Don Greer - Cover Artist for Squadron / Signal Publications

[Edward]

It seems that well-known aviation artist Don Greer, whose work graced many a cover of Squadron / Signal publications, has recently passed.

Hopefully a full obituary will be forthcoming.

Below is his own synopsis of his career in Military and Aviation art.
"I was born an artist. As a child during WWII, the events and armaments used during the war were particularly fascinating to me. I would spend hours drawing the airplanes, tanks and ships that were the pride of our country. I guess that's when my passion for drawing military machine began. One of my favorite airplanes to draw was the P-51 Mustang, a true workhorse of the war. I went to work at a small art studio and eventually got a job with GM Trucks as an artist apprentice. I learned a lot from the talented artists there as I observed the technical skills necessary to become an illustrator. I was hired by AMT, a model company in Troy Michigan, to illustrate the cars and trucks that were used on the boxes. It was there I met Al Borst, a veteran of WWII who became an inspiration to me. He was incredibly talented, and he taught me many tricks of the trade.

I worked at AMT for eight years before I met Jerry Campbell at Squadron in Highland Park, Michigan. He hired me as an illustrator in 1970 where I worked on the company catalogue as well as Squadron Signal Books. My first book cover was the P-47 Thunderbolt in 1975. Throughout my years as an illustrator for Squadron Signal Publications I have illustrated hundreds of books, from aviation, tanks, ships and more. I retired from Squadron in 2015 after a career of over sixty years. I hope that my art will continue to educate and inspire long after I am gone."