s F/A-18E Super Hornet, single pilot version of this fighter-attack aircraft, at the moment of truth, landing on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. This original oil painting was created on canvas and measures 20” x 30.”
“Launch ‘Em!” The most recent painting of Russ’s collection features the Navy’s F/A-18F or “Foxtrot” version of the Super Hornet. This original oil painting captures an up close and personal view of a Super Hornet at the moment it is catapulted off the flight deck of a U.S Navy aircraft carrier! This spectacular original oil painting was created on canvas and measures 20” x 34.”
About the Artist
Russell Recchion is a master portrait artist who lives in Tucson Arizona. His paintings can be found in collections in Europe and across the United States. He has painted professionally for more than 30 years.
The versatility of Russell Recchion’s talent has enabled him to create a brand-new series of Military Art as he continues to win awards with his portrait work.
So what inspired Russ to paint two versions of the US Navy’s Super Hornet?
“In my painting ‘Crossing the Ramp,’ I loved the action of the F-18 Super Hornet approaching the moving flight deck of the aircraft carrier as the shadow becomes clearer and more in focus as the aircraft gets nearer to touching down. This is an observation I have made many times during commercial flights when I was peering out the window and observing the shadow changing as we got closer to wheels on the ground. I especially like the single yellow centerline stripe on the flight deck contrasting against the predominantly cool blues of the sea and greys that frame the landing navy jet. The combination of all these details gives the painting more interest and holds the viewer’s attention.”
In the third painting, ‘Launch ‘Em!,’ I love the drama created between man & machine! It represents the exact moment that a navy F-18 is catapulted off the flight deck and captures at that same moment, ‘The Shooter’ in the yellow vest signaling the launch. The movement of the Super Hornet is evident by the steam rising from the catapult track and the aviators being a little out of focus. There is also drama in the action of ‘The Shooter’ with his arm stretched out parallel to the nose and fuselage of the aircraft. The bright yellow of his vest also acts as a focal point of the painting as it contrasts against the predominantly darker cool colors.”
The combination of Russ’s dedication to detail and his bold use of colors brings to life on canvas the naval spirit of our fighting men and women that cannot be expressed through words.