From Dusk 'til Dawn

This charcoal sketch depicts a Bristol Blenheim on a long night mission, suspended between departure and return. Lit by the cold glow of a full moon, the aircraft moves steadily through the darkness, defined as much by endurance as by intent.

The stark contrasts of charcoal and paper echo the fatigue and uncertainty of hours spent aloft, when time stretches and the world below disappears. Neither the drama of combat nor the relief of landing is shown, only the quiet persistence of a crew and machine carrying on until first light.

An early study for a forthcoming print, reflecting the long, unseen hours of the night war.