Inspiring Car Art

As an automotive artist, one of the questions Michael gets asked most often is, "What motivates or inspires you in your car art?" There is no one answer. Sometimes it's being at the right place at the right time. Or at the right car show at the right time, as was the case for the painting, "From Showroom to Showfield" (shown above).

It was back in 1997 (I can't believe it's been 12 years!). We were attending the All-Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Not only an amazing swap meet for anyone looking to restore a car, but also a pretty good car show. Over the years we've seen incredible collections of Cougars, Fairlanes, Torinos, Galaxies, Thunderbirds, to name a few. And of course, Mustangs.

In 1997, however, Michael noticed that more and more new cars were showing up on the field. Literally, it seemed, driving (or being trailered) from the Ford showroom or car lot, right to the showfield. New classes were created and these cars became instant classics. This inspired Michael to paint, "From Showroom to Showfield" - paying tribute to the Mystic and Saleen Mustangs, with a nod and a glimpse at the other classics in the reflections of these incredible cars.

"Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can't be two people. Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people." - Lee Iacocca

Recently, something else has helped to influence Michael - let's call it collective enthusiasm! Michael is known internationally for his paintings of "modern muscle" with paintings like, "New to the Chase", "The Chase Lives On" and "Shakin' Up the Street", so a Marauder painting was on the list of future projects. But it is David Popovich and the Motor City Marauders that are making it really happen. A group of owners/ enthusiasts, they have gotten together to commission Michael to create one of his high impact color, stunning watercolor paintings, this time featuring the powerful Mercury Marauder.


As a special thanks to this great group, Michael has decided to release a reproduction of the original sketch to those collectors that preorder "Marauders of Woodward" before May 17th, 2009. This is a one time, free offer - additional sketches will NOT be available. This is also the first time, ever, that Michael has released a pencil sketch, making this even more special, unique and collectible. Plus, all prints ordered before June 30th, 2009 will be co-signed by Steve Babcock, "The Father of the Marauder", Mercury Marauder Production Manager!

As part of the deal with the Motor City Marauders, for Michael to start painting, 100 orders need to be prepaid. The sooner that goal is reached, the sooner he'll start and the sooner the prints and sketches will be released. Now that's motivational! - Linda

Immortalizing Collector Cars

Why is the 1968 Shelby GT 500 ("Kings of the Road" shown above) so collectible, while, say the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette is not. Okay, admittedly, that's an extreme example and the reasons are beyond obvious, but my point is, what makes one car soar in collectibility and value in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts, while others are seemingly passed over? And what, if anything, can change a car's status?

Of course there are several factors that contribute to the popularity of an automobile; production numbers, horsepower, performance, aesthetics ... the list goes on. Once a car is immortalized, in movies, television shows, die cast replicas and art, however, it's status and value as a true collector car increases. I cannot remember the last time I saw a movie that didn't have a Ford Mustang in it. Or a Chevy Corvette. Or a Dodge Charger. Arguably, these are some of the most iconic and highly valued classics on the market today.

That brings me to the Mercury Marauder - specifically the 2003-2004 limited production models, designed by Steve Babcock. Many owners of this car are die hard enthusiasts. Many started with the Ford Mustang, and have since moved to the roomier Marauder. It may appear to some to be a luxury sedan, but make no mistake, like many "sleepers," this is a powerful muscle car!

So far, these cars are revered by the people that own them, but have not yet reached the collector values that some of their counterparts have. But that may be about to change. Working with the Motor City Marauders, Michael has started on a painting, entitled "Marauders of Woodward." It features all four colors of Mercury's sinister 300 hp 4.6 V8, racing down the famous Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan during the annual Dreamcruise. With plans to have it completed this summer, fans of the Marauder are in for a treat. This is the first time the car has been immortalized in this way.


Dave Popovich of the Motor City Marauders, having been a long time fan and owner of some of Michael's work, including "Shakin' Up The Street," (shown above) was instrumental in making this happen. It's his devotion to the car, the website, forum and its members, that helped inspire Michael. As always, Michael strives to be as technically accurate as possible, so a big thanks to Steve Babcock for his help in that area.

