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Nose Art

That's "airplane" nose art:). I love this American tradition of personalizing an aircraft through artistic expression. Started in WWII, it was popular for a crew to name their aircraft, creating a personal connection to the plane, by creating artwork for the nose. Colorful to look at, most designs represented a time period in history, and/or a story about the crew of the aircraft. The tradition has carried forward from WWII, through the Korean and Vietnam wars...and into the present.

Look at http://parentseyes.arizona.edu/militarynoseart/ for more complete information on the history of this art form, as well as to see some examples.



Today, many people still create an art piece for their aircraft, though the styles are definitely changing.

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Pugelicious said…
Thanks for the encouragement about my cupcakes (I was pleased with myself). I love the artwork on the planes. My Dad loved planes and flying - it always brings back happy memories of my childhood when I look at your posts. Hope you have had a great trip Sandy :)
August 8, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Char said…
I always loved looking at the WWII nose art as it was so beautiful - I'm not sure if I want it to be more graphic. LOL

beautiful shots
August 9, 2009 at 12:34 AM
Wildflower Studio (Michelle Dransart) said…
Looks like you guys are having fun! I love the old art and the show below looks exciting!
Glad you are having a good time!
August 9, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Sandy K. said…
I will agree that WWII nose art is much more appealing. The newer versions are a bit much...though humorous. I don't want to lose the history, though, and think we need to help people remember the origination of nose art and what it is supposed to stand for. A little soapbox of mine:).
August 10, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Slices of Beauty... said…
Lovely post.
British Airways does this well too.

Happy Monday.
August 10, 2009 at 4:05 AM
joyce said…
You reminded me of an article I read where the pilots during the war would paint American movie stars, buxom & blond, on their aircraft to remind them of home & keep their spirits up. I think nose art is great!
August 11, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Anil P said…
Nose art makes for a pretty sight, very colourful, and takes on the personality of the flyers.

I wonder what the birds make of it up in the skies. Surely they must pause to take it all in.
August 11, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Laura said…
Hey Sandy, thanks for introducing me to this art form - I just love it!! And I agree with you that the origin of it is very important (as with any art form I believe)

Also - I scrolled down a bit on your posts and enjoyed reading the one about Texas. You are right on about how proud Texans are of their fine state and they are super friendly people too! We've only lived here a little over a year but feel very welcome :>
August 12, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Sandy K. said…
In sorting through my pics I have some more fun nose art which I'll share another time. We'll be home Monday, with stable Internet:). We've taking a brief respit from Washington State Parks, which are beautiful.

I also found that things in Washington can be larger than life! Wait and see what I mean!
August 14, 2009 at 1:01 AM
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