Artist Toolbox – Art from James Owens

James Owens – Featured Hot Rod Artist

Everybody could use a little more creativity to fuel their lives – so we’re kicking off a new feature here at MyRideisMe! In our Artist Toolbox series, we’ll introduce you to a new hot rod inspired artist and bring you a tutorial from the artist themselves. So not only will you get the opportunity to learn about some fantastic, creative geniuses – but you might learn a thing or two as well!

Some people out there hear the word “art” and think of fancy-schmancy galleries and a bunch of stuffed shirts. Others hear “low brow art” and assume it’s something the wife wouldn’t allow hanging in the house.

No matter what you think of hot rod art, you’re in for a surprise! The artists we’ll spotlight in the Artist Toolbox series create high-class, fun, and hot-rod inspired pieces of beauty. They put the same sort of grit and heart into their works of art as we all put into our cars.

This month’s feature artist is James Owens. Originally out of Detroit, James has single-handedly coined the phrase “car noir.” Art should pick up where photography leaves off – and James Owens gives art a run for its money. Looking at his works of beauty is like driving through a porthole of your favorite noir movie (in your favorite car of course!)

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Hear from James what he has to say himself…

MRIM Since My Ride is Me, which ride would you chose as most representative of yourself?

JO: “Letsee, the ride that is most representative of me would be a 48-53 stepdown Hudson convertible, no wait, a KUSTOM 48-52 stepdown Hudson convertible. Scratch that, a 1953 Cadillac! No, hold on a sec… a 1949 Buick Sedanette! That’s it. Wait back the bus up for minute,  a hot rodded Model A. Yup that’s it! No STOP! Oh crap don’t make me pick just one.”

MRIM Are you as artful when working in the garage as in the studio?

JO: “Am I as artful when working in the garage as in the studio? Hmmm… I’m going to say yes to that. I think it is very creative when I use a wrench as a hammer because I can never find my frikin’ tools!”

MRIM Is painting your full-time day job?

JO: “Yes painting is my full time day job. But I also do a bit of acting on the side. Hey that’s one reason I moved back to Tennessee from Los Angeles. Believe it or not I work more as an actor in the southeast than I did in SoCal. Crazy man, crazy!”

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Read on, to see how James creates his car noir art in his tutorial, The Dame Wore Red.

To check out more of his art or purchase some of your very own, visit James Owen’s on the web at car-noir.com.

Click here for Hot Rod Art from James Owens

 

Motorburg Design Center at 41st NSRA Nats

Meet the Artists and Participate in the Working Studios!

Motorburg announced that it would be presenting a “Design Center” attraction at the 2010 N.S.R.A. Nationals in Louisville, KY – August 5th through the 8th.

Motorburg.com, the online resource for automotive designers, artists and enthusiasts, with an emphasis on rods & customs, will be heading up this uniquely entertaining venue.

Motorburg.com features art and design galleries by an associate group of some of the hottest artists and designers in the industry as well as a thriving Forum of international talent. Increasingly, it’s becoming the “go to place” for an ever-changing array of articles and tutorials for all who appreciate the form and function of the American style of custom built automobile.

Motorburg’s associate artist list reads like a “who’s who” of rod & custom art and design and includes: Darrell Mayabb – Thom Taylor – Jimmy Smith – C. Cruz – Greg Tedder – Ralph Burch – Brian Stupski – C. Smith… as well as CARtoon greats Nelson Dewey and Errol McCarthy. The Design Center gallery will display art by these associates as well as prints and portfolios by Motorburg’s talented forum members.

Additionally, the exhibit will display several rods and customs designed by the stylists, along with drawings and illustrations involved in the actual build.

The exhibit will feature the Charlie Smith designed 1941 Buick Centurion Roadster :

This 1986 design by C. Smith will be on display at the “Design Center”.

…a removable-top beauty built by the late Egon Necelis and still turning heads after more than twenty years “on the road”.

Of special interest will be the display of the “Invader” :

… America’s Most Beautiful Roadster in both 1967 & ‘68 and the subject of a Motorburg Forum design challenge.

You’ll also get to watch as artists work in the exhibit’s two design studios, in traditional and digital fashion. The public is invited to get up close and personal as the designers do their magic on paper and monitor.

