Car Shows in July

July is almost over, and with it nearly half the summer car show season has slipped by. I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted anything on our blog. Between going to Chrysler Carlisle and the Concourse D'Elegance at Meadowbrook, the release of Michael's 429 Boss Mustang painting, "Boss Building" and the kids being home on summer vacation, it's been pretty crazy!

30' of art at Chrysler Carlisle 2010

Sometimes it's a juggle having two young kids (they're 10 and 12 now) and being able to attend and exhibit Michael's automotive art at car events. But getting to show people his incredibly detailed work up close and personal, and seeing their reactions to it, it's worth it! We get a lot of 'ooohs' and 'aaahs'. The most common thing we here?: "WOW!"

It's that kind of reaction that keeps Michael painting and let's him know he made the right decision in walking away from a successful career as as commercial artist to turn his talents on capturing the classic lines of the automobile! And he's lovin' it!

Here are just a few things people have had to say about Michael's paintings and the Limited Edition Prints, Artist Proofs with Remarque and Gallery Edition Canvases he offers:

"AWESOME!!!" — David M.

"Love Michael's art - especially that Petty print he recently released." — Terry D.

"... [they] look fantastic (as usual)" — Anthony T.

"The print looks great.  I can't wait for it to come so I can hang it next to the other one." — Dave H.

"Beautiful art work." — Jack N.

"Your passion for auto/art is leaps above the rest." — B.H.

"I love your work and can’t wait to buy your next Chevy painting – I have them all so far." — Dave L.

Thank you to everyone, everywhere, who has been so supportive of Michael's work! He couldn't do it without you!! From our family to yours, we hope you're enjoying a safe, happy, car show filled, summer. See you "at the show!" — Linda

Mopar Magic Show Close to Home

If you're in the Ottawa, Ontario area ... specifically anywhere near Cornwall ... and you're the least bit interested in Mopars, you should check out the Mopar Magic 2010 Car Show at Lamoureux Riverfront Park in Cornwall, Ontario. It's being held, rain or shine, on Saturday July 3rd. What a great way to round out the July 1st / July 4th (depending which side of the border you're from) long weekend!

Admission to the public is free, Car Registration is only $12 at the gate!

It's the 7th year this show's been around and our first time attending. Notman Chrysler Dodge Jeep is graciously sponsoring the event and allowing us to come along for the fun!!

If you haven't already seen Michael's "Service Fit For A King" or "They Came With The Farm Too" in person (especially as large Gallery Edition Canvaes), getting out to the show is a great excuse to!

Hope to see you there. Have a safe & joy-filled Canada Day and Fourth of July!! — Linda

Happy Father's Day 2010!

This year, in celebration of Father's Day, we'll be doing something completely different ... instead of attending an automotive event, we'll be exhibiting Michael's Limited Edition Prints and Gallery Edition Canvases at a local car show. Only 10 minutes from our home, The Autodream Group in Niagara Falls is hosting it's 4th Annual, any make, any model, classic car show. Last year, over 150 cars graced the restoration company's grounds. And this year they expect even more!

It's worth stopping by their Open House (running at the same time as the show), just to see the incredible 50,000 square foot facility. Not to mention, the cars the Autodream Group has on display!

So, if you're anywhere near Niagara Falls, Ontario and need a 'classic car fix' or you want to surprise dad and 'take him to the show', stop by and check it out: 

The Autodream Group

4605 Kent Avenue, Niagara Falls  

Website: TheAutodreamGroup.com 

Hope to see you there ... and no matter what you do, have a very Happy Father's Day!! - Linda

Automotive Art in the Headlines

Great to see some more press on Michael's latest paintings. I have to thank all the publications (magazine and on-line) that so graciously make the room to feature his new Limited Edition Prints, Artist Proofs with Remarque and Gallery Edition Canvases.

