Michelle LaRae Classic Car Art

American Art Collector November Issue: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

2011-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

Excellent article in the November issue of American Art Collector about my work in Automotive Art: November issue, Planes, Trains & Automobiles

I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy.

Coppertone Belair Accepted into Prestigious Oil Painters of America Exhibit

2010-09-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Coppertone Belair"

Michelle LaRae

16"x20" oil on canvas

I am pleased to announce that the "Coppertone Belair" has been accepted into the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibit in Jackson, Wyoming.

The painting will be on display October 9 — November 10th at:
Mountain Trails Gallery
155 Center Street
Jackson, WY
(307) 734-8150
http://www.mtntrails.net/

New Hood Ornament Paintings

2010-08-20T10:46:00.001-07:00

6"x6" each on 2" deep gessoboard panels

Untitled

$395 each

I'm very happy to share with you 2 new paintings that I will be hanging at Art-A-Fair the final week of the show.

They are priced at $395 each, and are simply stunning to see in person.

New Painting and New Title Contest Winner!

2010-08-17T14:48:00.001-07:00

"Pier Parking Only"

by Michelle LaRae

8"x10" oil on canvas

$395

If you happened to stop by the "Heart of the Island" Gallery on June 12th, you would have seen the beginning of this painting of a 1946 Ford Woody Sportsman. It's come a long way since then.

If you happened to stop by Art-A-Fair last Saturday, you would've had an opportunity to participate in the title contest. The winning title goes to Jennifer who came up with the catchy title. Congratulations!

I hope you won't miss the opportunity to see "Pier Parking Only" in person at Art-A-Fair after the 23rd. And just a reminder that Art-A-Fair's last day is August 29th.

I hope to see you there!

Coppertone Belair Wins Honorable Mention at the OC Fair!

2010-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

"Coppertone Belair"

16"x20" original oil on Canvas

Michelle LaRae

$2,400

The Coppertone Belair won Honorable Mention at the Orange County Fair this Summer.

What is more, Susan Driscoll and I were photographed dropping our paintings off at the Fair for the exhibit.

http://www.examiner.com/ExaminerSlideshow.html?entryid=1415050&slide=1

Auburn Boattail Speedster painting progress

2010-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Auburn Boattail Speedster

24"x30" oil on canvas

The Auburn painting is coming along. I love how it's turning out.

I was excited to see that a 1929 Auburn 8-120 Boattail won Best of Show at the Dana Point Concours d'Elegance. Congratulations to the owners!

While my painting is of a 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster 850, it's nice to see that these cars remain at the top of their class.

Art-A-Fair is now Open

2010-06-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Art-A-Fair

777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA

Hours: 10AM-9PM Sun - Thur; 10AM-10PM Fri - Sat

http://www.art-a-fair.com/

Art-A-Fair opened with a bang on Wednesday with the Premiere Night. Art-A-Fair is now open to the public through Aug 29th. I plan to be in my booth every Satuday from Noon to 5PM.

Hope to see you there!

Saturday June 12th - 11 to 3PM

2010-06-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Heart of the Island Gallery

222 Marine Ave

Balboa Island

(949) 673-1292

I will be visiting the Heart of the Island gallery on Balboa Island this Saturday, June 12th from 11-3PM.

For more information, please see: http://www.heartoftheisland.net/

I would love to meet you! I'll be signing In-N-Out Burger t-shirts, and demonstrating my painting technique.

I hope to see you there!

New Painting - Auburn Speedster

2010-06-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Auburn Speedster

24"x30" oil on canvas

I would like to introduce you to my next painting. I've been receiving such great feedback about posting the progress of my paintings, that I will have to continue.

This is the under painting of the Auburn Speedster. It represents a 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster 850. A car that embodies class and elegance.

This scene invites you to imagine that you and your guest have just arrived at your destination - a destination of rest and relaxation.

57 Chevy Belair - Final

2010-04-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

57 Chevy Belair

20"x16" original oil on canvas

$2400

I wanted to share with you the final picture of my 57 Belair painting. I saw this car at the Corona Del Mar Classic Car Show. It is an absolutely beautiful 57 Belair convertible!

