“Global Reach for America” is a private commission done for the leadership of Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.
This artwork is to be awarded as a gift from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander to departing Group Commanders.
This project was quite extensive as I had to get all the major elements and all the details incorporated into a cohesive composition, including the hangers, aircraft in flight, and insignia.

Process:

Started with a preliminary sketch.


Added the line art on a separate layer.

Finished basic line art layer. Turned off sketch layer.

I added a the aircraft silhouettes with mid-tone value gray.

Added some detail and shadows.

Added some color to the hangars.

Added detail and color to foreground.

Close-up detail of U.S. flag for tail art.

92nd Air Refueling Wing emblem. Motto: DUPLUM INCOLUMITATIS (Twofold Security).

Close-up detail of nose insignia.

Close-up detail of KC-135 tanker tail art,

Close-up detail of KC-135 tanker in flight.

Added color to the sky background.

Close-up detail of B-17 Bomber nose art.

Close-up detail of B-17 Bomber.

Completed artwork.
For more information on the 92nd ARW: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/92nd_Air_Refueling_Wing