Limited Edition Prints, Artist Proofs with Remarque and Gallery Editon Canvases of "Marauders of Woodward" are slated to be released by fall 2009. I'll keep you posted. - Linda

People & Things in Your Life

This week, a very good friend's mother passed away. Although it wasn't a surprise, still it hit hard. My friend chose to spend hours on the road several times a month over the course of the year that her mother was in hospital. In the last few weeks, she made the 4 hour round trip almost daily. I think she didn't want to have any regrets. And although it may have been a bit trying sometimes, juggling work, kids and an ailing mother, I think she's at peace with how she handled things.

The whole thing got me thinking about decisions we make every day about who and what we include in our lives. We all make choices daily about who we spend time with as well as how we spend it. I don't think anyone ever regrets spending a few hours with someone who makes them feel good or is important to them in some way. The same goes for the items we surround ourselves with.

I'm not suggesting that buying everything we see is the ticket to happiness, far from it. But every now and then an object, collectible, car ... whatever, comes up that you just know you'll regret passing on.

"To believe in yourself and to follow your dreams, to have goals in life and a drive to succeed, and to surround yourself with the things and the people that make you happy - this is success!" - Sasha Azevdo

I've heard Michael's philosophy on the whole, 'missing out' thing. It goes something like this: "You don't regret the one you did buy (unless it's a real lemon of a car) but you do regret missing out on the one you really wanted."

About 6 years ago, in search of a 2nd classic car, Michael spotted a 1970 Mach 1 in the Auto Trader. It was located about 2 hours north of us. I couldn't go see it with him, so Michael set off on his own. He and I talked about it before he left. He felt it was a fair price for the car if it was in the condition as described. I didn't resist, in fact gave him the green light to go ahead - no phone call needed. It turned out to be better than he thought, a great specimen of a Ford Mustang, Mach 1! Pewter with a red interior, I think it had the fold down back seat and air conditioning.

For some reason, Michael hesitated. Having a clear path to purchase it, he chose, instead to hop into the van and give me a call. As he pulled in across the street from where the Mach was parked, he saw another guy shaking hands with the owner and then both of them walking into the house together. And that was that. To say he regretted losing the car, would be an understatement. Needless to say, he's never made that mistake again!


This is true of other things as well. Those that collect Michael's car art know what I'm talking about: missing out on a limited edition print or canvas. Michael's Mach 1 print, Mach Speed, sold out a couple of years ago. I've lost count of how many requests we've had for it since then. There are a lot of people kicking themselves, especially since it's tripled in price in the secondary market. Many have asked about a second printing, but as a limited edition, once they're gone, that's it. It is available as a Gallery Edition Canvas.

Take the time to smell the flowers. Spend time with a friend or loved one. Apply for that job. Ask that person out for coffee. And surround yourself with people and objects that enhance your life. - Linda

Is Art is Healthy?

I picked up a copy of our local newspaper today and in the Arts & Entertainment section I came across the headline, "Doctor prescribes a healthy dose of art." You can see how that would peak my interest, with Michael being an artist. As it turned out, the article was about an area doctor who took the building her old practice was in and converted it into an art gallery which would feature her abstract paintings as well as those of other local artists. The headline obviously originated from her being a physician as well the following quote:

"Art is very truthful. What comes out is very honest; it comes from the soul, from one's spirit."

Anything that powerful has to have a healthy effect on us. That got me thinking about art and what it contributes to our lives. We've always said that although it's not a staple, like water or bread, having beautiful things surrounding us is important to our well being and in that sense art is essential to our lives. For some, a colorful floral or rich landscape brightens their day. For others a Norman Rockwell-style piece reflecting the past is the ticket. And for others still, it's a subject they are passionate about. Like cars.

I met one of our clients in person last summer. Since we don't do very many shows, it was somewhat of a rare treat. His wife told us that he has one of Michael's prints (I think it's "They Came With The Farm" - the all Mopar painting), hanging in the hall just outside their bedroom door. Each and every morning he spends 5 minutes gazing at the print. He says it sets the mood for his day. His wife said that he's been happier since he started the ritual - he rarely misses a day!

Michael is a very talented and versatile artist. And I'm not just saying that because I'm his wife. Over the years, he's expertly painted wildlife, architectural landmarks, vineyards and orchards. In fact, he's been asked on more than one occasion to expand his portfolio to include other subject matters. But his passion is the automobile. He just loves cars, plain and simple. And that's why he paints them. He takes enjoyment in painting them, driving them, working on them and just plain looking at them! Call him a gearhead, motorhead or enthusiast, he's right in there with the people that collect his work. It's that passion that comes through in each and every painting. It's that passion that people feel when they look at his work.

