2D(!) profile art for Ki-61 and Ki-100 Aces

[Skyraider3D]

Just before the forum disappears I'd like to show you some of my most recent work. The profiles are 2D Photoshop work, not 3D renders like you're used from me.

Earlier this year I completed the illustrations for Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces #114 on Ki-61 and Ki-100 Aces, written by Nicholas Millman of www.aviationofjapan.com. Since the book has meanwhile been published, I'd like to show you a few samples.

All images © Osprey Publishing.

Ki-61-I Otsu of the 78th Sentai:


Ki-61-I Tei of the 244th Sentai


Detail of the score board:


This graphic gives you an idea of the amount of research that goes into each profile:


Ki-61-I Hei of the 56th Sentai:


Colourful Ki-100-I Otsu of Akeno's 111th Sentai:


Ki-100-I Otsu of the 5th Sentai:


A close-up of the tail unit and "Nine-headed Dragon" inscription:


A Ki-100-I Ko of the 59th Sentai with P-51 victory marking under the cockpit and 3rd Chutai markings on both vertical and horizontal tail planes:


Sample line drawing of a Ki-100-I Otsu:


For those who are on Facebook, I have an artwork page at https://www.facebook.com/AviationArt.Aero and a group dedicated to the Ki-61/100 at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ki61Tony/

Many thanks for looking!

Ronnie Olsthoorn

[Skyraider3D]

Earlier this year

That would be impressive. I forgot it just became 2016! Happy New Year all!

[adlabs6]

Beautiful paintings, thanks for posting them!

And happy 2016!

[Baron]

Great drawings Ronnie!

[Skyraider3D]

Thanks gentlemen! I spent many weeks on this, I am glad you like it.

[Mangas]

Ronnie, your IJA artwork is one of the best on the planet. And the level of details is just amazing.
I can imagine how time consuming it is, and I must say just dont stop doing this, as your models and profiles are a wind in the sails for many people here.

[Skyraider3D]

Thanks very much for your kind words mate!

[Mangas]

By the way, Ronnie. I wonder, is it a 2D sideview of an actual 3D model? Or are those a/c profiles made like the rest of us doing here?
I'm asking because the surface reflections are so "correct" that it makes me think there are some specific sources of light somewhere...

[Skyraider3D]

I only built the basic wing shape in 3D, then I stopped that and decided to do it in 2D instead. Otherwise I'd end up building four 3D models (long and short-nose Ki-61 and two versions of the Ki-100) and that would take way too long. I figured it was quicker in 2D. So it's pretty much made like everyone else here does it, in Photoshop. I only used 3D for the gunsight and guns (as I had built them in 3D already) and the tailwheel was edited from a walkaround photo I made.
The reason it looks 3D is because I closely studied my Ki-44 and Ki-27 renders and tried to get the same style for consistency. Here is my layer setup (over 400 MB files):