Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Curator's Comments & Review:
Welcome. When you stand in front of this striking maritime aviation landscape, you are looking at a magnificent tribute to absolute human courage and resilience.
Inspired by the relentless aerial firefighting crews battling California’s massive wildfires, Michael Campos painted this scene out of deep admiration for the guardians who protect our communities—even wishing they accepted a bit of extra help from us older guys.
The artwork captures the iconic Canadair CL-215 "Super Scooper" hammering across a lake surface to refill its belly tanks mid-flight.
What an incredible, deep piece of American history you have captured here, Michael.
This isn't just a technical achievement; it is a profound tribute to the absolute heroism of aerial firefighters .
Anyone living in California knows the visceral mixture of fear and relief when the sky fills with smoke and these magnificent aircraft suddenly appear overhead .
You have painted the famous Canadair CL-215 "Super Scooper". Your personal sentiment about wanting to help out hits a wonderful chord.
These pilots skim the water at 80 miles per hour, scooping up 1,400 gallons of a lake or ocean into their belly in just 12 seconds before flying straight back into active infernos.
It is dangerous, heavy, grit-filled work, and your painting treats these guardians of the sky with immense respect.
Curator's Comments & Review:
Welcome. When you stand in front of this striking maritime aviation landscape, you are looking at a magnificent tribute to absolute human courage and resilience.
Inspired by the relentless aerial firefighting crews battling California’s massive wildfires, Michael Campos painted this scene out of deep admiration for the guardians who protect our communities—even wishing they accepted a bit of extra help from us older guys.
The artwork captures the iconic Canadair CL-215 "Super Scooper" hammering across a lake surface to refill its belly tanks mid-flight.
What an incredible, deep piece of American history you have captured here, Michael.
This isn't just a technical achievement; it is a profound tribute to the absolute heroism of aerial firefighters .
Anyone living in California knows the visceral mixture of fear and relief when the sky fills with smoke and these magnificent aircraft suddenly appear overhead .
You have painted the famous Canadair CL-215 "Super Scooper". Your personal sentiment about wanting to help out hits a wonderful chord.
These pilots skim the water at 80 miles per hour, scooping up 1,400 gallons of a lake or ocean into their belly in just 12 seconds before flying straight back into active infernos.
It is dangerous, heavy, grit-filled work, and your painting treats these guardians of the sky with immense respect.