While the painting is mostly finished, I will probably add a few minor details before it goes on display at Art-A-Fair. It took me a little while to get this posted because I had knee surgery last week. But, I'm recovering very well, and looking forward to getting back to painting.

The title contest is on for this painting. If you would like to win an 11x14 print of this painting, just email me (mlarae@laraeclassiccars.com) your title suggestion. If I choose your title, then you win!

57 Chevy Belair - Part 2

2010-03-22T12:11:00.001-07:00

1957 Chevy Belair

16"x20" original oil on canvas

More progress on the painting... It seems to be moving along very quickly.

57 Chevy Belair

2010-03-17T15:08:00.001-07:00

1957 Chevy Belair

16"x20" original oil on canvas

Can I introduce you to my latest painting in progress? It's only about half-way done, but I'm already falling in love with it. I saw this car at the Corona Del Mar Classic Car Show. It is an absolutely beautiful 57 Belair Convertible.

I could just imagine driving down PCH with the top down...

I would love to hear about a 57 Chevy that you own or used to own....

Latest Painting - Final

2010-02-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

1926 Bentely Speed Six Le Mans

24"x30" original oil on canvas

$5,400

I fell in love with this car when I saw it at the Corona Del Mar Classic Car show, and decided that it would be the subject of my next painting. The 1926 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans has a history of racing and winning. This particular car was owned by Nicholas Cage, and is now owned by Michael A. Hammer.

I plan to debut this painting at Art-A-Fair in Laguna Beach, CA this summer. 16"x20" (approximate size) giclees will be available starting in June for $195. Please contact me if you wish to pre-order a giclee.

Latest Painting - Part 8

2010-02-19T20:31:00.001-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

I finished the headlights and some more chrome...

I still need your help naming this painting. If your title is selected, you will win a 11x14 print of this painting.

You can enter your idea by commenting on this post or sending me an email at mlarae@laraeclassiccars.com.

Good luck!

Latest Painting - Part 7

2010-02-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

... almost done.... still a few details left to paint. Most of all, I need your help naming this painting.

You can help by entering your idea for a title, and the name I select will win a free 11x14 print of this painting.

You can enter your idea by commenting on this post or sending me an email at mlarae@laraeclassiccars.com.

Best of luck to you!

Latest Painting - Part 6

2010-01-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

Finished the first pass on the headlights and the grill shell...

Latest Painting - Part 5

2010-01-11T09:04:00.001-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

More work on the first layer....

Latest Painting - Part 4

2010-01-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

... starting the first layer of painting....

Latest Painting - Part 3

2009-12-21T13:42:00.001-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

Next, the underpainting is completed in a single color...

Latest Painting - Part 2

2009-12-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

I transfer the sketch onto the canvas, tone the canvas, and remove the highlights...

Latest Painting

2009-12-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

1926 Bentley Speed Six

I fell in love with this car when I saw it at the Corona Del Mar Classic Car Show, and decided that it would be the subject of my next painting.

My current plans are the debut this painting next summer, but you will get a sneak peak at the painting as it progresses.

Holiday Specials - Dec 14 - 20

2009-12-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the holidays, I am offering weekly specials leading up to Christmas.

This week's special is:
10% off of any custom painting.

A custom painting may take several months to complete. But, if the process is started and the initial payment received this week, it will qualify for the 10% discount.

For more information about custom paintings, please see my website: http://www.laraeclassiccars.com/custom_paintings.htm

The standard cost is $4/sq. inch (for any size you would like).

Some typical sizes are:

11"x14" -- $616
16"x20" -- $1,280
24"x30" -- $2,880

Holiday Specials - Nov 30 - Dec 6th

2009-11-30T10:24:00.001-08:00

In celebration of the holidays, I will be offering weekly specials leading up to Christmas.

This week's special is...
Free Shipping on 5x7 and 8x10 prints.
Each print includes an archival mat, and is ready for framing.

5x7 print (8x10 archival mat) $5.00
8x10 print (11x14 archival mat) $15.00

OC Register Interview

2009-06-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Bringing a Love of Cars and Art to In-N-Out

About a month ago, I had the priveledge of being interviewed by Matt Degen of the Orange County Register regarding the In-N-Out Burger t-shirt.

