Return From Rimini by Sam Lyons at Ozark Airfield Artworks Aviation Art

Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.

All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be
reproduced without their consent.

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You can attach any number of career labels to Sam Lyons - aviation artist, teacher, sailboat captain,
scuba diver, hobby shop owner. While Sam tackles everything with passion and dedication, his
greatest love is creating aviation art. And he's been doing that full-time since 1985. A true Southern
gentleman, Sam was born and raised in Atlanta , Georgia .

Sam Lyons credits his father - a B-24 pilot during WW II - with sparking his early interest in aviation.
He credits his mother for putting aside her concerns when he went for his private pilot-glider license
while in college. Luckily he graduated from Presbyterian College with a degree in biology, and then
went on to serve two years as an officer in the U.S. Army. His main duty was escorting hazardous
materials with the Chemical Corps (another reason for his mother to worry). After his Army stint,
Sam began teaching at his alma mater, Woodward Academy ( Georgia Military Academy ).

His longtime interest and expertise in modeling led Sam into another career as an owner of a hobby
shop called Historical Hobbies. Sam Lyons continued to develop his modeling work, eventually
being in demand for custom assignments. He won many national modeling awards. Never one to
stay on the easiest path, Sam looked for another challenge and found it through his fascination for
painting. He experimented, searching for a unique style he could call his own. The immensely
popular result is an extremely realistic look. So realistic, in fact, Sam's paintings are often mistaken
for photographs.

Imagination is not the only fuel for Sam's artistic creations. He is one of the rare civilians who has
flown in the F-15 Eagle while dog-fighting with Air Force pilots, the F-16 Falcon, and with the Navy in
the Blue Angels F-18 Hornet. He is inspired every day when he looks out his studio windows. Sam
recently moved his home and base of operations to a grass airstrip, Air Acres, located in
Woodstock, Georgia.

Sam Lyons' greatest source of pride is the reaction he gets from pilots and aviation enthusiasts of
every age and experience. At air shows around the country, there's nothing like having a young kid
wander into his booth with an awed expression. He's gratified by how many times adults look
around in wide-eyed wonder also. But Sam has also won many awards and gained recognition in
military and civilian arenas.

Through his membership in the Air Force Art Program, Sam's painting, LEAD SOLO, graces the Air
Force Art Hall in the Pentagon. Other prints and paintings can be found at places like Blue Angels
headquarters, The Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, Air Force Museum, Naval Aviation Museum,
Royal Air Force Museum, and Disney. His paintings have graced the covers of numerous magazines
and catalogs. He's been commissioned to create works of art for Barron Hilton of the Hilton Corp.,
Brig. Gen. C. W. Taylor, Dobbins AFB, Blue Angels, U.S. Army, U.S. Parks Dept., AT&T, Bell South,
Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems and the Danbury Mint … just to name a few. He's a member
of the American Society of Aviation Artists; the Air Force Art Program; the EAA; Vintage Aircraft
Association; Warbirds of America; the 8th Air Force Historical Society; and the Coast Guard Art
Program.

While the world of aviation figures most prominently in Sam's paintings, his body of work also
includes classic automobiles, boats, portraits, florals and landscapes. He also added sculpting to
the list with creations of aviation historical figures.

Since 1995, when he completed his single engine land add on to his private pilot ticket, Sam flies as
often as he can. His passion for flying is renewed every time he goes up in his vintage Stinson 108-3.

Happily, Sam has another passion is his life. As of November 16, 2002, he is married to Mindy, who
shares his love of everything to do with airplanes.

SAM’S FIRST B-25! This print is a tribute to a hero. On Sept. 9, 1944, Major Robert
McCart Hackney led a 48-plane formation in an attack on enemy troop and gun
positions near Rimini, Italy. His heroic actions and success in this dangerous mission
resulted in a Distinguished Flying Cross, one of several he was awarded during the
course of his 55 combat missions. His plane was named “Cowtown Avenger” after his
hometown of Fort Worth, and you can see him in the pilot's seat. The Major died in
2001 but this picture is a magnificent reminder of his outstanding courage and
devotion to duty. The original of “Return From Rimini” was commissioned by Neil
Planzer and his wife Andrea Nash, Hackney’s neice. The 16” x 24” print are available in
a Limited Edition size of 250 Signed and Numbered; 25 Artist Proofs

"Return From Rimini"