A celebration of the work of one of America's top aviation artists. Many of the works of American artist and illustrator Gil Cohen can be found at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, and the Pentagon, as well as in other important public and private collections. After spending decades as a respected illustrator for magazines and book publishers, Cohen chose to turn his attention to aviation and military themes. His more recent paintings vividly depict the human aspects of America's wars, showing soldiers and aviators in battle and at rest. One of Cohen's recurring observations is that, unfortunately, some of humankind's most remarkable feats of engineering are often created for the purpose of war. Cohen's paintings are collected worldwide, and his clients include the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Coast Guard; Paramount Pictures; Random House; Holt, Rinehart & Winston; Bantam Books; Harlequin Books; and Boeing-Sikorsky. This sampling of Cohen’s career combines his biography with examples of his work––not all of it aviation-oriented. Philadelphia-raised, Cohen served in the army in the 1950s, then worked as an illustrator for magazine and book publishers and as a painter for the National Park Service. Aviation subjects of World War II became Cohen’s focus from the 1970s onward. They predominate in this album, which more than showcases Cohen’s oeuvre. It has explanations of his artistic approach, which often begins with discussions with the military veterans depicted in or familiar with the type of plane to be painted. Then follow preliminary sketches and Cohen’s descriptions of the lighting, color, or narrative effects for which he aims. Each of this work’s two dozen–plus reproductions of Cohen’s final compositions expresses a story line. Several interior views of warplanes show airmen and the tension of entering combat, while pictures of exterior views typically capture the fliers’ relief upon safely returning to base. Such emotional nuance only enhances the technical accuracy that aviation fans will prize in Cohen’s paintings. --Gilbert Taylor Col. Donald J.M. Blakeselee penned the foreword to this book shortly before he died in September 2008. This is a mark of the regard in which Gil is held, not just in his native USA, but worldwide. This impressive homage to a great military artist comprises a collection of notes, rough sketches, immaculate pencil images, details from finished images and lots of wonderfully reproduced examples of his paintings, mostly in oil, but acrylics, pastel and charcoal also feature. The gestations of some of his most famous works - "After the Mission" remains an all-time classic for the reviewer - are revealed. This is a wonderful tribute. ( Flypast Magazine ) Gil Cohen's paintings are collected worldwide, and this book shows why. Although a professional illustrator for magazines since the 1950s, he admits aviation--from the flimsy biplanes of the First World War to the hulking aircraft that flew in supplies to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans--is his passion. Gil Cohen: Aviation Artists features paintings uncannily realistic paintings that not only show aircraft at their best but also the men and women who fly and service them. The Second World War paintings are superb, a real treat for history buffs. ( Gift Books Feature, The Globe and Mail 2009-12-11) All artists of this genre pride themselves on accurate depictions of flying machines in action, and Cohen is no exception. What sets him apart from other masters, however, is his focus on the human element.... At his best, Cohen brings history to life.... Cohen is a master illustrator. This is a volume that will find a place on my bookshelf. (Tom Crouch, Curator, Aviation and Space Art, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Air and Space ) Gil Cohen's life revolves around illustration and the graphic elements of life, especially as it relates to aircraft--and as one reads this book and learns a little about the U.S. artist it is easy to see why... This book is an unusual addition to the genre because it shows, through photographs, both the artist at work in his studio and the steps that Cohen takes to prepare his pieces.... As a result, this book is a good read for those who want to know more about the artistic process. (Gavin Crutchley Waterloo Region Record 2009-10-31) Gil Cohen has received many national awards for his work, including the Franklin Mint Award and gold medals and Best of Show honors from the American Society of Aviation Artists. He is a member of the New York Society of Illustrators and the American Society of Aviation Artists. He lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Colonel Donald Blakeslee flew more combat missions against the Luftwaffe during World War II than any other American fighter pilot and was the most decorated pilot in that conflict. Dan Patterson is a renowned aviation photographer and the coauthor of many aviation titles, including the landmark Aviation Centu