The Creation Process of Making Ragtop Cruise
Learn and see the creation process of Ragtop Cruise, the second piece of art in my Route 66 Series.
Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of the creation process of my latest art piece, Ragtop Cruise. This painting is the second installment in my Route 66 series, and it features a beautiful '52 Chevrolet Convertible owned by our neighbors, James and Connie Chambers.
For this particular piece, I wanted to capture the nostalgic charm of Route 66 and the iconic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. I decided to paint the scene at dusk to showcase the mesmerizing neon lights of the motel, truly making the sign the focus of the motel.
Choosing the right time of day was crucial in order to capture the essence of the setting. Dusk provided the perfect backdrop, allowing me to showcase the warm glow of the setting sun against the white car and the neon lights of the motel.
As an artist, I believe that every detail matters. I meticulously studied the lines and curves of the '52 Chevrolet Convertible, ensuring that I captured its classic beauty. The ragtop roof added an extra layer of charm to the composition, and I made sure to even include the fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror in the painting.
When it came to painting the Blue Swallow Motel, I focused on capturing its unique retro vibe. The neon lights were a key element in bringing the scene to life. I carefully layered different shades of blue, yellow, green and reds to recreate the vibrant glow of the lights against the dusk sky. I chose to not paint the details of the actual building, instead keeping the viewers eyes focused on the sign and the car.
Throughout the process, I paid close attention to the interplay of light and shadow. The setting sun cast such a beautiful background glow, while the neon lights illuminated the car and the motel. I wanted to convey a sense of warmth and nostalgia, and I believe that the careful balance of light and shadow helped achieve that.
As I put the finishing touches on Ragtop Cruise, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The painting truly captures the spirit of Route 66 and the beauty of the '52 Chevrolet Convertible. The combination of the dusk setting, the neon lights, and the white car creates a scene that is both nostalgic and captivating.
Creating Ragtop Cruise was a labor of love, and I hope that it brings joy and a sense of wanderlust to those who view it. Stay tuned for more updates on my Route 66 series, as I continue to explore the rich history and beauty of this iconic American highway.
