Best Gearhead Gift Ever

You know how much I love my classic car, right? You’ve noticed my Instagram is plastered with too many pictures to count of my Studebaker. While I’m glad I’ve got skills behind the camera… there’s something about a painting that pulls in emotion like only fine art can. Which is why what I’m about to show you is the best gearhead gift ever… even if in this case, it was more of a “treat yo’self” gift.

I’ve always wanted a car painting of Studie, but it was one of those things I assumed I could never afford. Earlier this year, while rummaging the swap meet at Lone Star Round Up, I found a ’55 Studebaker Champion spec card and snatched it up.

With vintage Studebaker print in hand, a brilliant idea sparked in my mind. Earlier in the day I’d passed my buddy, James Owens, in his art booth. Over the years I’ve become acquainted with some amazing hot rod artists, and James Owens is one of my favorites. He painted the awesome trio of unique “Rosie the Riveter’s” that I love so much—in fact one of those prints hangs on my wall already. Why not ask James if he would paint my Studebaker on the old card I’d just scored?!

To my delight, James agreed to it, saying that he does commissioned car paintings all the time. Leaving him with the “canvas” and emailing a few photos of my car, I told him to paint Studie however he saw fit. I little while longer, this beauty popped up in my mailbox! I love, love, LOVE it.

This custom car painting of Studie makes me smile every time I look at it. I am BLOWN AWAY by how well James captured her—color, personality and all.

And while of course different artists and different sizes of work will have varying cost, this one didn’t break the bank and is so well worth every penny spent. James even mounted the card onto a cool hardboard which I framed after receiving it.

So, to all of you looking to either treat yo’self or score that special gift that will make a big impression… a custom car painting is the absolute best gearhead gift ever. If you want to have one done in time for the holidays, you’d better get in contact with an artist soon. Choose someone you love the style of and I’m sure you’ll adore what they create!

You can see more of James Owens’ art, and contact him for a special commission, on his FB page or website at car-noir.com.