Once I have the composition put together and have determined from which angle to view the aircraft, I set out in creating a detailed line drawing of each plane. For lines and proportions, I prefer not to draw from models, as some artists do, since models not only can be inaccurate but can also be subject to warping. Instead, I use a method of geometric projection, created by fellow aviation artist Joe Demarco, which allows me to create an accurate 3-dimensional view simply from a side view and a top view of the aircraft (A). In using this method I first determine the horizontal and vertical viewpoints that will give me the desired view (B). I then determine the distance between the viewpoint and the aircraft (C) based on how large the aircraft will be in the finished image. After laying in all of the necessary orientation lines and points I then draw a line perpendicular to my elevation line of sight which will represent my picture plane (D).

Once I have my layout complete I can begin translating the various points on the aircraft into sets of X and Y coordinates. Translating each point requires a series of five quick steps (shown below in red) in which I translate each point in the Horizontal plane down into the Profile plane, find its Y coordinate, and then translate that coordinate back into the Horizontal plane to find its X coordinate.

Once I have the X and Y coordinates for my reference point I then translate them to a separate sheet of paper on which I have drawn a vertical line representing my Y axis and a horizontal line representing my X axis. I can locate the point by measuring out from each axis. I'll repeat the process for each reference point, connecting the dots as I go, until my aircraft is complete.

I generally use this method for all of the major aircraft in a painting.