The Airshow Guy

             On the outskirts of the college town of Kalamazoo, Michigan lies the home and work studio of renowned aviation artist Rick Herter. His paintings are realistic renditions of historic or commemorative events of the first century of flight.

             Rick’s work is simply breath taking; it has a “Wow” factor if you will. The paintings make you feel as though you are flying as wingman to the subject. The detail work incorporated is amazing, from panel lines and rivet holes to vapor clouds and shading, it is hard to believe you are looking at a painting.

            Herter’s paintings hang in some prestigious places including the Pentagon and the Smithsonian. His work also includes numerous private commissioned paintings for major corporations and individuals. One of his works is in the Guinness Book of World Records© for the largest indoor mural. The 800 feet by 32 feet mural project took 14 months to complete and is a collage of historical aviation events from the first balloon launch to the exploration of space. It can be seen in person at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo.

            As a boy, Rick paged through the 1960s Time/Life World War Two series of books, which eventually led to his interest in aviation. He would look at the illustrations and began drawing them on his own. Rick’s mother was an artist and she encouraged him to exercise his talent. He attended Spring Arbor College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art. Rick began his career as an advertising illustrator, and was quite successful. By chance, he saw an opportunity and it resulted in a life and career changing experience.

            Herter’s “professional” career began in the mid-80’s when he created and provided the painting for the “High on Kalamazoo” air show promotional poster. The poster won a national award, and he was asked by several other air shows to create art work for them. In 1987, he was invited to participate in the Air Force Art Program. This is a very prestigious program, and the avenue that afforded him some of his early military flying experiences. In 1990, he was awarded the American Spirit Award offered by Air Force Recruiting, which is their highest award possible to a civilian.

            Since then, Rick has primarily flown with the U.S. Air Force, but has also flown with units of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air National Guard as well as flown through the mountains with the German Luftwaffe, soared with the Israeli Air Force and even patrolled the skies of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            I first met Rick sometime in 1993. I was walking in a local mall and saw something that halted me in my tracks! A store front full of aviation related merchandise. Of course further investigation was needed, so I proceeded in. I was in awe at the work hanging on the walls. I stood there with a close friend and fellow aviation enthusiast, and we both were very impressed. Somebody came up behind us and asked us, "what do you think"? We both responded with a compliment. After a brief moment, the man said "thank you" and smiled a wide grin. He introduced himself as Rick Herter. He invited my friend and I to chat with him for awhile and just talked aircraft. After awhile, he thanked us for coming in, and went back to work at his easel. At the time, the store had only been open for a several days, and we were one of the first people to come in. Needless to say, I was a frequent visitor for the next few weeks.

            After 1995, I lost the little contact I had with him. Then, in 2005, our paths crossed again at the N.A.S. Oceana air show. After a brief discussion, we remembered one another. Due to time, we had to cut the visit short, but the ground work was set for a "reunion" visit. Hence the trip to his studio.

            Once I was in the studio the same magic I felt in 1993 was in my system. I also had not seen many of his more recent paintings, so the energy was two fold. Many of Herter’s paintings have stories behind them, whether it is a milestone for the aircraft or pilot, or one of major historical significance. For each painting, he has a very intriguing story. If you get a chance sometime, ask him to tell you about the story behind the work. I could share them, but it would not be fair since Rick tells them much better, and quite frankly it is not my place to do so.

            Flying and painting are not Rick’s only passion. He is a proud and devoted family man. A large portion of his “free time” is spent with his wife and three children. Although he has lived a charmed life in the sky, and risen to the heights of artist celebrity, his true master piece is his family.

            My lasting impression (and has been since we met in 1993) is his humble pride. Throughout our last meeting I provided him numerous compliments and his response was always a sincere “thank you”. Rick is very appreciative of his ability to get paid to do what he loves. He is the ultimate professional as he does not brag about his talent, opportunities or experiences.

            If you get a chance to meet Rick Herter, take the opportunity. He is a true gem to the aviation community. Be prepared to make some wall space too, because once you see his work, you will want to own a piece. Rick Herter and his artwork are a class act to the highest degree.

            You can view and purchase Rick’s work on his website, www.rickherter.com. Also, magazines like Flight Journal run advertisements for mail order and on-line studios that sell Rick’s work.

The place where the magic happens! The easel contains an AH-64D Apache painting for a corporate client in Japan.

The area to the right of the easel.

One of many the pieces of Herter memorablia scattered around the studio. This piece contains photos from Rick's flights with the German Luftwaffe. The propeller tip is from an F4U Corsair. The one above the door is one donated by his grandfather. It is of unknown aircraft origin, but manufactured in Grand Rapids.

Shawn and Rick - Tomcat fans!

Rick inspriring a future artist and pilot.

Several of Rick's paintings waiting to be shipped. This is a BEAUTIFUL painting of an F-14 Tomcat in VF-31 squadron markings. Lets hope this is eventually available as a lithograph! 

A little customization of a limited edition print commerating the service of the F-14 Tomcat.

"The Pentagon" artwork contained in the banner is copyrighted by Rick Herter and is used by permission.

A sincere "thank you" to Rick Herter and his family for inviting me and my family into their studio.