So, stop by and “talk shop” with the artists, builders and industry guests at the “Motorburg Design Center”. They’re in space 1001 through 1003 at this year’s NSRA 41st Annual Street Rod Nationals August 5 – 8, 2010 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

* Join the Forum and read more about the Design Center HERE.

1320Designs – Hot Rod Concept Drawings

Drawing Cars with My Buddy Joel

This blog post is a long time coming.  We at MyRideisMe have shown off a number of talented hot rod artists.  Joel Nelson of 1320 Designs is most definitely on that list.  I mean, just dig these drawings below.   Asking Joel how he got into drawing cars, he said:

I got into drawing cars from watching The Dukes of Hazzard on prime time and Smokey and the Bandit. Thankfully CarTOONS was in full circulation too and that really put me over the edge! Then during the late 80′s and early 90′s, I really got into drawing Pro Street cars. Nothing was safe from becoming “pro street-ed”. You could make anything look nasty by dropping it and adding a set of big ‘n’ littles!  I like to work with markers and pastels mostly but have been known to do hand painted work in Photoshop too. Nothing beats pencil and paper though!

This first one is Joel’s latest and is our own Pikesan’s 1961 AMC Rambler Wagon gasser concept drawing.  You’ll be seeing more of this concept from Joel in the future as he fine tunes Pikesan’s ideas onto paper for his project Rambler.  Like a budget Chip Foose if you will, drawing Pikesan’s project car ideas, allowing him to visualize and try out different mods, looks, paint jobs, wheels, etc. I’m amazed at the skill involved to do drawings like this.

Why “Ameripan”?  Well, Rambler American Wagon + Japan sourced engine (aka Nissan Titan truck 5.6L V8).  “Ameri – pan”.

The ’61 Rambler wagon looks so right as a gasser, don’t you think?

On to some of Joel’s fine hot rod art…these were his favorites.

Joel says if he didn’t have his other projects and had a little more time/space, this is what he’d build.  I can see why!  Very cool and clean rod.  I dig the brown color with the white walls and bumperless frontend.

Joel drew this ’66 ‘Burban for friend and fellow MyRideisMe.com member, Mr. Freeze.  He says these are 20″ Boss 338 wheels.  Shows great detail on the wheels with the chrome lip and gray centers.  The orange and white creamsicle 2-tone paint scheme flows nicely with this body style.

I personally love these 60′s GM short bed hot rod trucks.  This “Chebbie” is drawn more as a Custom with the black scallops, mini white walls on chrome Astro Supreme wheels.  Notice the ride height of all these rides.  Just hugging the ground. That’s the way Erock, another MyRideisMe.com member likes it!

Dig this funky Ford Econoline pickup. It was no small task to bag the stock suspension.  The rear meats almost look pro-street.  I love the detail in the pug-nose grille and headlights.  Stance and wheels can make anything look rad.  Even check out the decal in the rear glass.  You gotta stare at these renderings by Joel, there’s all kinds of details. This one’s also buddy Erock’s ride.

I love these old fenderless hot rods.  This is a 1936 International Harvester, an old friend of Joel’s built this.  Thanks to Facebook, they are back in touch after 20 years.  Check those Rallye wheels.  Check the weather and rusted paint details and aluminum fuel tank in the bed.

Now, I think I personally prefer the hand sketched/drawn hot rods with pencils, markers and pastels, but I have A LOT of respect for the skill to do digital renderings.  Joel says on his website that a buddy used to own a ’78 Ranchero.  If Joel got a hold of one, this is how he’d do it up.  Cool retro paint scheme and big Keystone mags.  Digital allows you to do beyond real reflections and shine.  Boom!  That’s wild!

Well, this was just a taste of Joel Nelson’s skills.  Hit him up with your project ideas or just go check out his other work on his website which also includes pinstriping.  Ya, he has some radical pinstriping skills too!  Lucky!!!

1320 Designs Blog

Thanks Joel for sharing your art with us.  Can’t wait to see the progress of Craig’s Rambler Gasser in the future.

Hot Rod Art: Car Drawings by Pencil Sketch

Amazing hot rod art done by Alan Brightmore. People these are NOT black and white photos, they’re hand drawn sketches that amazingly look like older photos when they’re done.  Pictures and text by Alan… Check it out!

First up, this hot rod was done for a customer who saw my VW Bus parked at work! She left a note on my windscreen asking about VW parts and after getting in touch I ended up drawing this 5 window coupe for her father who owns the real thing. Very straight forward really, I enjoyed doing this one!