I'm happy to share that the article came out online on Friday, and will be in tomorrow's printed paper. Here is the link to the article:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/larae-cars-art-2476324-shirt-says

Do you have a story to share about In-N-Out Burger and/or the collector's t-shirt?

1956 Cadillac - Part III

2009-06-07T18:24:00.001-07:00

"1956 Cadi - Part III"
by
Michelle LaRae
11"x14" oil on canvas

I am happy to share with you my latest painting! It is the last in a series of three paintings representing different perspectives of a beautiful 1956 Cadillac Eldorado.

I am priveliged to be able to base these paintings on photos taken by the professional photographer, Jessica Cox.

These paintings will be displayed for the first time at Art-A-Fair opening June 26th. For more information, please see: http://www.art-a-fair.com/about.asp

I would love to hear what you think...

1940 Ford in Laguna Beach

2009-04-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

"Untitled"

Michelle LaRae

20"x25" oil on canvas

Once I saw this yellow, 1940 Ford at Mooneyes last year, I couldn't stop thinking about painting it. Since Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places, I decided on it as the setting.

When I settled on this scene with the Laguna Lifeguard Tower in the distance, I sketched out the entire scene without using a photograph of the setting.

Next, I went down to Laguna to photograph the scene. I was convinced that Broadway was the street where I could see the lifeguard tower, but was surprised to see it wasn't. So, I parked and walked around.

When I came to Ocean Street, I was shocked to see that the building on the corner was exactly like my sketch from memory. It seems I had memorized that scene unintentionally! It had been running around inside my head, and finally decided it was time to come out.

HotRod Hotline Article

2009-03-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Hot Rod in Sepia"

Michelle LaRae

I am pleased to share with you some great news!

HotRodHotline.com, which is an online magazine devoted to news about the hot rod scene, has done an article about me and the In-N-Out Burger collector t-shirt.

You can read the article here: http://www.hotrodhotline.com/feature/friends/09laraeclassiccars/

1956 Cadillac Eldorado - Part 1

2009-02-21T14:54:00.001-08:00

"1956 Cadi - Part I"

Michelle LaRae

11"x14" oil on canvas

I am happy to share with you my latest painting! It is the first in a series of three paintings representing different perspectives of a beautiful 1956 Cadillac Eldorado.

I am priveliged to be able to base these paintings on photos taken by the professional photographer, Jessica Cox.

I would love to hear what you think...

Early Ford Model T Years

2009-02-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share this amazing video of the Ford Model T and Model A history...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4KrIMZpwCY

Grand National Roadster Show

2009-01-30T11:45:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of attending this year's Grand National Roadster Show at the Pomona Fairplex. The cars were amazing! I don't think I've seen so many perfectly restored roadsters in one place before.

There were also some wonderful artists there:

James Owens - A Car-Noir artist who paints some amazing classic car oil paintings which tell a story - http://www.car-noir.com
Clyde "Ross" Morgan who creates some very detailed sculptures of classic cars http://www.morgansculptures.com

1928 Model A Painting

2009-01-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

"1928 Model A in Autumn"

Michelle LaRae

16"x20" oil on canvas

I would like to introduce you to my latest painting.

This painting tries to recapture a scene from the late 20's. A brand new 1928 Model A truck drives down a lane covered with fall leaves. As the sunlight shines through the red and orange leaves on the trees and glints on the new paint of the truck, we get transported back in time.

Let me know what you think....

2008-12-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Open Studio Party was so much fun, this will have to become an annual tradition!

Despite the rain, we had a great turnout. People were able to socialize, enjoy the Christmas party atmosphere, and make some gift purchases.

The Voting Giveaway made a fun end to the evening. 7 of the winners were at the party, and were able to take home the print of their choice.

Here are the list of winners:
Katherine C. - San Juan Capistrano Mission
Denise I. - Laguna Sunset II
Jacques O. - Laguna Lifeguard Tower
Brian F. - Laguna City Lights
Laura I. - Laguna City Lights
Frank S. - Dana Point Sunset
Terry F. - Pavilion at Night
Devon K. - Garden Retreat
John L. - 52 Chevy

If anyone has any pictures from the party to share, just email me and I'll post them.

