Saturday, May 2, 2009

At the Auto Show


This Mercedes hood ornament is the second in a series of cars at the auto show. There's a little hidden portrait of me taking the photo in the chrome. I originally painted this as a 5" x 7" oil for a fund-raiser at the Palm Springs Art Museum. I got so many comments about it I decided it had to be a full-size watercolor. I saw an interesting program on hood ornaments on PBS recently. They were originally called car mascots. The most famous ornament, the Rolls Royce "Spirit of Ecstasy" was modeled after the owner's mistress. Guess the wife didn't like that car much. This 20" x 15" watercolor on 300# Arches cold press paper may be purchased on my website http://www.dianemorganpaints.com/

12 comments:

Unknown said...

This is awesome! I can see you doing a series on hood ornaments. We have a classic car museum nearby and there are some beautiful sculptures on the vintage cars.

Hey! I saw your painting in this month's issue of Watercolor Magazine! Congrats!

L.Holm said...

beautiful reflections!

Leslie Saeta said...

I am so glad to have found your blog. I really like your painting style. Well done! This watercolor is simply amazing.

Diane Morgan said...

Thanks Sheila. F + W Publications which publish Watercolor Magazine and The Artist's Magazine and Southwest Art are using the '57 Chevy in their advertising. I was so thrilled when they asked me. I would love to go to that car museum for more photos!

Diane Morgan said...

Thanks, Liz

Diane Morgan said...

Hi Leslie. I love your work, too. Great light and reflections. I enjoyed reading your comments about a newsletter. I agree. I should get on that. A mailing list is soooooo important.

Diane Morgan said...

Oh, and Leslie....I belong to Oil Painters of America and California Art Club, also. Perhaps our paths will cross someday.

Unknown said...

You might find some images you can use from their website. You may be able to sell some of your prints at their store.
http://www.blackhawkmuseum.org/

Gwen Bell said...

What a great job! The reflections in the chrome are spectacular.
Congrats on your 57 Chevy!

Edward Burton said...

BEAUTIFUL job, Diane!

Diane Morgan said...

Sheila, thanks for the info about the Black Hawk Museum. It looks awesome. Wow what a beautiful collection of cars they have. Next time I'm up that way I'll have to check it out.

Diane Morgan said...

Thank you, Edward.