What People Are Saying About Michael's Latest Shelby Painting

"Pure As The Driven Snow" - 'Pure' Shelby Painting

On Pure As The Driven Snow, released June, 2011

"Very cool painting! If I was Ford guy, I would buy it." - Dave

"Michael's a creative genius. The internet just doesn't do it justice. Better in person than I could even have imagined—I was blown away when I saw it." - Jim

"Really nice Shelbys." - Joanne

"LOVE IT!!! Hook me up with one." - Paul

"Beautiful!." - Tim

"Give your Mike a big thumbs up on this print — excellent work and on the Boss 429 [Boss Building, released June 2010] one as well." - Mike

"Thank you for sharing this most beautiful print." - Bill

"Wow. That's watercolor? Wow. His work is amazing." - Susan 

"I like the painting more each time I look at it." - Dave

These are just a few of the accolades that we've been receiving on "Pure As The Driven Snow," which was released early last week and shown for the first time at Steve Plunkett's Fleetwood Country Cruise-In and Ford Carlisle, this past weekend. Once again, Michael has pushed himself creatively to give art collectors and car enthusiasts, like himself, more than they bargained for! — Linda

Fleetwood Country Cruize-In 2011

We spent another wonderful weekend at the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In. With the exception of a bit of rain on Saturday morning (and some thunder), the weather was 'car show' perfect. As we've come to expect, the cars on display were incredible and our host, Steve Plunkett, incredibly gracious. All proceeds generated by this annual event go to the Plunkett Foundation, which in turn supports many charities. Only in it's 9th year, the show has already managed to raise over 4 million dollars ... that's awesome!

This was Michael's and my 3rd time at the Cruize-In and I finally had a chance to tour Steve's Auto Salon — in a word, amazing. His collection of Cadillacs has got to be, bar none, the most impressive collection in North America. He not only has several 1 of 1 rare prototypes, but has some incredible gems like the 'Kennedy car', which he recently lent for use in the TV series, "The Kennedys".

Steve, himself, gave us a personal tour of the Auto Salon, giving us a unique one-on-one perspective on the cars (Cadillacs), the company (General Motors) and this 1915 ad, that is still today, considered to be one of the all time best advertisements, ever created. The ad, made up strictly of copy and no images, speaks to the caliber, quality and integrity of an individual or company, and the work that they produce. From my understanding, it's what GM, has not only striven to achieve, but has succeeded in doing over the years. Steve has it prominently displayed, larger than life, above the main floor of the salon. He made sure to point it out to us and give us a printed copy - very cool. I thought you might enjoy reading it as much as I did. — Linda:

The Penalty of Leadership - Cadillac ad from 1915,
that ran in the Saturday Evening Post

The Penalty of Leadership

In every field of human endeavor, he that is first must perpetually live in the white light of publicity. Whether the leadership be vested in a man or in a manufactured product, emulation and envy are ever at work. In art, in literature, in music, in industry, the reward and the punishment are always the same. The reward is widespread recognition; the punishment, fierce denial and detraction. When a man’s work becomes a standard for the whole world, it also becomes a target for the shafts of the envious few. If his work be merely mediocre, he will be left severely alone - if he achieve a masterpiece, it will set a million tongues a-wagging. Jealousy does not protrude its forked tongue at the artist who produces a commonplace painting. Whatsoever you write, or paint, or play, or sing, or build, no one will strive to surpass or to slander you, unless your work be stamped with the seal of genius. Long, long after a great work or a good work has been done, those who are disappointed or envious continue to cry out that it cannot be done. Spiteful little voices in the domain of art were raised against our own Whistler as a mountebank, long after the big world had acclaimed him its greatest genius. Multitudes flocked to worship at the shrine of Wagner, while the little group of those whom he had dethroned and displaced argued angrily that he was no musician at all. The little world continued to protest that Fulton could not build a steamboat, while the big world flocked to the river to see his boat steam by. The leader is assailed because he is the leader, and the effort to equal him is merely added proof of that leadership. Failing to equal or to excel, the follower seeks to depreciate and to destroy - but only confirms once more the superiority of that which he strives to supplant. There is nothing new in this. It is as old as the world and as old as the human passions - envy, fear, greed, ambition, and the desire to surpass. And it all avails nothing. If the leader truly leads, he remains - the leader. Master-poet, master-painter, master-workman, each in his turn is assailed, and each holds his laurels through the ages. That which is good or great makes itself known, no matter how loud the clamor of denial. That which deserves to live - lives.

