commissioned artwork

[5390john]

Hi out there:
I just got back from SEMA. While there I came across a small area of automotive artists displaying their work. I got to talking with one guy whose work I really liked and am thinking about hiring him for a custom painting of my '55 CDV.
Anybody ever done that?
If so, did everything go OK?
Any advice for things to watch out for?
Random thoughts welcome!!
John Adams

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

If you're looking for an artist to do an outstanding
interpretation of your car in whatever setting that
you wish I can highly recommend Dan Reed.  He has
been involved with the Cadillac LaSalle Club for
many years, in fact, he did the cover or the recent
"Self-Starter".

I commissioned him to do a portrait with my 1955
Eldorado in front of the original dealership. The
result was fabulous.  His work is highly recommended.

His contact info:
http://www.danreedillustration.com/

Mike

[Scot Minesinger]

Mike is right.  Dan Reed is extremely talented and the results are above my expectations.  His prices are very reasonable.  He has completed projects for myself, our local CLC Potomac Region chapter, and even the National CLC.  He often paints the picture auctioned off at the GN on Saturday night during the beginning of the banquet.

[Vince Taliano #13852]

Dan Reed Illustration
http://www.danreedillustration.com/

[59-in-pieces]

A number of years ago, I had a painting commissioned of my Seminole Red Eldo Biarritz painted.
I wanted the car to be viewed from the rear - quarter view, with the top down - driving away.
And in the background, I had the front quarter view of the car driving toward me, with the top up.
I only wanted the car with no other objects, except a blue sky and clouds - ethereal looking.
The painting was done with acrylics on stretched canvas.
I gave my approval for the painting to be photographed, and those photos to be sold by the painter.
Some time later, my wife and i attended the Pomona Fair - here in Calif. - and who did we see, yes the same painter selling photos of my car - so cool.

Beware, my painter said that there is a risk in buying "paintings" of cars, and the like, even on canvas.
They are photo prints with textures - like paint strokes - on hard board, and even on canvas (mounted on stretcher bars), like the real thing.

Have fun,
Steve B.

[5390john]

Steve:
So the risk would be paying big $$ for a "painting" that is actually just a print of a photo, right?
John Adams

[59-in-pieces]

Yes,
He also showed me that when you get a real painting, the painter's brush strokes and paint go past the edges of the front face of the picture onto the sides that wrap around the stretcher bars.
What they do is print the photo on the canvas, and then mount the print so the picture goes around the edges to make it look more real.

I'm not suggesting any painter that was talked about above would do that, just to be careful if you buy a picture while out and about.

Have fun,
Steve B.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

It's really NO RISK if you are paying for a painting
of your car along with a specified background.
That can't be faked.

In any event, I've seen those photos that have
been brushed with clear acrylic and unless your
name is Stevie Wonder, you can easily tell it's a
photograph.

Mike

[5390john]

Thanks for the info, appreciated.
The artist I met at SEMA is Jim Owens, his website is www.car-noir.com
I saw some of his work, it really appealed to me. Anything he would do for me would be unique to my '55 CDV, which looks remarkably like the one in this thread, even the luggage.
He does a lot of film noir inspired images which I think is pretty cool.
We'll see what he comes up with, film at 11!
John Adams

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I recommend Dan as well.  The previous owner hired him to do my 55 which Vince posted above.

[5390john]

So you have a '55, almost the same as mine named Evelyn.
Meet Marilyn!
John Adams

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Here is my '55 Eldorado and the painting Dan Reed
did for me:

[5390john]

Very Cool!
John Adams

[James Landi]

Mike,  Your '55 on" the day of delivery " is perfect in every way.  The dealership's  architecture, the angle and perspective  of the car, the color and artistic execution, that one moment, captured, as it is, when the new owner takes possession-- one can vicariously  feel the "pride of ownership"  --- it's such a fine piece, and so very evocative of the mid-50's sensibility-- in so many ways the painting represents the American Dream writ large. Congratulations on making such a fine investment.    Happy day, James   

[Cadillac Jack 82]

John yours is almost exactly the same as mine.  What color is yours?  Mine is Wedgewood Green.

[5390john]

Mine is Wedgewood Green Light with Alabaster Gray top, Wedgewood green interior. 6 year frame off restoration, numbers matching, one owner. Built 2/7/1955, sold new in Grants Pass Oregon.
John Adams

[Cadillac Jack 82]

They are twins!  Only difference is I have AC in mine.  Do you have the Autronic Eye?  I may need to pick your brain on how to get it working properly if you do.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Oh missed the Alabaster Gray part.  My roof is Arctic White.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Quote James Landi:
"Mike,  Your '55 on" the day of delivery " is perfect in every way.  The dealership's  architecture, the angle and perceptive of the car, the color and artistic execution, that one moment, captured, as it is, when the new owner takes possession-- one can vicariously  feel the "pride of ownership"  --- it's such a fine piece, and so very evocative of the mid-50's sensibility-- in so many ways the painting represents the American Dream writ large. Congratulations on making such a fine investment.    Happy day, James"   

Thanks James for your kind remarks.  Dan Reed did a
wonderful job of getting the expression and feelings
I wanted onto canvas.  For the dealer architecture, he
worked from a series of old photos I had.  For capturing
the car, he visited my home.  We drove to a scenic area
where the light was "right" and he took dozens of photos
from every angle to capture light and shadow.  He then
did several "mock ups" and we discussed possible changes
and details to finalize it.

The man is a master at this work and that painting is
the result of many hours of his time.

Mike

[5390john]

Tim:
Sorry to take so long to reply, went to Salt Lake City to watch the Oregon Ducks get their tail feathers handed to them by the Utah Utes.
My car does have the Autronic Eye system. I had it rebuilt by John Oldenburg in Galena IL. His e-mail is olden@yousq.net.
He did a GREAT job, highly recommended!
John Adams