Jim Stovall started his career as an aviation artist while serving as a crew chief on several USAF aircraft and later as tail gunner on B-52 bombers. This hands on experience has gone a long way to help know what looks correct. To date Jim has produced and marketed over 65 limited edition prints since 1979 and over 60,000 limited edition prints sold. Jim also served in the US Navy as a Sonarman. One of only two men qualified in both USAF B-52 bombers (Tail Gunner) and US Navy Submarines (Sonar Tech). US Navy, Retired.
Before starting work, Jim does a very detailed study of his subject. This normally involves getting close to the subject even if it is hanging from the ceiling of a museum. The result is the best study in technically accurate, high detailed military art work available. Jim's specialty is the weathered and worn operational aircraft and armor used by the U.S. military. People have enjoyed studying the details of his prints for over 30 years.
His prints range from the Spad XIII and Nieuport 23 of World War I vintage to the F-117 Stealth fighter as will as U.S. Army armored vehicles and helicopters. All are drawn just the way the crews remember them, right down to the chipped paint and oil stains.
The prints also represent a technical documentation of equipment and procedures used today as will as the past. As we all know, when equipment is upgraded or replaced there seems to be a rush to get rid of the old equipment. It seems to vanish over night. The surviving examples are restored to like new and left in a museum. They will never look the way that you remember them in the field again.
Historically correct military art is an important part of saving our past and passing it on.