By Theodore F. MacManus

Baseball Legend Hits It Out Of The Park At Auburn Auction

And so does Michael's art!

In grand fashion, Mr. October's Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes, 1965 Shelby Mustang brought in a whopping $225,000 at the Auburn Auction Park this past weekend. We were lucky enough to be there and to meet the man himself .... several times! Turns out, Reggie Jackson is not only a baseball legend and a classic car buff, but he has a wonderful appreciation for great art as well.

We met him for the first time while setting up on Thursday after a 7.5 hour drive - we were a little wilted, but still in the game, so to speak. Then again on Friday, and Saturday too. It's not surprising then, that he now has several of Michael's pieces in his collection. Including a great big canvas of "C1, See Them All." Needless to say, after selling his Shelby for top dollar, his spirits were high and he was gracious enough to let me snap a couple of photos.

Checking out the Corvette Gallery
Edition Canvas, "C1, See Them All",
and getting ready to shake on it!

Baseball Legend "Mr. October", Reggie Jackson
with Automotive Artist Michael Irvine.

 Corvette painting, "C1, See Them All"
covers all six generations of 'America's
favorite sports car'.

Seems to me that it's also a bit of a coincidence (maybe fate), that Michael was just finishing up his latest painting, "Pure As The Driven Snow", featuring one of the big ticket cars that Reggie sold at the auction! The all Shelby painting will be released in early June, and it's going to be spectacular.

As for the Auction, it was pretty good overall. Not one of the best events we've attended, but from what I hear, it's come a long way already from when Kruse ran things. It's sure to grow in years to come - it's definitely got the potential and RM is a great organization, with excellent people working with and for them.

It'll be interesting too, to see what other celebrities make the trip. I have no doubt Michael's work is adorning the walls, and will continue to hang in, many a prominent home!

Here's to a Grand Slam spring & summer!!
See you at the big show!
Linda

Buying Art (Lesson 4) - Artist Proofs

If you attended one of the car shows that Michael and I displayed his automotive art at recently, like Performance World in Toronto or the London Custom and Speed Show, you may have heard me describe an Artist Proof with Remarque to a client.

First, we should touch on what an Artist Proof is.

• An Artist Proof was, quite simply, exactly what it sounds like ... an individual reproduction that the artist had painstakingly gone over, or 'proofed', to ensure that there were absolutely no imperfections. 
• Usually, the artist hand-inspected 10% of the original print run in this manner. That means, if the number of prints released was 800, he or she, would also proof and set aside another 80 Artist Proofs. 
• These then went into the artist's personal collection and, if released to the public, had a higher value (sometime sold for up to 4 times the price of the limited edition prints).
• In the past, art reproductions were mainly produced using two methods; as lithographs or serigraphs. In both instances, the plates were such that they deteriorated during the printing process, in turn increasing the chance of 'imperfect' prints. That is one of the reasons that lower numbers were sought after in limited edition, numbered prints — the first prints of a run were just better quality. That is why #1 was more valuable to a collector and more highly sought after than #800, for example.
• Now-a-days, most limited edition reproductions are produced as offset lithographs or giclées. In the case of the former, the plates are made of metal and need to be destroyed at the end of the print run. Giclées are printed one at a time, with the water-based ink being sprayed onto the paper or canvas, so there are no plates. In both cases, there is little to no chance of imperfections and often, #800 is one of the first prints sold.

Remarque painted in watercolor on painting,
"C1, See Them All," by Michael Irvine

Remarque painted in watercolor on painting,
"Big Blocks Behind the Barn," by Michael Irvine

Next, what is a 'Remarque'?

• A Remarque is a small, personalized drawing or painting that an artist adds in the lower margin of a print. The presence of a Remarque increases the print's value.
• Originally, Remarques were remarks made, in pencil, that identified the various stages a printing plate went through while in the process of being finalized. 
• Nowadays, a Remarque is a 'value-added' option for print collectors. Each Remarque is a one-of-a-kind, original. 

