About the Author

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 Century series. He was the first recipient of the Combs Award, presented by the National Aviation Hall of Fame to honor outstanding contributions to the photographic preservation of America's air and space heritage.

Reviews

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.-- (12/01/2009)

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.-- (01/01/2010)

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.-- (10/31/2009)

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.-- (12/11/2009)