And, a great big thanks goes to those writers that take the time to scribe some pretty cool stuff about his work. Here's a link to a recent blurb in Old Cars Weekly on-line (click on the logo to get to the article). I'll be posting more as I come across them. Thanks! - Linda

First Outdoor Carshow of the Season

Even though the heavy rain storm on Friday night made for some really wet grounds, The Fleetwood Country Cruizein in London Ontario had another great turnout this year. The weather was fabulous on Saturday, with the second day of forecasted rain holding off until early evening — we were able to teardown and pack up before it hit! With the heavy rains on Friday night, apparently a few cars got stuck in the mud, but they managed to pull them out to safety with the help of Steve Plunkett, himself. I haven't heard about any major damage, but I'm pretty sure some photos will find their way onto the web!


The show is one of Canada's largest outdoor car shows and is open to muscle, classic and sports cars from all over. One neat attraction is the Amphi-Car "drive" through the pond. And there's more to see indoors. Steve Plunkett's Cadillacs of the 30s Museum and the 31-car garage were open to the public as well. Currently an one day show, it's gotten so big, Steve's talking about making it two days long, starting next year.

Along with giving us the chance to see some amazing collector cars, the event supports, not only the Plunkett Foundation, but also over 20 other charitable organizations ... very cool. If you didn't make it out this year, mark your calendar for the 2011 event. It's usually held the first weekend in June.

Once again, it was nice to see some familiar faces and to have the chance to show Michael's work to a new collection of admirers as well. Our display covered over 30 feet, giving us the opportunity to display 17 Gallery Edition Canvases, including the matching "They Came With The Farm" and "They Came With The Farm Too" set —side by side, they really are traffic stopping! Also on display for the first time, was the Gallery Editon Canvase of Michael's latest release, "Boss Building"! {note: intro pricing ends one June 26}

Thanks to everyone for stopping by. See you at the next show! — Linda

Boss 429 Painting Officially Released

June is here, and along with what I consider the official start to the 2010 car show season, is the official release of Michael's latest automotive painting, featuring the 1969 and 1970 Boss 429, entitled "Boss Building."

We'll be showing it in person for the first time this weekend at the Fleetwood Country Cruizein in London, Ontario, while simultaneously, showing it at Ford Carlisle! Michael and I will be at Fleetwood, while our friend, Jim McDermott (Mac's Art & Automobile Collectibles), will be setting up on the Carlisle Fairgrounds in our usual spot (H1-HH1). He'll not only have the Limited Edition Prints of "Boss Building," but he'll also be showing one of the Gallery Edition Canvases. If your plans over the weekend, include a trip to Ford Carlisle, stop by and see Jim — tell him we sent you!

Also on-site at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, you can see one of Michael's other Gallery Edition Canvases, on display at the "Mustang Magazine" booth, by the Grandstand. "Mustang Magazine" will be holding a draw, and one lucky winner will walk away with the limited Gallery Edition Canvas of "Big Blocks Behind the Barn." Find out more, by visiting their blog.

Links of interest:

• "Boss Building"
• "Big Blocks Behind the Barn"
• Fleetwood Country Cruizein
• Ford Carlisle
• Jim McDermott
• Mustang Magazine

I think it will be a great weekend, no matter what show you attend. With Father's Day just around the corner, what a nice treat to take dad to the car show ... or sneak out yourself, for that special gift! Happy car showing. — Linda

Aero Car Reunion tour of Wellborn Muscle Car Museum

I just spotted this on YouTube ... very cool. The Wellborn Muscle Car Museum is definitely a must-see stop on any enthusiasts tour of the southern states. It is, quite simply, fabulous! Although I don't think we appear in the video, Michael and I were there back in October of 2009 for the Daytona Superbird Auto Club Reunion. Several of Michael's original watercolor Mopar paintings are on display in the Museum and the Gift Shop now offers Limited Edition Prints of most of Michael's work.

Check out this link to the Legendary Collector Cars website ... there are lots more photos, if you look closely, you'll see Michael's Limited Edition Prints and Gallery Edition Canvases in a couple of them, including the #43 Canvas of "Service Fit For a King"!

If you were there for the pre-Grand Opening, send us some pics or video, I'd love to include them on our blog. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. — Linda