McDonalds

This hot air balloon is a brilliant example of Charles Markert’s extraordinary skill and dedication as an artist. Featuring beloved McDonald’s characters, including Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and Captain Crook, this piece captures the whimsical and colorful spirit of the brand with incredible precision. Each character is vibrantly rendered, their expressions and unique traits perfectly captured on the curved surface of the balloon.

Markert faced a particularly challenging task in bringing this masterpiece to life. The artwork had to be meticulously painted in sections as the balloon was being constructed. Ensuring that the colors and details aligned seamlessly across the load tapes required countless trips up and down the scaffolding. This level of precision demonstrates not only Markert's artistic talent but also his patience and technical expertise in adapting to such a demanding medium.

The finished balloon became a stunning tribute to McDonald’s branding, earning high praise from Joan Kroc, McDonald’s owner, in a letter to local balloon dealer Matt Weiderkehr. Markert’s dedication to creating a flawless and joyous design solidified this piece as a remarkable achievement in both commercial art and aviation history.