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Next is a Lotus Sunbeam. My neighbor has a bit of an 80′s car fetish and he owns a number of Sunbeams, one of which is this example which I drew for him. Not my cup of tea to be honest but a nice car all the same and he was very pleased with the finished piece…

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Here’s something I drew quite a while back. It’s called a Hillman Husky, of which I know little to nothing other than the owner dropped a Ford Cosworth engine in this one to make it go faster than it was ever intended!
Oh, and he worked (or owned) a scaffolding company hence the background I put in for him!!

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This last one I did for myself for fun.  It’s a 1954 VW Barn Door Kombi, pretty simple look.  Typical of a custom VW Bus.  This one always reminds me of California…

- Al

See Alan’s other hot rod art like these awesome mustang car drawings.

Which one’s your favorite? Let us know in a comment below.

To contact Alan and get a copy of his amazing art, email him here.

5 Tips For Choosing a Hot Rod Designer

Car Drawings vs. Hot Rod Design

Over the last decade, we’ve seen explosive growth in the hot rod and custom car industry and hobby as a whole. This can be attributed to the popularity of television shows like Overhaulin’, American Hot Rod and others, as well as Powerblock TV, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events, and of course, access to great personalities like Chip Foose, Stacey David and others. This brings in new enthusiasts, and naturally, more project cars!

Not since George Barris snapped thousands of photos and wrote hundreds of articles promoting the hobby back in the 1950′s and ’60′s have we seen so much attention on our hobby, and it’s amazing to witness. Yet, while there’s all of this excitement, many of these new fans and participants are feeling lost when starting a project. It can be a daunting task to say the least, but when taking those first steps, having the right footing can make all the difference in the world.

Naturally, any success in a project requires a plan, and building or modifying a car requires very careful thought at this stage. I’ve often heard guys say “I just build as I go… no plan, just what feels right”, and sadly, it certainly doesn’t look like it must feel in many cases. Disjointed design, half-assed “fixes” to make parts fit, and often unsafe “engineering” (“engine-beering”, most likely) have sent many a project to an early grave.

The best advice would be to bring on an experienced designer to help guide you along. As a professional hot rod and custom car designer with over twenty years experience in the auto industry (from parts and service to body and after-market accessories), as well as training in design and fine art, I’m here to offer some advice on taking those first steps.

The importance of having a vision on paper, especially when working with shops and others on a team, can’t be overlooked.

The end goal of selecting you car designer is:

• A vision of the finished product for everyone to work from
• Avoid gaps, mis-communications and errors in describing idea
• Get what you want for your custom car dream!

When it comes time to shop for a designer, keep these 5 must items in mind:

5 Things To Consider When Hiring a Custom Car Designer:

1. Pick a Designer Who’s Style You Like

Not only are you hiring someone to assist in laying the groundwork for your project, but the designer must also be able to convey your ideas and tastes, as well as create a piece that will inspire your build team.

You’ll want some “wow” factor, but also be sure that your designer draws with proper scale and proportion! Taking a cartoon-like image or shoddy “Photochop” to an experienced builder will get you laughed out of the shop. The kid you hire in a forum might make that ’58 Edsel bumper look like it fits your Monza in the drawing, but in reality, would it? And, are you looking to blow your budget on wild changes before the car even hits primer?

Look around, and study the artist’s styles and prior work.

Much like you choose a car that excites you, be it for nostalgia reasons, a certain feeling it gives you, or just the fact that you liked it overall, you’ll be miles ahead by selecting a designer in the same way. When the car is torn apart and looking bleak, the artwork will serve as an excitement generator.

2. Find A Designer You Get Along With

Spend some phone and email time talking with designers. Do you, “get along”?  Can communicate freely? An open exchange with your designer will pay off in a HUGE way during the project.

Look for a custom car designer who:

• Can help guide you
  • if asked, but also take an idea you have and run with it.
  • simply hiring a “wrist” to make some lines based only on what you say is boring, and will leave your design “flat”.
• Is a good listener!
  • Nothing can be more disappointing than a guy who doesn’t listen
  • Is the designer looking to create a portfolio piece on your dime?
• Is more than just a talented artist
  • Doesn’t simply re-hash the same 3D model their last 40 customers got (but with different paint and wheels) because, you’ll get, well, the same car as those other 40 guys!
• Can follow your budget
  • Make your budget known and understood

Make it an open exchange where ideas can flow freely, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how an idea can grow or be refined to mind-blowingly cool in the right hands.

