1996 The Guild of Aviation Artists. The Carisbrooke Gallery. London 1997 The Royal Institute of Oil Painters. The Mall Galleries, London 1998 The Guild of Aviation Artists. The Carisbrooke Gallery. London 1999 The Guild of Aviation Artists. The Carisbrooke Gallery. London 1999 to 2015 The Annual Guild of Aviation Paintings of the Year
Literature
Rod's love for WWII aircraft was sparked during his time serving in the Royal Air Force. Living in Oxford, he was in proximity to RAF Brize Norton, and after relocating to Cambridge, he found himself close to RAF Fairford. His passion for aviation led him to become a regular visitor to both bases, attending countless airshows to marvel at the planes. Over time, he formed relationships with some of the base personnel and was even fortunate enough to meet a few WWII pilots. It's clear that his fascination with these incredible machines has only grown stronger with time.
A British fighter aircraft that was designed in the 1930s and played a key role in World War II. It is best known for its contribution to the Allied victory in the Battle of Britain, where it helped to defend Britain against German air attacks. The Spitfire was known for its speed, agility, and maneuverability, which made it an effective fighter against enemy aircraft. Over 20,000 Spitfires were built and used in various military operations throughout the war, and it remains an iconic symbol of British military history to this day.
As with all of his work, each painting is created with a blend of his own reference material and a strong imagination.