Artist's work unveiled at Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing leadership unveiled a painting May 8 in their command section which was created by a local Panama City, Fla., artist.

Paul Richard Brent, often referred to as "America's best known coastal artist," was honored by Tyndall senior leadership for his painting of an F-22 Raptor, which currently hangs in front of the 325 FW Commander Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson's office.

"We are proud to present a piece of art envisioned and crafted by Mr. Brent which will immortalize the 325 FW vision of air dominance for generations to come," General Roberson said.

Mr. Brent exercised the utmost care in his representation of the aircraft.

"Because the painting is of a plane, I knew it had to be exact, so I paid close attention to detail," he said. "This was a great project, one that I will always remember, because Tyndall was such a wonderful part of my life."

The artist is no stranger to Tyndall; it was his first duty station after he joined the Air Force in 1969. He began his career here as a first lieutenant avionics officer with the 4750th Test Squadron and finished his tour of duty here in 1972 at the rank of captain.

"When we found out this world-renowned artist was also an Air Force officer and was stationed here before, it just was the right connection," General Roberson said.

What started out with pen and ink drawings of coastal wildlife in the early 1970s, the artist's works have slowly transitioned to watercolors and then to oil paintings at the turn of the century. Mr. Brent's subjects include tropical fish, birds, shells, flowers, sailboats, fishing boats, landscapes, wildlife of the Southwest, hot air balloons, flowers and garden scenes.

Today, more than 500 images of his works have been published in print. He was also included in an article in the "Wall Street Journal" which described the phenomena of artists who achieve success outside of the New York gallery scene.

Prints of the painting are currently being sold at the Tyndall Arts and Crafts Center. To reach them, please call (850) 283-3511.