Stan Stokes has created hundreds of detailed military aviation paintings over his career. Each piece captures not only the aircraft itself but also the story behind it—its history, missions, and significance in aviation. These posts offer a deeper look at the planes, the events they were part of, and the people who flew them, providing both art lovers and history enthusiasts with a richer understanding of military aviation.
Beyond the canvas, Stan has been invited to participate in numerous ceremonies, exhibitions, and special events throughout his career. These posts share his experiences attending aircraft unveilings, airshows, and commemorative gatherings, offering a behind-the-scenes view of the aviation community and the people, pilots, and crews that make it extraordinary.
The News category collects updates on recent exhibitions, artist visits, and other happenings in the world of aviation art, keeping readers informed about Stan’s latest projects, events, and insights from the aviation community.
Stan Stokes
DOUGLAS VC-118 (DC-6) “INDEPENDENCE”
After Harry Truman assumed the office of the President, it was determined that a more high performance aircraft would be in order so on July 4, 1947, a new Douglas VC-118 (DC-6) transport was commissioned…
Stan Stokes
LOCKHEED S-3B VIKING
The Lockheed S-3B Viking is a twin engine turbofan jet aircraft designed for aircraft carrier use. It was originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, but in the late 1990’s had its mission changed to surface…
Stan Stokes
Boeing 314 Dixie Clipper
The Boeing 314 Dixie Clipper was one of twelve 314 Clipper flying boats built by Boeing in the late 1930’s. Nine of these Clippers were built for Pam American World Airways. The Pan Am airplanes were furnished…
Stan Stokes
This is a detail from the painting "The History of Air Force One" by Stan Stokes. The Douglas C-118 Liftmaster was a militarized version of the Douglas DC-6 airliner. Just over 100 C-118s were acquired for use by the Air Force as passenger…
Stan Stokes
LOCKHEED VC-121A (749) CONSTELLATION “COLUMBINE II”
The Constellation was President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s choice for his presidential aircraft. On a Presidential trip from Washington D.C. to Florida, Columbine II, which was known…
Stan Stokes
AERO COMMANDER U-4B
The smallest Air Force One ever used, the need arose for an aircraft like the Aero Commander when President Eisenhower started to use his Gettysburg farm during his presidency. Gettysburg had only a small grass airstrip…
Stan Stokes
SAM 29000 Air Force One VC-25a is the second of the two prime Air Force One aircraft to transport the President of the United States. These two aircraft were based on the Boeing 747-200B airliners, but highly modified to serve the needs of…
Stan Stokes
Boeing C-32a "Air Force Two"
The Boeing C-32a is the military version of the Boeing 757-200 airliner. It usually flies under the call sign “Air Force Two” carrying the Vice President. It also carries the First Lady and the Secretary…
Stan Stokes
LOCKHEED VC-121E (1049) SUPER CONSTELLATION “COLUMBINE III”
This is a detail of Stan Stokes' painting "The History of Air Force One" that is on display at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This particular airplane is the Lockheed Super Constellation…
