Decorating The Home With Automotive Fine Art

Michael's automotive fine art hangs in man caves, dens, rec rooms, offices and now, more than ever, in feature areas of many clients' homes. We are always thrilled to hear just how creative people are with, not only the framing and matting, but also how they hang Michael's Limited Editon Prints and Gallery Edition Canvases.

Recently, at Mecum Indy, we met face to face (for the first time) with a client that has collected Michael's work for several years. It was great to get a chance to put a face to a name, email and voice! Curtis had stopped by to say hi and to check out Michael's latest piece (which he'd already ordered, but not received yet), "Chasing History."

During our chat, Curtis and I exchanged framing and hanging ideas. One of the things we found we had in common (aside from a love and appreciation of Michael's car art!!), was the way we display it.

As you can well imagine, we have a LOT of art in our home — most of it Michael's but there's a decent showing of other works too. And, like many, we are a bit light on wall space. So, I decided to try "stacking" the art. In other words, rather than hanging a single print at eye-level, which is what most decorators recommend, I hang one just above, and one just below. So, my eye level, is roughly the bottom of the top frame. I have to tell you, the effect is pretty stunning. It gives it a "gallery feel" and to my mind, gives the art even more impact.

As it turns out, I'm not the only one to do this. One of our other clients, Steven, is not only stacking, but also alternating — one vertical Gallery Edition Canvas, two stacked framed prints, one vertical Gallery Edition Canvas, etc. — brilliant! I'm waiting for Steven to send me pictures (hint, hint).

After talking with Curtis at the Mecum Auction, to my surprise and delight, when we arrived at home, he had emailed me a photograph of his clever art corner! Here's a peek at what Curtis has done — not only stacking, but using corner space —looks great! Definitely an idea I plan to incorporate in our own home.

Fittingly, Curtis named the photograph he sent me, "Irvine Corner." Thanks Curtis!!

"Irvine Corner" great idea for hanging Michael's car art!
Shown clockwise, starting top left:
They Came With The Farm, Kings of the Road,
Big Blocks Behind the Barn, Always Room For One More.

Mecum Indy Auction: Behind the Scenes

For the first time ever, we set up a display of Michael's car art at Dana Mecum's Auction in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was quite the event ... over 2500 cars going over the block in only 6 days.


The auction ran from 8:00 am until near midnight, almost every day. We took a walk about and were amazed at the shear number and quality of the vehicles. In a word — wow!

Here are a few of the pics we took in the staging lane and in the Marsh Blue Ribbon building, where we were set up.

Mecum Indy: Michael's exhibit; our good friend Jim manning the booth.

Mecum Indy:  That's a lot of Corvettes, like "C1, See Them All."

Mecum Indy:Three orange Plymouth Superbirds under one roof in
the Blue Ribbon Marsh Building.

Mecum Indy: More Vettes - covering all the years.

Mecum Indy: This Classic Corvette was getting ready to hit the staging lanes.

Mecum Indy: Unrestored Plymouth Superbird. Wow.

Mecum Indy: Another wing car. "Six Pack Salute", anyone?

Mecum Indy: Some amazing cars with incredible pedigrees. Including
Fred Gibbs' 1969 Camaro race car.

Mecum Indy: This one appeared as a "What is it?" on our Facebook page.

Mecum Indy: Hot Rod Firetruck.

Mecum Indy: Yellow 1970 Plymouth Superbird.

Mecum Indy: 1970 Boss 302 Mustang — beautiful.

Mecum Indy: Early Corvette racer.

 Mecum Indy: Beautiful 1968 Shelby Convertible on it's way to being sold.

The annual auction is held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It's a big venue, easy to get to no matter where you're staying. The Mecum staff are friendly and helpful, whether you are an exhibitor, buyer, seller, or spectator! As car events go, it's should be on everyone's bucket list!

For us, highlights included meeting new clients, seeing dear friends, and putting faces to the names and voices of people that have been collecting Michael's work since the early days. Great seeing you all. Until the next time, Cheers. — Linda

Linda's Easy Fajita Recipe

Last night I found another great way to use Chef Tim Creehan's Grill Plus in one of my "gotta get dinner on the table quick" fall-back recipes. In our family & work dynamic, as an artist, Michael focuses most of his time on the creative process. Every painting is a challenge he puts onto himself. He pushes himself creatively, starting with a vision and finding a way to push past the obstacles and make the painting come to life. And the results are stunning, like his latest piece "Blast By The Past." That leaves mundane tasks like chauffeuring our kids to and from all their activities, as well as preparing all our meals, to me.

"Blast By The Past" - Camaro SS 396 car art painting by Michael Irvine.

So, when I come up with, or come across, a meal that works nutritionally, fits the budget, meets our tight schedule and is loved by the family, it becomes a staple in our diets! I've been making fajitas for years — not authentic, by any means, but a family favorite none-the-less.

