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Why would a person delight in finding a 60 year old, broken-down truck in the weeds? Either you are a classic car fanatic or quite possibly an artist. Growing up with a dad and 2 brothers who love restoring old cars and trucks must have had some influence on me because I do love painting them. There was always at least one project in the garage, (and still is). Time after time we witnessed a trailer pulling into the yard with a  metal carcass of a vehicle, ready for an overhaul. Evenings and weekends Dad would patiently rebuild motor, tranny and brakes, replace upholstery, then sand, prime and paint until the carcass was finally brought back to its former glory. I didn't really think about it at the time, just thought it was cool that my dad could do all that, but I realized a few years ago that along the way, he had taught me appreciation for beautiful design. He often pointed out that if something simple and useful was pleasing to look at, it was because it was well-designed -  it's functionality was at the core of it's design. Now as I truly appreciate the clean, graceful lines of vintage vehicles, its because my dad was training my eye way back then.  

 

This painting of a 1951 International pickup truck will be available at the Six Inch Squared Exhibit, Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, California. For more information go to www.dailybrushwork.com Read More

Classic cars run in our family. As long as I can remember, my dad has been restoring old cars. A '38 Buick, 50's Cadillacs, even a Bentley. In his early 80's now, and still restoring, he has of late been enchanted with Packards. This one is awaiting it's turn in the weeds for now. The fun for me in painting old cars and trucks is in the rusting colors and the light bouncing off the still-shiny chrome, not to mention the beautiful lines in those classic designs.

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I think my dad originally inspired me with a love of design, because he was (and still is) always restoring old cars and trucks. His appreciation of the beauty of the lines, the curve of a fender, the fuctional beauty was contagious. So I always liked the looks of these 50's pickups and never pass up the chance to ride in or drive one. Even the door handles and steering wheel designs can not be improved upon. 

This particular one took my brother from Colorado to North Dakota, a 600 mile journey several years ago, without a hitch. Simple clean designs with amazingly simple motors.

And when they reach their final destination and start to rust - the fun begins! Oranges and browns warmed by the sunlight against cool greens in the shadows. Differing textures of painted metal, rust, chrome, glass and rubber tires. Yep, lots of reasons to paint an old chevy pickup. 

This is #17 of  100 for $100.
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