Jerry Crandall Biography

Jerry Crandall (April 1, 1935 - June 12, 2022)

Jerry Crandall’s special love of history, fascination for artifacts and an honest dedication to research, bring reality into each of his paintings. His creations sparkle with bright, clear realism, are painstakingly rendered, possess underlying technical accuracy and strive for historical authenticity.

His art celebrates the uncommon union between historical authenticity and fine art. Working as an artist for over 60 years, he enjoys painting in a more traditional realistic style. Since 1977 his work has been in limited edition print form and recently has added the Giclée canvas editions to his work.

Jerry was born in La Junta, Colorado, near Bent’s Fort on the Santa Fe Trail. Because of his expertise on the American West, he served as Historical Consultant for early segments of the television series “Centennial” and for the Charlton Heston Movie, “The Mountain Men”. He appeared in the movie “Tombstone” as one of the Cowboys, and has been a guest on several radio and television shows across the country. In addition he has served as actor and consultant for various shows that have appeared on the A&E Network, Discovery and The History Channel. Feature articles about Jerry and his work have appeared in numerous publications including Southwest Art, Art Voices South, Western Art Collector, Art of the West, True West, Cowboys & Indians, Man at Arms, Prints, Air Classics and more. He was a member of the International Guild of Realism.

Listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Who’s Who in the West, Who’s Who in America among others, he is also listed in Contemporary Western Artists. His pieces can be found in many private as well as public collections. Numerous organizations claim his membership including the American Mountain Men. He holds associate memberships in several additional groups as well. Aviation history has also been at the forefront of his interest. He has written 20 books on the WWII Luftwaffe and is recognized as one of the top 5 Luftwaffe (German Aviation) historians in the world. Traveling the world over for over 40 years, Jerry and I have gathered first person interviews with hundreds of pilots which culminated in his most recent, and last book, Fighters of the Iron Cross.As an aviation artist he would create paintings of specific air battles, produce limited edition prints and have the pilot or pilots featured in the scene sign each print. The prints are highly collectible and widely respected worldwide. Aviation museums, around the world have sought his expertise and input numerous time on the colors and markings of WWII aircraft.

Jerry Crandall passed away on June 12, 2022, after suffering 5 days from Covid-19.

Jerry Crandall Art Prints