Last night, I thought I'd try using Grill Plus ... but I wanted to maintain the flavors our family has become accustom to — I don't know about you, but teenagers can be finicky — which meant still using the Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce that gives the meal a pretty distinctive flavor. It was a raving success. So good, in fact, I thought I'd share my recipe with you.

Easy Fajitas

• 3-4 chicken breast
• 10" tortilla shells (your choice)
• 1 large red pepper
• 1 medium Vivaldi onion
• 1/4 cup Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite)
• 1/8 cup Grill Plus (approx)
• 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
• Condiments: grated cheddar cheese, guacamole,
  sour cream, taco sauce, salsa, hot sauce

Heat bbq to medium high. Brush one side of each breast with Grill Plus. I squirt a dollop on one breast then, using a silicone brush, brush over all 4. Place chicken on grill, Grill Plus side down. Close the lid. Mix barbecue sauce with approx. 2 tbsp of Grill Plus, brush other side of the chicken (while it's on the grill). Turn chicken, set bbq to medium, close lid. Cook for about 10 minutes (check to make sure it doesn't burn. It can be slightly underdone (pink in the middle). Because you've added Grill Plus, it WILL NOT stick ... awesome!

Remove chicken from grill. Set aside. Cut pepper and onion into strips. Heat a large skillet (I use an electric wok) on high. One at the time, heat the tortilla shells, turning when steam bubble appear. Do not over cook, you want them soft NOT crunchy. Once done, set aside on a covered plate.

Add peppers and onions to skillet, cut bbq'd chicken into strips. I stand the breast on it's side and halve it lengthwise, then cut into strips. Add chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle with ground pepper, chili powder and fresh cilantro. Toss mixture. Cook until chicken is all the way done through. I like the veggies to still have a bit of a crispness to them. That's it, your part is done.

Leave mixture in the skillet. Let everyone "fix their own" fajita. So easy and so good!  — ¡Buen apetito!, Linda

MegaSpeed Custom Car & Truck Show – Toronto

The new MegaSpeed Custom Car & Truck Show actually replaces Performance World, a show that was around for many years. So, this inaugural event, is really a new and improved version of one of the area's longest running indoor car shows. New owner, new vendors, new automobiles ... really, a great looking event. And, with the changes owner Pat is making, next year should be even better.

Although we did not set up a booth at the show, Michael's automotive fine art was on display; you can just make out the Gallery Edition Canvases of "BEEP BEEP!", "Feeding Frenzy" and "Pure As The Driven Snow"  in the background of the first photo of the Boss Mustang below, and "Bird Sanctuary" in the 2nd photo. WHAT a beautiful car! After spotting "Boss Building" while the car art was being hung, the owner added it to his collection.

Enjoy the pics. — Linda

Couple of shots of a truly stunning Boss Mustang.

Cool gold truck - beautiful paint. Inspiring us to get our 1971 Firebird into
a paint booth!

 

'

One of our client's cars — took home 5 awards — awesome!

 

TV Show 'Alcatraz' Recreates Classic Bullitt Chase Scene

After seeing the 'new chase' on the show Alcatraz, all we could think was ... "That is 'Chasing History' (Michael's up coming painting) but with the new Dodge Charger and 'Bullitt' Mustangs recreating the classic chase scene from 1968. Wow! Very, very cool."

It seems that Michael coming out with two Bullitt themed car art paintings (he released 'DODGE N' A BULLITT' earlier this year) is perfectly timed. Not only is HoonDog Events planning the "Route 66 Legend Lives Tour" with Bullitt Mustangs and Dodge Chargers old and new, but a hot new TV show reenacts the famous chase scene ... and do it some serious justice.  In striving for authenticity, they even had the Volkswagen in a couple of shots. Too funny.

Like most Bullitt fans, we watched (and recorded) the episode which aired last night (March 26th). I have to admit, it was impressive.

A client of ours from San Francisco, sent us the following link to a 'behind the scenes' look at the chase segment. Click on this link to check it out: 'Bullitt' redux: 'Alcatraz' recreates classic SF chase scene

And, to whet your whistle, here's a few shots I managed to capture. Look familiar, don't they? I think they did a pretty good job. Enjoy, we sure did!! — Linda

Route 66 and Bullitt - That's Just Too Cool

Rare Opportunity to be Part of a Unique Experience.

Michael has been commissioned by HoonDog Events, to create a painting commemorating the inaugural "The Legend Lives Tour," down America's Main Street, the historic Route 66.

The Tour
Just imagine, Dodge Chargers and Bullitt Mustangs, old and new, touring down Route 66 in the ultimate Bullitt caravan!

