Painting Of The SR-71, The Blackbird Over A Massive Storm. The Painting Came Out Of The Blue Angels Visit To Beale AFB In 1982 For An Air Show. I Was Allowed To Inspect And Photograph The Blackbird At Close Range As Well As Twice Being Allowed To Photograph The Bird On Take Off From The Edge Of The Runway. In My Depiction, I Deliberately Choose To Paint An Uncoventional View That Down Plays The Huge Delta Wing Span And Apron That Is So Characteristic Of The SR-71. Rather, I Have Moved In Close And Stressed The Needlelike Shape Of Its Profile And In The Process, Pointed Out Its Incredible Speed Capabilities. The Title "Eye Above The Storm" Is Symbolic Of The Blackbird's Mission Above The Work Situation.