Launch – Proposed Color Scheme

About this print: “Launch-Proposed Color Scheme”, is unique because of the split font printing technique used to create the background transition from the light blue of the atmosphere to the blackness of outer space. The actual Shuttle Craft is painted white and black. The Shuttle Craft launches were planned as major, televised media events for the public. In this piece the artist is proposing to NASA that it would be far more interesting on color TV for the Shuttle Craft to be painted in this lively, multi-color scheme.

About this series: This delightfully whimsical series was created while the artist was part of the NASA art program to document the Shuttle Craft project. These images were created before the Shuttle Craft actually flew. At the time the series was created, NASA was trying to justify to the tax-paying public the importance of the Shuttle Program and its benefits to mankind. The images are from the artist’s humorous, creative ideas for uses for the Shuttle Craft, as well as situations the Shuttle Craft might experience. The titles of the prints are self-explanatory. Of particular interest in this series is the artist’s extensive use of black for the background, using it to contrast against and enhance his use of color. The prints are in the NASA art collection and have traveled the world as part of NASA sponsored exhibits. They are also in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C..