You don't have to just imagine it, you can be part of history in the making! Hoondog Events has created a unique, memorable driving event, inviting Bullitt Mustang and Dodge Charger owners to take to the open road on Route 66 in the inaugural, "The Legend Lives Tour".

Starting in Chicago, Illinois on May 26th, the tour ends in Chino, California, at the Friends of Steve McQueen car show, on June 2nd, 2012. 

Rare look at Michael's car art at the sketch stage. Shown with limited
printed remarque.

You can register for the whole trip, or just one leg. Or, if you can't make it this year, you can still own a Limited Edition print of the commemorative car art painting, "Chasing History," they've commissioned Michael for!

It Just Gets Better

Above is another rare opportunity to see one of Michael's paintings at the sketch stage and pre-order your Limited Edition Print today.   Only the first 100 prepaid orders (based on the sketch) will have the "Rout 66 The Legend Lives Tour 2012" remarque shown here.

This will be printed on the first
100 pre-ordered prints only.

For more information on "The Legend Lives Tour", check out HoonDogEvents.com.   

Chasing History, is available for order through HoonDog Events, or through us at MichaelIrvine.com. Happy trails!,— Linda

Chef Tim Creehan's Incredible Soup

The weeks leading into the holidays are always busy — Michael's car art has become a popular Christmas gift for the car enthusiast! And being big on making wishes come true, we try our hardest to make sure that every order makes it under the tree in time for the big day.

Personally, it's a busy time too — we have a couple of kids, so gift planning and shopping is a must. As is attending school concerts and seasonal events. Every Christmas Eve we host a family/friend dinner. The tradition started years ago, before any of us had children, and before my parents moved cross country to be close to their first grand children.

In the early days, when there were only four of us, there was a lot of "accidental" successes and failures. But youth, friendship and wine, helped smooth it all out!

Over the last few years, it's become a matter of personal pride that the dinner is as wonderful and creative as possible. We never have the same exact meal twice. This last year was probably the best so far, with the addition of recipes created by our friend, and fellow car enthusiast, Chef Tim Creehan.

We met Chef Tim about 3 years ago at the Wing Car Reunion held at the Wellborn MuscleCar Museum. I purchased one of his cookbooks (pictured below), but in awe of his incredible talent, I was reluctant to try any of the recipes - feeling my attempts would fall short.

We saw Chef Tim at Cuvée Bistro in Destin, Florida last summer. In fact, we ate there every night of our stay. The food is amazing, the wine list is incredible, the staff are wonderful. If you're ever anywhere near the area, you have to stop by. Word of warning, make a reservation ... the place was packed every night.

It was there that we first tried "Tim Creehan's Smoked Tomato Soup". Even our non veggie eating daughter loved it. With an assurance from Chef Tim that his recipes are simple to follow, because he uses fresh, simple ingredients, I threw caution to the wind. I followed the recipe exactly, and the result was perfect. Everyone loved it, asked for seconds and for the recipe!

I asked Tim if I could share it with others, and he gave me the go ahead. So, here it is. Do yourself a favor and give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

Tim Creehan's Smoked Tomato Soup
Ingredients – Serves 12

A must have cookbook in our kitchen.

• 2 yellow onions
• 4 tomatoes
• 1/3 pound chopped bacon
• ¼ cup chopped garlic
• 3 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes
• 3 cups tomato sauce or puree
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1½ quarts chicken stock
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 pound steamed (70-90 count) shrimp
• ¼ cup chopped parsley or chive stems

Method:

1. Sprinkle a smoker with soaked hickory chips and preheat. Cut the onions in half and place them and the whole tomatoes on the smoker rack. Smoke over low heat for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and chop.
2. Saute the bacon in a heavy soup pot. Add the onions, tomatoes and garlic. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the next 6 ingredients; mix well. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Process the mixture in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth. Combine the mixture in the soup pot; stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper and heat to serving temperature. Ladle the soup into soup bowls and top with the steamed shrimp and chopped parsley or chive stems.

I also picked up Tim's sensational marinade, Grill Plus. I cannot tell you how often I've used it in the past months. It is pretty much foolproof. I don't think I can do without it anymore. It gives the simplest meal that little bit of a flavor boost!

Grill Plus Instant Marinade and Cooking Sauce, makes a wonderful marinade for steaks or roasts. Great on chicken and pork. I've brushed it on hours in advance, or moments before cooking. I've used it instead of butter or oil in the pan when sauteeing. It's very versatile, flavourful (without being overwhelming) and keeps meat from sticking to any surface. I've even mixed it into our favorite bbq sauce when grilling ribs! Check out ChefsGrillPlus.com for ordering information and recipe ideas.

A great big thanks to Chef Tim, for making me feel like a gourmet ... we cannot wait until our next trip to Destin! And, happy cooking to everyone!! — Linda