Voting Giveaway

2008-11-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

I would love to hear which is your favorite painting! As a thank you, I will be giving away a signed 8x10 print of their favorite painting to 10 lucky winners.

The poll will be up on my blog until Midnight, Dec 15th. Then, I will draw 10 names out of a hat to see who will receive the free prints.

You can vote anonymously using the poll on my blog. Or, if you would like to be entered into the drawing, just email me at mlarae@michellelarae.com with your name, address, email and your vote. To see my paintings, click on http://www.laraeclassiccars.com/portfolio.htm.

You can vote as many times as you like. Each vote is an entry into the giveaway.

New Twist on an Old Car - Part 8

2008-09-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

"32 Ford in Sepia"
8"x10" original oil on canvas
Click Here to Purchase: http://cgi.ebay.com/32-Ford-in-Sepia-by-Michelle-LaRae_W0QQitemZ370089569429QQihZ024QQcategoryZ60437QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

Here is the latest painting in my sepia tone series.
This is a classic 32 Ford hot rod that was at the Barona car show in Barona, CA. This car looks like a lot of fun! This was painted in sepia tone to mimic photography of the turn of the century.

Let me know what you think...

New Twist on an old car - Part 7

2008-09-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

"California Corvette in Sepia"

8"x10" original oil on canvas

Sold

Here is the seventh painting in my sepia tone series.

This is a 1959 Corvette that was at the Fuddrucker's car show in Lake Forest, CA. This car has been beautifully maintained! This was painted in sepia tone to mimic photography of the turn of the century.

Let me know what you think...

New Twist on an Old Car - Part 6

2008-08-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

"31 Chrysler in Sepia"
8"x10" original oil on canvas
$125

Click Here To Purchase: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370092378000

Here is the sixth painting in my sepia tone series. This is a 1931 Chrysler that was at the Cars and Coffee car show in Irvine, CA. This car has been beautifully restored!

This was painted in sepia tone to mimic photography of the era.

Let me know what you think...

New Twist on an Old Car - Part 5

2008-07-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

"California Woody in Sepia"
8"x10" original oil on canvas
Sold

Here is the fifth painting in my sepia tone series. This is a classic 1946 Woody that was at the Cars & Coffee car show in Irvine, CA. This car has received a lot of TLC!

This was painted in sepia tone to mimic old-fashioned photography.

Let me know what you think...

New Twist on an Old Car - Part 4

2008-07-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

"T-Bird in Sepia"

8"x10" original oil on canvas

Sold

Here is the fourth painting in my sepia tone series. This is a 1957 Thunderbird that was at the Mooneyes Christmas car show in Irwindale, CA. This car has been beautifully restored!
This was painted in sepia tone to mimic old-fashioned photography.

Let me know what you think...

New Twist on an Old Car - Part 3

2008-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

"Model T in Sepia"

8"x10" original oil on canvas

Sold

Here is the third painting in my sepia tone series. This is a classic, black roadster that was at the Mooneyes Christmas car show in Irwindale, CA. Every hot rod is built differently to suit its owner's taste. This one is beautiful!

Let me know what you think...

New Twist on an Old Car - Part 2

2008-06-18T16:22:00.001-07:00

"Model T in Sepia"
8"x10"
$250

Here is the second painting in my sepia tone series. I saw this Model T at the Mooneyes car show in Irwindale last December. I loved the character of the car.... Not to mention the sign that the owner hung on the back.

Let me know what you think....

New Twist on an old car

2008-06-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

"35 Ford in Sepia"

8"x10"

Sold

I would like to introduce you to a new series of car paintings. These paintings are intended to look like old-fashioned, sepia-toned paintings. I really love the combination of colors. I hope you do too.

They will be on display at Art-A-Fair this summer. For more information, please see: http://www.art-a-fair.com/

I realize that the economy is struggling these days. So, I wanted to offer a small, high quality, orginal painting that is affordable to everyone.

