Henry Winkler

Last year Henry Winkler was signing autographs at the Milwaukee World of Wheels car show. I did this portrait of him and he graciously signed it ( he was a really nice guy ). We then auctioned it off at the show with the procceeds going to the cancer ward at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Artist tip of the week 5

    To all of my artist friends that use and love their "Copic" markers, I want to give a review of the chinese knock-offs called "Touch" in the all black exterior. The "Touch" markers are the same shape and size, and cost about 20% (give or take) less than the name brand "Copic".
    I've noticed that with the "Touch" the black doesn't cover as well, and it seems like the nibs are a bit harder than "Copic". I have not tried the "Touch" brush tips.
    My conclusion is: I'm willing to spend the extra amount on a quality product that I can consistantly count on. I'm staying with "Copic"
    Okay, here's the tip part: If price is a huge obsticle, "Hobby Lobby" carries "Copic" and they have a weekly downloadable 40% off of one item coupon. You can use the coupon as many times a week as you want, you just have to print a bunch and go in and out of the store. It's one use per transaction., but that's a good way to get them fairly reasonably.   
    As always, if you have a tip you'd like to share, e-mail me at delswanson@wi.rr.com , I'll post it and give you credit. Thanks for reading!

Artist tip of the week 4

This will be short and sweet, unlike the reason I'm posting this tip. I will say up front that I have slipped a few times.
If you want to make money doing artwork, keep your political opinions to yourselves, especially on social networking sites!
No matter what side of the arguments (isle) you're coming from, I guarantee you WILL alienate or even anger HALF of your potential clients! I'm not saying hide, beat around the bush or flat out lie about your opinions or beliefs. My tip is, unless asked directly, keep your pie hole shut!

Tramp Warner/ Del Swanson tag team cartoon

Tramp Warner and I had a blast scribbling this out at the World of Wheels show. It's marker on gesso'd 1/4" masonite.

Portrait of Steve McQueen

I did this portrait with markers and colored pencils and put it in this years Pinstripe Legends charity auction.

2012 Pinstripe legends signs

These two metal embossed signs were done for this years Pinstripe Legends charity auction in Milwaukee. Had fun, helped some kids, Whoo Hoo!

2011 Pinstripe legends sign

This is the 2011 "Pinstripe Legends" 24"x24" embossed metal sign. The two vehicles are Willy G. Davidson's and that is him in his Ford.

"Theme" bike paint jobs

These are a few theme stye paint jobs I did a while back. With the V-rod, I figured Porshe motor, Porshe paint scheme. The other two are military themes that I wouldn't mind riding.

Barris Hirohata merc sign

I did the artwork for this 24"x 24" embossed aluminium sign for George Barris a while back. He has it for sale on his website

Drawn portrait of my wife and her grandmother

This is portrait of the love of my life and her granmother on our wedding day. I gave this to Julie as a present for her birthday this year. Julie was very close to her grandma Lucy and, unfortunately, she past away not long after we were married. This piece is 11" x 14" on colored paper. I used ink, pastels, and colored pencil.

Artist tip of the week 3

This tip is one of those things that just slaps you in the face when hear it! It's brilliant in its sneakiness and I feel like I should be whispering this to you all while looking around. We have resources available to us for free that billions are spent on yearly. Ready...come closer, I don't want to write this too loudly.... all right, the next time you are in any store ( grocery, hardware, electronic ).....look around.
Seriously, it's that simple. Think about how many brazillians of dollars are spent annually on which colors look good together, which layouts have the most impact, which fonts work well together, and what packaging makes people stop and look at their product. All of this wealth of information available to us by simply looking as we shop.
Simple and brilliant. I wish I could take credit for this tasty morsel, but the great artist, pinstriper, and sign painter Bob Behounek let me in on his secret.
This ties in perfectly with my "learn from everyone, even if it's not what you do" philosophy.
In these tough times, maybe an enterprising grocery store owner will hang an "and art school" placard under his store sign.

Go get better!

57 buick inspired "Purple Haze"

I really would like to build this bike at some point! This is insired by and uses pieces from a 1957 Buick. Anyone up for the challenge?

Prints available

I'm now offering these as prints. They are 8.5 "x 11 " on high quality paper and go for $15.00 signed and shipped. I also offer 13"x 19" for $25.00 signed and shipped.

Thanks, Del

2009 "Pinstripe Legends" sign

I have even fewer of these than the 2010 signs. These are 24" x24" embossed aluminum as well and go for $35.00 plus $10 shipping also. I only have a few, so hurry.

Thanks, Del

2010 "Pinstripe Legends" sign

I have the honor every year to do the artwork for the "pinstripe Legends" 24" x 24" embossed aluminum sign. The "Pinstripe Legends" have raised over $300,000.00 for the children's cancer ward at "Children's Hospital of Milwaukee". I have a few of these left for sale and they have to go on a first come first serve basis. They are$35.00 plus $10.00 shipping. You can e-mail me at delswanson@wi.rr.com and we can workout payment details.

Thanks, Del

Artist tip of the week 2

"Artist tip of the week" has a better ring to it than " This is the only tip you're getting for months", so I think I'll keep the the title and I will really try to post a tip every week. I don't want this to be just me, so if anyone has any useful info or insight, e-mail me or post here. Thank you in advance.
This "week" the tip is this, In my opinion it's extremely important to look at and study other artists that don't necessarily work in your field or interest. Check out the artists in my "links" (which I really need to add to) and I think you'll see a big variety of styles and genres. I've learned from each one of these artists, whether it's line quality, how they work with color, or how they lay out a page or painting. I don't want anyone to copy anothers artwork, but if you look at the way other people handle artistic problems and blend some of that insight into your artwork, I guarantee you'll be richer for it.

Del

MSRA SIGN 2010

I finally have to go-ahead to post the pic of my artwork for the 2010 MSRA "Back to the 50's" sign. This sign is roughly 20" high and is embossed aluminum. If you contact Ron Mulvaney with MSRA merchandise at 1-651-429-1059, he can hook you up with one of the few remaining signs. I have to say, this really looks cool in person.

Del

Cartoon cars

These two were first used for Pinstripe Legend signs. I'll show those later.

Cartoon cars

The '55 is a clients car and the mustang is just for fun.

Cartoon cars

Client cars