3. Understand The Designer’s Terms

• Get the terms and details of the design ironed out immediately.
• How many revisions will you receive?
  • What’s the cost for additional revisions?
• How will the work be delivered?
  • Hard copies? (one for you, the shop, and maybe for promotional purposes?)
  • Digital copies for magazine ink? (how about sponsorship proposals?)
• Can you use the artwork to promote the car?
  • Who owns the Copyright?

A professional designer will provide a contract explaining these important terms allowing for worry-free design time. Pay attention from step one, and you’ll avoid starting over when your forum buddy disappears with your PayPal payment.

Understand, too, that “you get what you pay for” applies with car designers.   If you want your designs quickly (or just on time) and at a high quality, be prepared to pay a bit more, and respect the time required to perfect a design. Much as you wouldn’t rush a surgeon reconstructing your body, give your car-body the same consideration for equally functional results!

4. Don’t Be That “I’ll know what I want when I see it” Guy

That guy is the enemy of designers, and it translates to “headache” to any pro. Have an idea at the first consultation, even if it’s vague, and ask for direction/advice if needed (see step 2). Know what you’d like to do with the car. Will it be restored? Modified? A combination of the two? Something wilder? A professional designer will offer examples, and throw ideas around with you, hitting on your likes and dislikes before pencil hits paper. Many great cars develop during these “bench racing” sessions, and you’ll save a ton on revisions.

Communication is your best friend here. Simply jumping from style to style will burn you and your designer out, and close doors on really creative ideas.

Research the hell out of your project and ideas. Go to shows, cruise nights, rod runs… Pick up magazines, books, videos… Look around at what’s been done, and find a style that you like.  Sites like MyRidesisMe.com offer custom car “garages” and show and race picture galleries that are great resources for ideas.

Make a list of things that you enjoy about cars and save pictures that remind you of those features. Perhaps you enjoy good handling, or maybe straightline performance is more your thing. Maybe it’s all about the look of the car, and you’re after a show car that’ll make people stop and drool.

It’s during this hugely important stage that you and your designer will determine a “direction” for the project.

You should have a list of your dreams for the car, as well as a list that is more realistic, taking into consideration the reality of the car you’ve chosen. Approaching a professional designer with these  ideas in place will save time, frustration, and above all, help to nail your “perfect” concept.

5. Don’t Fall Victim To Trends

If you’ve seen a teal green and gray car with a tweed interior and 15-inch billet wheels lately and thought “wow… the 1990′s called, and they want their car back”, imagine what response a car built in a trendy style today will elicit in ten or fifteen years.

Simply shopping at the “popular kids” table will, inevitably, breed you a cookie-cutter car. Simply saying “oh man, that car that won Street Machine of the Year had a cool hood, so I want THAT hood, and the same wheels, and the same paint, and then that car that won the year before had those seats… I want THAT interior…” and so-on, will not design or build YOUR dream car.

Much as you may have enjoyed looking at Alyssa Milano on TV, did you marry her? Chances are, you found someone who fit your life, who matched that often undefinable set of criteria that just “did” something for you. This project car should be no different. It should be a unique reflection of YOUR style, and a talented designer will help you to make that happen.

“Build to YOUR taste, not someone else’s” is my credo in the studio.

Seek out a designer who understands the style you’re planning to build your car in, and can offer unique approaches to design problems that not only make your eyes pop out, but will prevent your hard earned dollars from doing likewise from your wallet.

Approach modifications tastefully, respectfully, and with the thinking “how does this change affect the rest of the car? What purpose does it serve?” If it makes sense, do it. If it’s questionable, question the hell out of it!

That said, head on out and explore… look at work, compare styles, and talk with designers. Your decision should go beyond price, and be the RIGHT FIT for your project. Seek out a designer that can listen, offer ideas, and above all, nail your design. After all, simply setting sail on the ocean might take you SOMEPLACE, but is it where you WANTED to go? Hiring a designer will help chart that course AND reach the end of the journey.  When plotted correctly, your designer will have you itching to hoist the sails again, and that’s what this whole car thing is all about anyway… feeding that passion.

Brian @ PCKStudio

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