Classic Car-Themed Album Cover #10

Blondie's second album, released in 1978, features Deborah Harry sitting on the chrome bumper of a 1976 Dodge Coronet police cruiser. — Linda    (Blondie - Plastic Letters):

Classic Car-Themed Album Cover #9

Since this album was released in late 1964, it doesn't really fall into the same category as the previous covers we've featured, which are mostly modern bands utilizing today's collector cars for that real "wow" factor. But with the blue '65 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1964 Pontiac GTO in such prominent display, I just couldn't resist making this cover #9! — Linda   (Beach Boys - Shutdown vol. 2)

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 :)