Classic Car-Themed Album Cover #8

I had to laugh when I came across this album cover. Yes, it does stretch the "car themed" idea a bit, but you have to admit those are some pretty cool 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass go-karts the Shriners are driving! — Linda   (Dead Kennedys - Frankenchrist):

Classic Car-Themed Album Cover #7

Okay, okay, so now we are really aging ourselves and perhaps revealing a bit too much about ourselves as well ... just to make it clear, although this album was released in 2006 (and I picked it due to the 1967 Chevy Impala), our "Weird Al" exposure occurred back in the 80s and 90s when Weird Al and his parody albums and videos were all the rage! — Linda  (Weird Al Yankovic - Straight out of Lynwood):

Classic Car-Themed Album Cover #6

Is that a 1968 Chevrolet Impala? It's hard to tell, but I have it on good authority that it is. Whether a photo or drawing, black and white or color ... or in this case upside down vs right side up, we appreciate cars on covers! — Linda  (Cake - B-Sides & Rarities): 

More Inspiration for Creative Paintings

Magazine ad for Rapid Transit System featuring
AAR Trans-Am team, race car, and production AAR ’Cuda.

We get asked all the time where Michael finds his inspiration. I can say with confidence the answer is ... EVERYWHERE!

For example, he's always been fascinated by the history of racing. Specifically, how Trans Am race cars like the AAR Cuda or the Challenger T/A were the true reason for the 'classic' cars we have today. Without those cars, drivers and engineers (and SCCA qualifying rules), none of those amazing cars would be on road, in private collections or on display at automotive events the world over. It's that backstory, that inspires Michael to create amazing pieces like "Born To Race"!

"Born To Race" by automotive artist Michael Irvine

Stock Photo Find—Michael's 1967 GTA Convertible Mustang on Alamy!

Michael began his career as a commercial illustrator for an advertising agency and I began as a graphic designer. Michael has since completley turned his creative eye to automotive fine art and I manage our studio, website, advertising, etc. I still retain a couple of long term 'design' clients, including a book publisher, Canav Books, and language teaching materials developer, Poster Pals. Imagine my surprise when doing some work for the later, I came across stock photos of one of our cars!! 

(Images are ©Alamy Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Over 20 years ago, at a car show on the Niagara Parkway, a photographer asked to shoot a few of the cars. Who knew that years later OUR 1967 Lime Gold Ford Mustang GTA Convertible (or a photo of it anyway) could be bought on Alamy's stock photo website by anyone! I wonder how many times it's been used in presentations, marketing materials, or just for personal use?

We still have the car, and don't have any plans of selling it in the future (near or far). The Mustang is actually the first car Michael and I bought together. And, it's the first car we worked on together as well. We both have great memories of travelling to the Carlisle Fairgrounds in search of parts. Together, we restored the interior, reupholstered the seats and replaced the convertible roof. We also managed to acquire 4 steering wheels and 3 sets of wheels, all of which we still have! Ah, the life of a true car enthusiast :) 

HOT Co-Signed Mr. Norm Print Near SOLD OUT!

With only 300 "Right On Spaulding!" Limited Edition Prints released in September 2016, and only a dozen left at the time of this posting, these incredibly rare and highly collectible prints are sure to be in big demand! Based on Michael's other works, once sold out, collectors and dealers of these very limited co-signed prints think they'll bring a definite premium on the secondary market in the very near future.

"Right On Spaulding!" by Michael Irvine

"Right On Spaulding!" features the Dodge Superbee, with Mr. Norm's famous Grand Spaulding Dodge dealership captured in the reflection. This stunning piece is part of Michael's Icons of Industry Series.

Mr. Norm Newsletter: Top Shelf Online Magazine

"Helluva Mirage" — Pentastar Power — pages 106-107

More like a full color magazine than a newsletter, Mr. Norm's well written, beautifully designed, FREE online publication is something every Mopar enthusiast has to see. Just under 150 pages, it features great photography and interesting stories and information on new and classic Mopars. AND, in this issue, a feature length article on your favorite automotive artist! Complete with stunning images and captions on 14 of Michael's most well known and popular Mopar-themed paintings. In a word ... WOW! Shown above, "Helluva Mirage".

Check out the Spring 2016 issue of Pentastar Power for yourself ... I think you'll be impressed. :)

Mr. Norm online magazine