Remarque (client's car) drawn in pencil on painting,
"Flashback On The Track," by Michael Irvine

Remarque (client's car) painted in watercolor on painting
"Feeding Frenzy," by Michael Irvine

Finally, Michael's Artist Proofs with Remarque.

• As I've mentioned above, there is little to no chance of imperfections when using today's technology. And, Michael checks each and every print that leaves the studio. So, in essence, all his prints are proofs.
• Michael wanted to give collectors of Artist Proofs something truly unique and valuable. There are only 20 Artist Proofs with Remarque released with each print edition — making them very rare. They are done 'custom' per client's order.
• Remarques can be requested done in pencil or painted in watercolor.
• Michael numbers the Artist Proof and dates it for the date of the Remarque's completion. e.g. AP 5/20  04.13.2011. He also signs the Remarque, as well as the Artist Proof.
• Each Artist Proof with Remarque is a one-of-a-kind original, and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

An Artist Proof with Remarque is a wonderful addition to an art collection. It offers collectors an incredibly unique piece, at a fraction of the cost of an original painting. They are perfect for marking a special occasion or honoring a special friend, co-worker or family member. They are also a great way to 'get your car onto the art!'

To learn more about Michael's Artist Proof with Remarque, click here.
Happy art collecting! — Linda

Performance World Car Show - Toronto International Centre

You can check out Michael's work in person March 11, 12 and 13 at the International Centre in Toronto, Ontario. We'll be showing prints and Gallery Edition Canvases of "C1, See Them All" and "BEEP BEEP!" for the first time! As well as the Gallery Edition Canvas of "Four–Barrel Four–Speeds With Dual Exhaust". It looks like it's going to be a great show.

Also at the show, an amazing collection of custom hot rods, a lot of very cool muscle cars and corvettes, a display of Bullitt Mustangs covering all three generations, and a hall dedicated to the tuners! All in all, a great indoor event, perfect for a rainy weekend.

Maybe we'll see you there. - Linda

The Evolution of the Art and the Artist

Artist Michael Irvine's Mission Statement:

"To constantly challenge myself and create
paintings that I can be proud to stand in
front of." - Michael Irvine

And he really does live, and paint, by that statement. If Michael's not completely happy with the setting, title, cars, story, any part of the painting, he won't paint it.

For the better part of 20 years, the fine art was more of a hobby, for Michael. He had a successful and lucrative career as a commercial illustrator, and he dabbled in his own art. Always a lover of the automobile, his subject of choice was easy! About 4 years ago, we sat down and had a serious discussion on where we saw ourselves in the future. As recognition in the automotive world grew, so did the demand (from our clients) for Michael to release prints more often than once or twice a year. Juggling both the commercial art, as well as the automotive paintings, became to much and a decision had to be made. I'm glad to say, the right one!

Now, that's when things got interesting ...

Michael started to find new ways of challenging himself with every new painting. First it was the level of detail and the number of cars. Then the 'fantasy' setting, like the paintings in the Muscle Car Landscapes Series. Then, in a piece like "Feeding Frenzy", he took his use of reflective surfaces to a new level - the only non-reflective surface is the sky.

There are the paintings in the Above Them All Series ("Service Fit For A King", "It's A Grand Sport"), which not only give you a unique, bird's eye view of an iconic, history making vehicle, but also allow you to hang your art, your way.

Recently, he's pushing himself creatively - to tell a story, or give the onlooker a view, not only beyond the ordinary, but almost the surreal. Like in "BEEP BEEP!", he is pushing himself creatively, to capture, what I think, is the 'personality' of the vehicles.

It'll be interesting to see what he comes out with next. All I know, is his sketchbook is extraordinary!! Thanks for your support, I'll keep you posted. - Linda

Do You Know Your Engines?

Taking a bit of a breather since finishing his latest painting, "Beep Beep!" featuring the powerful Plymouth Road Runners, Michael came across this cool and challenging game. He said it was tough and a couple had him baffled. In the end, he scored a respectable 15 out of 19 ... how will you measure up?

It's called the "Engine ID Game #2 (V8s from 1957 to 1972) Trivia Game", check it out at: AMERICAN TORQUE.com ... and good luck!

Courtesy of AmericanTorque.com