[Books] Great Book! - Michael Turner

[stefan]

I just got 'How to draw and paint racing cars' from Haynes (who do the manuals)

It's a brilliant book - not just for those who want to learn how to do it but also for the huge collection of examples of his work - including sketches.

At about £15 - a real bargain.

[Andrew Kitson]

Yes it is a great book and Michael is a real gent too...a super bloke. His aircraft paintings are brilliant too. We have often exhibited at exhibitions together.
It's your fault Michael that I do this for a living now as I have told you many times and when are you going to retire to let the rest of us have a go!!. Michael inspired me more than anyone else as I used to collect his paintings printed in 'Autosport' when I was a kid. If you read this Michael see you at the GP or Goodwood.

[stefan]

Are you familiar with Bob Freemans work? He used to illustrate for Supercar Classics - beautiful pencil and wash drawings - quite technical - usually of engines and so on. I'm a big fan of his work - It'd be great if he brought out a book.

Here's his website...

www.bobfreeman.co.uk

Also, Andrew, do you find it's possible to make a good living out of motoring art? Is there a large market for it? Do you need an agent and so on? Where's the best place to start?

Thanks for any help - Stefan

[Andrew Kitson]

The way I started was to draw and paint as a hobby. I think I gave away probably my first 50 efforts to friends of my father. He was a race machanic so I would draw their cars and give them to them.
My hobby grew and I suddenly had two jobs - one as a Technical Illustrator doing very similar works as Bob Freeman but in the German car industry - (cut-away drawings etc.) and my paintings when I had any spare time.
Eventually one took over from the other but I did return to Germany for a while in the early 90s when the recession made things a little difficult to sell race car paintings.
I do make a living and have a specialist market as 90% of my customers are drivers, teams and sponsors involved in the industry. Have tried a few agents in the past but have a couple of people who help out now and then with difficult negotiations.
Best place to start is to practice and keep on practicing!
Thanks for your interest.