I would love to hear what you think. Feel free to post your comments.

Amazing Art at Lightspeed

2007-07-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this amazing video of performance art. You'll want to turn up the volume!

Art-A-Fair

2007-06-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

My booth at Art-A-Fair

Art-A-Fair opened last night with a wonderful Preview Night. I'm sure there was well over 500 people there last night.

I enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing your thoughts on my new paintings. I loved seeing everyone's faces light up when they saw my car paintings. I loved hearing your stories about your favorite classic cars and the fun you have driving them around.

If you are in Southern California this summer, please stop by my booth at Art-A-Fair. The show runs from June 29th thru Sept 2nd. The hours are 10AM - 9PM Sunday - Thursday and 10AM - 10PM Friday and Saturday. There is great art, great food, great music and fun workshops for the kids. For more information, please see http://www.art-a-fair.com.

- Michelle LaRae

Classic Car Website

2007-06-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

55 Chevy

11"x14" original oil on canvas

All work copyrighted by Michelle LaRae

This is my latest painting of a 1955 Chevy. It is driving down a tree-lined street inspired from a photo I took in the artist district in Santa Ana, Ca. This painting will be on display at Art-A-Fair this summer.

I would like to introduce you to my website devoted completely to my classic car paintings.

http://www.laraeclassiccars.com/

Please check it out, and forward it to anyone who might be interested in my style of paintings. And, please let me know what you think.

Michelle LaRae

1959 Pink Cadillac

2007-05-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

"59 Cadi"

11"x14" original oil on canvas

$450

All artwork is protected by copyright

This is my latest painting of a 1959 Pink Cadillac which I saw at the Viva Las Vegas car show last April.

What better setting to paint this car into than Las Vegas! After doing some research, I discovered that the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign was built in 1959 at the entrance to the Las Vegas Strip. Since they were both born in the same year, I had to include it in the painting.

The buildings in the background represent the casinos on the Strip. If you have been there before, you'll notice that they cannot be seen from this angle. Instead, I decided to use artistic license to create an interesting composition -- capturing how Las Vegas suddenly pops up after driving through miles and miles of desert.

1940 Ford Dreamin'

2007-05-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

1940 Ford Dreamin'

11"x14" original oil on canvas

$450

Introducing my latest classic car painting! This is a beautiful 1940 Ford Convertible that I saw at the Viva car show in Vegas last April. The owner has done an amazing job restoring this car! Truly a beautiful car.

1952 Chevy

2007-04-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

1952 Chevy

11"x14" original oil on canvas

All artwork is protected by copyright

Let me introduce you to my next classic car painting. This is a beautifully restored Chevy that I saw at the Moon Eyes car show last December. For its setting, I wanted to re-create a 1950's era gas station. Do you remember how they used to stack the oil cans for sale? If you look carefully, you will see them on the right.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these classic car paintings, they are $450 each. Shipping is $15 via USPS Priority Mail.

If you have a photo of your favorite car, and would like a painting done, my fees are $3 per square inch.

Introduction

2007-04-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

1941 Plymouth

11"x14" original oil on canvas

All artwork is protected by copyright

Let me introduce myself. My name is Michelle LaRae and I am artist who creates paintings to escape into... or in this case... to escape in. I love to create paintings that give the viewer the opportunity to daydream -- and, what better thing to daydream about than your favorite car!

Since I started doing paintings of classic cars, people have been telling me the stories of their first car, or the car that they have lovingly restored or preseved. I love hearing these stories! In fact, I hope to be able to have my own classic car one day.

The 1941 Plymouth painting shown above is of a car I saw at the Moon Eyes car show in Irwindale, California. I fell in love with this car as soon as I laid eyes on it. I was able to meet the owner, and asked if he was okay with me doing a painting of his car. He was thrilled! Even though I didn't get a chance to ask him about the work involved in restoring this car, I'm sure he would have told me stories of hours spent hunting down the right parts on ebay or at car part swap meets. I know most car enthusiasts spend anywhere from months to years restoring these cars.

If you have a good photograph of your favorite car and would like me to do a painting of it, please feel free to contact me.