Alex Hamilton: Award-winning Aviation Artist

Apart from GCE ‘O’and ‘A’ levels (who remembers those?!), I have had no formal training in art. Since I was a youngster though, I have been drawing aeroplanes. I recall cycling home from the Biggin Hill air show, close to where I grew up, and trying to draw the aircraft I had seen. After leaving school, I was lucky to get a junior “gofer” job in a commercial illustration studio in London. This was the start of a career in illustration, and I went freelance about 25 years ago. Along the way, I have done work for clients such as Rolex, British Airways, Ford, Jaguar, Thomas Cooke and many more.

Over the years, my spare time had often been filled with drawing or doodling the usual suspects; Spitfires, Messerschmitts, Heinkels, Hurricanes and Lancasters. Many friends and acquaintances suggested I concentrate more on my interest in aviation art.Therefore, in 2002, I joined the Guild of Aviation Artists. I had known of the Guild for some time, and had been to view their exhibitions.

In 2003 I entered four paintings in their Annual exhibition, and felt honoured and thrilled to have one of them, “Sunlit Silence” voted Aviation Painting of the Year. Moreover, I received another award, the Arthur Gibson Memorial Trophy for best first time exhibitor. His Royal Highness Prince Andrew made the presentations at the opening ceremony.

I have started to seek and accept personal commissions, and have published some limited edition prints. Veteran pilots closely connected with the subject of the print have very kindly signed these. Finally having this association with our veterans is something I have wanted to do for some time, for two reasons. Firstly to show an appreciation to the men who flew and fought for what they thought was right, and secondly to try and help record their actions as accurately and attractively as I can, for others to maybe understand in time to come.

I hope you enjoy my paintings.

Alex Hamilton