Above the Barrage &
The Last Patrol
WWI Anniversary Prints Preview

by Leo Stevenson

Roden's 1/32 scale DH.2 is available online from Squadron.com

I wanted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War and so, with my interest in historic aircraft, here are two new paintings, fresh off my easel.

‘Above the Barrage’ shows a Royal Flying Corps RE.8 flying above an early morning artillery barrage during the Battle of Arras in May 1917. This type of aircraft was mainly used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting, which were very dangerous tasks – especially when the Red Baron and his ‘flying circus’ was known to be in the area. On the 24th May 1917 this particular aircraft was flown by 2lt CCF Osborn and observer Sgt J Lewis on patrol over Belgium when it was forced to land by anti-aircraft fire and they were taken as prisoners of war by the Germans. The RE.8 was a delightfully eccentric but attractive aircraft and I wanted to contrast its serene beauty with the horror of what was happening on the ground.

‘The Last Patrol’ shows three SE.5a aircraft belonging to the newly formed Royal Air Force in the spring of 1918. The title is deliberately ambiguous; you can read it as the last patrol of the day or the last patrol of this terrible war. In this painting the contrast between the subject and the backdrop is reversed, the contrast here is between the beauty of nature and the purposeful determination of these rugged and pugnacious aircraft. The pace of technological development in this war was astonishing; in less than four years the relatively simple flying machines used at the start of the war quickly evolved into deadly and sophisticated weapons such as this SE.5a, one of the best fighters of the war. Sadly, I am reminded that mankind is always more inventive and creative in the time of war.

In the near future you will be able to buy these original oil paintings directly from me; if you are interested please contact me about this via my website – www.leostevenson.com .

Also, within one month from now I will launch a series of high-quality limited-edition prints of these two paintings. Only 150 hand-signed and individually numbered prints of each painting will be available worldwide. As a special introductory offer you can pre-order a print of either painting for only £65, or you can have both for only £99 if you order them at the same time*. This offer only lasts until the end of August 2014. If you wish to pre-order these prints please contact me by email on leopaint8591-leoweb@yahoo.co.uk and I will send you a PayPal invoice so that you can order your print[s] securely and safely.

These prints are ‘giclée’ prints that are made using very high quality acid-free paper and archival quality inks. The prints measure as follows – ‘Above the Barrage’ approx. 280x410 mm, ‘The Last Patrol’ approx. 323x371mm.

*PLEASE NOTE postage and packing is free within the UK, but for buyers outside of the UK please add £10 to your order. Prints will be sent within 28 days of the order being received.

Leo Stevenson

www.leostevenson.com

www.leojubilee.co.uk

Images and Text Copyright © 2013 by Leo Stevenson
Page Created 12 November, 2013
Last Updated 15 July, 2014

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