So, is art healthy? Absolutley. It adds color to our walls and to our lives. It brightens a gray day and lifts our spirits. It brings us joy and creates positive feelings. Sounds pretty healthy to me! - Linda

Muscle Cars in Movies

It happened again. We're watching "Race to Witch Mountain," and low and behold ... a 1968 Mustang Fastback, just like Steve McQueen drove in the famous car chase classic, "Bullitt." Early in the movie we get a little teaser, by way of a "Bullitt" poster on the hero's motel room wall. It's his dream to one day own one. He even carries a key fob with the running horse on it as a reminder. It's no surprise that at the end of the movie, he gets his wish - driving away in a dark green, 1968 Ford Mustang GT. I think it may have even had all the emblems removed, just like Frank Bullitt's did!


That got me thinking about just how often we've seen muscle cars in movies. Mustangs are popular, maybe because they're billed as "America's favorite pony car," or maybe it's just because they are so recogizable and there are still lots of them around. Most recently, I can think of "Knightrider" (the TV series), "I Am Legend" and "Death Race." I found this site which lists a number of movies both old and new, you may want to check it out: Mustangs in Movies

But it doesn't stop at Mustangs. Mopars show up all over the place as well. In "Death Race," for example, as well as a large assortment of titles over the years. The General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard," the 1968 Charger from "Bullitt" and Kowalski's 1970 Dodge Challenger in "Vanishing Point" being three of the most famous, and the list goes on. Here's a link to a list of a few of them: Mopars in Movies, but I'm sure there are lots more.


I haven't found a website about Chevys yet, but Corvettes, Camaros and Trans Ams are always making cameo appearances if not in lead roles. One of my favorites is Burt Reynold's Trans Am in "Smokey and the Bandit." I'll keep you posted.

Muscle Car Family Game

We're sitting in the dark theater. "Paul Blart Mall Cop" is playing on the big screen. After a somewhat silly and funny start, the movie has taken a softer, more romantic twist. Out of the darkness, I hear "Mustang!" I don't even have to look to see who broke the silence ... it was our 10 year old son. Since he could talk, it's been our family's version of the driving game "punch bug." Everytime someone spots a Ford Mustang, the first one to yell it out is 'king of the hill' - at least until the next time!

Back to the movie theater: because most of the movie takes place in a shopping mall, we really had no expectation of seeing any cars at all, let alone a blast from the past. So, it was a pleasant surprise as the mildly romantic scene came to a close and we're in the parking lot of the mall, where the object of Paul's affections (Amy) unlocks her 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible. Yellow with a black ragtop, there sits America's favourite pony car! So, the cry of "Mustang" was justified - even expected!!

Along with being able to play almost anywhere; a movie theatre, drive-in, car show, restaurant parking lot ... you get the idea ... there's really no limit as to what cars or how many different makes and models you include. The game can, of course, be altered to fit your own tastes in American muscle cars or sports cars. Although seeing an old Challenger or Charger on the road may be a rare sight, now that Dodge has revived both those cars into modern muscle, your chances are much higher. And, though it's true there is some financial stuff going on with General Motors right now, I haven't heard anything about the door closing on the new Camaro.

All in all, it's fun, easy, free and the whole family can play along. You can even make it more interesting, but awarding a prize (like a Hotwheels car) at the end of the trip, or month, or whatever you choose. In a day and age where kids riding in the back have their eyes glued to their latest hand held video game or movie playing on the dvd player, it gives them a reason to look out the window and enjoy a bit of the countryside. All the while, helping to point out some of the classics we might miss with our eyes on the road!

Plus, it's a great game for the ride to the car show (which as the wife and family of a muscle car enthusiast and automotive artist, we do a lot) .... it gets everyone, including our 8 year old daughter ... involved and primed for the day ahead! On route, the chance of seeing a classic Duster, Dart, Cuda and even the rare Superbird is possible. If you're a Ford fan, why not look for a Bullitt or Saleen Mustang, Shelby, Cougar, Galaxie, Torino or Fairlane. Award bonus points if they can also guess the year of the Pontiac's GTO Judge, Trans Am, Firebird or Chev's Chevelle, Camaro or Nova. It's a fun way to get the next generation interested in the car collector hobby!! May as well get them started young!