MY DRAWING OF A CURTISS JN-4 INVERTED JENNY AIRMAIL STAMP

I started with the basic frame design on a black background, using the original as a reference.

I used a font, then made a grid to try to place them on the arch correctly.

The new fonts had to be stretched and fattened. I had to create colors to try to match the old printed colors and fill the letters in.

They started out one size, but later had to be adjusted.

The fonts were different and needed adjustments.

The detail started to emerge.

It started out one color, but it wasn't quite right. An adjustments was made later.

It took some time, but I was happy with the drawing. I tried to make it as close to the original, but later I changed the numbers. I also drew it right side up from the start.

I changed the background color and it looked better.

This was not easy since it looked like someone's fingerprint.

Needed to soften the sky and start adding the perforation look on the edges..

Added all of the sides of the perforation design and other details.

The watermarks are just on these images for internet viewing. If someone wants a print of my artwork, it will be printed without the watermark overlay.

After some final adjustments it finally looks like I wanted it to look. The glass on the picture frame has a slight reflection, which softened the look of the color in the photograph. In person it looks great and there is no watermark overlay! It almost has a 3-D look to it like you could pull it off the black background. The final version has a new boarder, which can be seen in the photo through the link below.

He collected stamps for five or six decades and it was given to me after he passed away. I would love for him to have been able to see how I am sharing his collection with others and how it has encourage me to start drawing again. I will add more articles to other stamps on "THE ART OF STAMPS" page as time goes on. If you like the article, please let me know.