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Legacy

Fighting Colors Legacy of Art

Gary Velasco: A Legacy of Art…

“World’s Foremost Authority on Nose Art” – Matt Jolley, Warbird Radio
 
As an artist, author, and an aviation historian, Gary Velasco’s career has spanned more than 27 years. He has devoted his life to painting vintage aircraft nose art on flying and static aircraft, as well as his company’s original product design, replica nose art panels, tails, and functional custom furniture. He literally “wrote the book” on aircraft nose art as exemplified by his book, “Fighting Colors: The Creation of Military Aircraft Nose Art” (Turner Pub. 2004). 
 
This website’s Legacy page contains images of his hand-painted, historically accurate nose art, as well as custom contemporary works as commissioned by individuals and companies.  Thousands of pieces just like the ones shared here have been produced for clientele around the globe.  His beautifully intricate, historically accurate, and sometimes original portrayals can be seen today on more than two dozen vintage flying and static aircraft at air shows throughout the country.
 
Currently, Gary is battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neurological disorder that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing. At this time in 2024, he is not able to paint, but his brand is continuing in the form of unique aviation gift products, which are featured on this site. All proceeds will go toward helping Gary with medical treatments and assistance in supporting him during this challenging time.  Contributions in lieu of purchases may be made at Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-gary-pay-als-expenses

Part of the Legacy planes on which Gary painted nose art:

JN-4D Jenny

L-2M Ruptured Duck

L-5 Straighten Up and Fly Right

C-45 BUCKET of BOLTS

C-45 Texas Dolls

SNJ/AT6 Greek Freek

F4U Lucybelle

P-47 No Guts No Glory

P-51 KWITCHERBITCHIN

P-51 QUICK SILVER

TBM She’s the Boss

TBM DORIS MAE

B-17 MEMPHIS BELLE (1997)

B-17 MADRAS MAIDEN

B-17 TEXAS RAIDERS

B-25 TONDELAYO

B-25 TAKE-OFF TIME

B-25 Show Me

B-24A DIAMOND LIL

B-29 JACK’S HACK

B-52 OSIRIS

F-86 Cindy Lind 9th (DEL AIR GUARD)

L-39 Vandy-1 (VX-9)

Beachcraft D50E DRAGON LADY

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