The U.S. Airforce Illustration Program
Uncle Sam Wants You...To Illustrate!
SILA Air Force Chair: Ben Bensen
For over 50 years the U.S. Airforce has had an art program that is ideally suited for illustrators. The Air Force provides trips for artists to bases, events etc. throughout the continental United States and abroad and you do an illustration/painting based on what you see, experience and feel on these trips — It's your creation! While your original painting/illustration — is given to the Air Force, you can keep the copyright for your own use in the future. The Air Force does require that your painting be done in good taste, be professional in its execution and that it tell a positive story about the Air Force.
The Air Force is a people oriented organization and likes to have paintings that show its personnel doing something (i.e., piloting, re-fueling, repairing, maintenance or whatever). In spite of what you might think, the Air Force isn't looking for more "Planes-Hanging-In-The-Air" kind of art. They like to see and would prefer paintings with a human interest, people involved in some kind of activity. If you were not able to take advantage of the trips there are several members who can supply you with scrap. Contact Air Force Chair, Ben Bensen or Alyce at the office, 800-799-6368 (info@si-la.org) for help.
"The only difference between a fine artist and an illustrator, is that the latter can draw, eat three square meals a day, and can afford to pay for them."
-- James Montgomery Flagg
The Next Trip to Our Nation's Capital Is Scheduled For 2008
In exchange for artwork that you have complete control over plus retaining the copyright, your artwork is framed according to your specifications at Air Force expense, you are flown free by commercial jet to Bolling AFB...not Andrews (this is the first time into Bolling!). The show date and dinner is Friday, October 24th. As always it is a black tie affair. You are free to bring spouses, guests, etc. but you do so at your own expense and you need to give the people at the AF Art office ample notice if you're planning on bringing a entourage. While much of this may be old news remember that the only expenses the Air Force pays for on this trip are your air fare and your meal at the black tie presentation. All accommodations, car rentals, etc., are paid for by you the artist. But its worth it because its a lot of fun! The timing for the trip (bearing in mind of course that this could all change) is, historically in mid-October covering 3 - 4 days. You will be wined and dined at a dress ball where your artwork is exhibited with hundreds of others from other artists, and you have no obligation other than attending the ball, which means that you have most of two days and two full nights to tour the Malls, museums, or take a side trip to Chads Ford or any other nearby place.
Deadline and Other Considerations
Completion of your illustrations is usually mid-August. As soon as your artwork is done, a JPEG of your image should be sent to Air Force Chair, Ben Bensen. From there he will send them out to SILA's review committee to make sure they meet the quality level the Air Force has asked us to maintain. Once approved you can then send your original art to the Air Force at the Pentagon. Ben will then contact each artist about shipping your art to the Pentagon. The Air Force will pay for the shipping as well as cover the cost of the framing. One last reminder...your renderings can be about any aspect of the Air Force. That means not just planes, but people, operations, or anything else that depicts any part of the Air Force mission. If you have a question about subject matter don't hesitate to get in touch with Ben to discuss it.
Please note, we keep using the word "artwork" instead of "painting" because any medium except computer generated is acceptable and welcomed. Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastels, Charcoal, Ink, Mixed Media, all have appeared. Even Sculpture, both paper and bronze.