When asked about the ideal painting, thoughts usually go towards fruits, flowers, people and landscapes. Aeroplanes aren't normally on most artist's radars (excuse the pun), possibly because capturing the moment can be difficult when your subject is flying past at several hundred miles an hour.
The Guild of Aviation Artists disagree. And to prove that they are not some tiny niche organisation, their 42nd annual exhibition will show 455 paintings by 149 artists.
The artworks range from fighter jets, both modern and historical, to commercial airliners. Expect everything from Spitfires to Concordes. Cars are often regarded as works of art, so now it's time for aeroplanes to show that they can come across just as sleek and even more powerfully.
Aviation Paintings of the Year 2012 is on display at the Mall Galleries until 22 July. Admission is free.
