My new painting of the historic aircraft “Udet U 12 Flamingo”

On the occasion of the Kempten-Durach Airfield anniversary from July 4 to 6, 2025, I painted a new and very special artwork: The historic Udet U 12 Flamingo with the registration “D-1202,” officially “D-EOSM,” known from the German Museum Flugwerft Schleißheim, majestically soaring above the clouds and the Watzmann mountain.

Technical Highlight: The Udet U 12 Flamingo “D-1202”

Ernst Udet, the famous World War I fighter pilot, first presented the Flamingo in 1925 at Schleißheim — an elegant biplane made of wood and fabric with a fascinating history. The aircraft with registration D-1202 (D-EOSM) is a fully airworthy replica completed in 2004 and now displayed in Oberschleißheim. Technically, the Flamingo impresses with a 10-meter wingspan, the original Bramo SH 14 radial engine, a top speed of around 200 km/h, and a cruising speed of approximately 130 km/h.

During the anniversary weekend, the Udet Flamingo was one of the main highlights — a rare, historically flying piece of aviation history. For me, it was the perfect occasion to honor this iconic aircraft in a painting. My work was presented alongside nine other paintings to an enthusiastic audience. Many thanks for the invitation and the wonderful weekend at Kempten-Durach Airfield!

The painting is created on an 80 x 80 cm canvas — a generous space that allows for plenty of atmosphere and detail. I combined acrylic and oil paints to create expressive color effects and depth: acrylics provide vibrant base layers, while oils add smooth transitions and light reflections. The result is a multifaceted image that radiates both power and harmony.

The Flamingo soars above the clouds — a symbol of freedom — set against the majestic Watzmann massif, giving the piece a strong local identity. The composition evokes associations with aviation history and a deep connection to nature.

If you’d like a similar artwork — perhaps your own historic aircraft against an alpine backdrop — I offer custom commissions. I will faithfully and uniquely bring your desired subject to life, just like with the Flamingo, or completely tailored to your wishes. Each of my works is an acrylic and oil painting on canvas, created in your chosen size and optionally finished with a matte or glossy protective varnish.

The Udet 12 painting is still available to view in my portfolio. If this work speaks to you or if you’d like to immortalize your own aircraft in art, please feel free to contact me! On my website, you’ll find more information, examples of my work, and my contact details.