STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"American Evolution" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder illustrates the evolution of 30 years between two of America's front line air superiority fighters - the P-51 Mustang and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The Story Behind the Print:

A tribute to the legacy of American air power, the American Evolution formation brings together two of the most iconic fighter aircraft in history—the P-51 Mustang and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. This aerial display symbolizes the evolution of U.S. military aviation, with both aircraft representing the cutting edge of their respective eras. The P-51 Mustang, a dominant force during World War II, played a key role in securing Allied victory by escorting bombers deep into enemy territory, while the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with its advanced avionics and agility, continues to serve as a backbone of modern air forces around the world.

Despite the 30-year gap in their design and development, these two aircraft share a common legacy as front-line fighters that were used by over 25 nations globally. The P-51’s reputation as a fast, durable, and versatile warbird made it the fighter of choice in World War II, while the F-16, known for its supersonic speed and multi-role capabilities, has been integral in modern air combat and defense missions. When seen flying in formation, these aircraft not only showcase the technological advancements between their generations but also highlight the consistent dedication of the U.S. to air superiority.

At airshows across the United States, audiences continue to be captivated by this unique formation. The roar of the P-51’s vintage Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, contrasted with the high-pitched scream of the F-16’s modern turbofan, evokes a powerful reminder of the past and present working in tandem. Together, they embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and strength that defines American aviation, offering a rare and moving tribute to those who have flown in defense of freedom across decades.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

P-51 Mustang fuselage panel and F-16 access door - pieces of these relics are included in each "American Evolution" limited edition print

This particular fragment of a P-51D-25-NA Mustang came from the fuselage panel of aircraft 44-73990 (Construction No. 122-40530). Built in 1944, it initially served with the US Army Air Force before being transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951.

After changing hands several times, the aircraft eventually joined the air racing circuit under the name "Pigeon Chaser." It was flown by the legendary R.A. "Bob" Hoover as the pace plane for the 1971 Cape May National Air Races.P-51D Mustang 44-73990 Air Racer "Pigeon Chaser"

From 2000 to 2015, the aircraft underwent extensive restoration and is now painted in the livery of "Alabama Rammer Jammer," representing the 353rd Fighter Group, the same unit featured in the artwork.P-51D Mustang 44-73990 "Alabama Rammer Jammer"

The F-16 Fighting Falcon relic originates from F-16 84-1320 and was removed from an access door 3202 from the hydraulic system located under the starboard wing.

This relic comes from an avionics panel of F-16D 84-1320, an aircraft previously flown by the New Jersey Air National Guard. The aircraft was later released as surplus after being involved in a mid-air collision with another jet. Following the accident, the F-16D crashed into the ocean, resulting in the light corrosion visible on the panel. Fortunately, all crew members from both jets safely ejected and survived the incident.

Triple Victory - F-16 Fighter Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderAvionic panel from F-16 Viper 84-1320

Triple Victory - F-16 Fighter Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderUnderside of relic from F-16 Viper 84-1320

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

HERITAGE ALLOY™

Heritage Alloy™ is the next generation of Aces In Action Relic Artwork. Made from a rigid aluminum composite material, its smooth surface delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail with a luminous quality that is difficult to fully capture in photographs.

Each Heritage Alloy™ edition incorporates our exclusive Artifact Dock™, integrating the authentic historical relic, its provenance, and limited-edition identification directly into the artwork. Available Ready to Hang or finished in a solid-wood black frame.

GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS

Select Relic Artwork editions remain available on our traditional gallery-wrapped canvas while inventory lasts. Canvas provides a classic, textured fine-art presentation and is available Ready to Hang or finished in our traditional black floater frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang or Framed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed on select artwork
  • Custom sizes are available upon request

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 18" × 12" Heritage Alloy™ Ready-to-Hang editions include an installed rear wall-mount bracket, while Gallery-Wrapped Canvas arrives ready to hang without an external frame. Framed editions include installed hanging hardware. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

ARTIST • HISTORIAN • RELIC CURATOR

Craig Tinder has spent more than two decades creating historically researched artwork that connects collectors with the people, machines, and events that shaped history. His work goes far beyond illustrating an aircraft, ship, or vehicle—the research and historical artifacts behind each piece are an integral part of the artwork.

Craig works with museums, aircraft and vehicle restoration organizations, veterans, historians, collectors, and other historical institutions around the world to locate and document authentic artifacts with meaningful connections to the subjects he depicts. He supplements this physical evidence with extensive research using museum collections, military records, historical photographs, archives, and other primary and secondary sources from around the world.

In his workshop, Craig carefully prepares and incorporates these genuine historical relics into his signed and numbered artwork, preserving their provenance while giving artifacts that might otherwise remain unseen a new way to tell their story.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.