Life of Illustration by Ian Coate

SAS Beret by Ian Coate Sandy Beret by Ian Coate

SAS Art

The Australian SAS Jubilee (Oil on Canvas)

The SAS Association commissioned me to paint this image to commemorate the 50th birthday of the Australian SAS. The five central figures represent the different periods in the SAS Regiment’s history, (1st - Company Days & Borneo, 2nd - Vietnam, 3rd - The Training Years & CT, 4th - Peacekeeping & Timor, 5th - Middle East).  These figures stand together as a wall protecting Australia which is coloured to represent the hard-won sandy beret. The blue ocean, behind the Southern Cross, represents the Australian flag, and behind the winged dagger represents the SASR banner. Finally, the sea of historical images pays homage to the versatility and sacrifice of the SAS soldier. Press here to read "SAS ballad".

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SAS Artwork

The Sentinel (Oil on Canvas)

SAS Counter Terrorist emerging from the green haze of a smoke grenade during counter-terrorist training.

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SAS Artwork

Salute (Pencil)

The rendering depict the memorial monument within Campbell Barracks, known simply as ‘The Rock’.  It honours the comradeship, discipline and courage of all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving at the SASR.

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Commando Art

The Calm Before the Storm (Mixed Media)

A tactical night beach-landing orchestrated by members of the SAS Water Operation Patrol.

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SASR Art

Digger's Shiralee (Ink & Wash)

Soldier undertaking the Selection Course must carry a horrendously heavy burden a great distance only using his strength and cunning.

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SASR Art by Ian Coate

Exit (Watercolour)

SASR Free Fall Soldiers conducting training from a Caribou Aircraft from 10,000ft.

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SASR Art by Ian Coate

Recovery (Watercolour)

A long-range patrol vehicle purposely bogged for retrieval during a vehicle-mounted course near Kalgoorlie, WA.

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SAS Art by Ian Coate

Long Walk Home (Pencil)

A soldier undertaking the Selection Course, enduring an exhausted body, sore feet and a long walk home. Anyone who has been in the military can relate to this poor soul.

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Military Artwork by Ian Coate

Taking Shelter (Watercolour)

A SAS troop endures the bitter cold of Arctic Warfare Training on the mountain leaders course in the Snowy Mountains.

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SASR Artwork by Ian Coate

Refuelling Dam (Pencil and Wash)

A SAS soldier taking a quiet moment to refill his bottles in the misty waters of the Refuelling Dam, Bindoon.

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SASR Images

Four-Way (Pencil and Wash)

A SAS free-fall.  Soldiers clasp in a four-way drag after jumping out of a C130 during free-fall training.  Two of the four later died in the Blackhawk accident of 1996.

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SF Art

Ascend (Ink and Wash)

A SAS soldier undergoing water operational training in the Bass Strait.

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SAS Picture by Ian Coate

Build-Up (Pencil and Wash)

SAS patrol member involved in War Roles Training.  The diversity of uniform goes back to the SAS cowboy days.

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SAS Drawing by Ian Coate

Constant Vigilance (Pencil)

Depicting the Counter Terrorism Role and the War Role.  The two distinct roles performed by the soldiers of the Special Air Service Regiment in support of the Australian Defence Force.

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Vietnam War Art Phantom of the Jungle

Vietnam (Oil on Canvas)

A SAS soldier returning from patrol in Vietnam. One of the 'Phantoms of the Jungle'. It was a real pleasure to meet this gentleman and the lovely lady who commissioned this painting.

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Vietnam Coin

Vietnam Commemorative Coin

I was fortunate to asked by 'Downies' to help with the artwork to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. In the foreground is a Special Forces Soldier, also known as the Phantoms of the Jungle. Above is a section of their flyer. Further information about this Limited Edition Coin is found on the DOWNIES website.

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Who Dares Wins

SAS Berets (Watercolour)

Before the well known sandy beret, the SAS wore a maroon beret.

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SAS Poem
SAS Poem

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Gordon CallowTribute to LCPL Gordon Callow

Gordon Callow was a soldier in the SAS who died in the Blackhawk tragedy of 1996. I went through basic training with Gordon. His virtue and relaxed mental attitude convinced me of the truth to Christianity before his words did. He is well remembered and his impact continues.

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Yes - some of my prints are for sale. For further details please visit :

 
Please Note: Watch out for fake prints on ebay. Some overseas sellers are claiming they have legitimate prints for sale and are selling them under license. If you are unsure if they are legit, ask the seller if the print is personally signed by the artist. If you are still in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact me with any concerns.

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"I believe military artists truly achieve something of worth if they can create an image that inspires the soldier who is simultaneously protecting that artist's freedom of creativity."

Military Images

Australian Military Art
Copyright - Designed by Ian and Sue Coate