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johnwickart — The Photograper
Published: 2011-03-13 20:17:40 +0000 UTC; Views: 3288; Favourites: 63; Downloads: 0
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Description
Colored Pencils on Bristol Velum.14x20 inches.
This is a depiction of the copper colored Ford GT MK IV that was driven in the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans by Mario Andretti and Lucien Bianchi. They didn't fair real well that day but earlier in the year Mario and Bruce McLaren in the Yellow MK IV had dominated the 12 Hours of Sebring for the debut of what I think is one of the most beautiful race cars of all time.
To do this drawing I took a different approach to what I usually do . I have more planning on this drawing than any other drawing that I have ever done. My usual course of action is to concentrate first on the main subject matter, and then add the backgrounds at the end. The problem I have with this is that by the time I have finished expending the concentration that it takes for me to do the main subject I am "out of gas" and don't have a lot of interest in the rest of the drawing, and it shows sometimes. Understanding my weakness as an artist, or human being, or what ever, I finished all of the background for this drawing first. I had done the layout for the car, but from that point on, I did not touch the car until the backgrounds were done. I have been working on this drawing, on and off, since last December.
I would also like to thank Aya-Wavedancer for her kind support and for sending me her photos of the MK IV's that she had ( she knows more about these cars than I do ).
At the risk of sounding self serving, I also want to say that the drawing ( you are seeing a photo of the drawing) is better than this depiction. I did my best but the photo doesn't represent the colors that I was able to achieve on the drawing itself. There are no shades of copper colored pencils, only orange ,sunburst yellow, lilac ,yellow, and so on.
Aya-Wavedancer
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Comments: 25
The car that Enzo Ferrari got outlawed. One of the best renderings of the Ford GT 40 Mark IV I've seen. Had to give praise again
on this picture..
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Wow, very nice work, John! Very impressive piece of art!
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Thanks for linking your pic,I'm putting it to my faves.
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You're welcome.
My pleasure.
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Beautiful job on this one, and yes, it is one of the most beautiful cars ever. As for your procedure, though we work differently, I can empathize with you none the less. I work the entire surface at all stages, and still, the superfine detailing and super subtle value/color shifts in the latter stages of the painting process, important though they are, drive me crazy. The best solution I've found is a lot of really loud music, and an occasional break when I need it. When I try to push through and never leave my drawing table, I end up feeling more burnt out, and in the end accomplish less than if I pace myself. Sometimes you've got to accept that you're running a marathon, not a sprint, and that pacing matters. (I say that, but I've had a McLaren F1, unfinished, in my closet for about 6 months, so what the hell do I know?).
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Thank you for your kind note. Like you say for yourself, I am much more likely to take breaks and finish a work in a matter of a week or two, instead of a sitting or two. There are times, like the Arrows I just did or a Lotus 78 I drew, where I couldn't get any farther with what I wanted, no matter how much more I worked. I then called them finished and moved on. I am working on a Gulf Ford GT poster that I have put off to the side and I will finish it. Just not right now.
Take care.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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This is FANTASTIC! You really got this car RIGHT. And there have been some serious debates amongst some friends about how this car "looks".
I'm unsure of this car was ever rebuilt after the LeMans crash. I know many people believe that if it weren't for the full rollcage and the strong tub, Mario might have been killed in that crash- it was a bad one.
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First of all , thank you very much. I have recently seen a photo of a red #4. It was the same color and scheme as the Le Mans winner. What the heck was that? How many Mark IV's were made ?
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It depended on the race as to what numbers were on what cars. They were only raced twice, at Sebring and LeMans. The yellow car that won Sebring was Number 1 at that race- and number 2 at LeMans, for instance. I can't see where a red one was Number 4 except for a display.
6 MK IV were built. All used a J-(x) serial number. J-3 and 4 were original J-cars rebuilt to mkIV spec. J-5 through 8 were MKIV, the Simeone car is J-8. That one, there's no doubt what it is. J-9 and 10 were the G7A Can-Am car.
[link]
J3 04/67 : Le Mans Trials, 1, Mc Laren
J4 04/67 : Sebring, 1, Mc Laren/Andretti, 1st
J5 06/67 : Le Mans, 2, Mc Laren/Donohue, 4th
J6 06/67 : Le Mans, 1, Gurney/A.J Foyt, 1st
J7 06/67 : Le Mans, 3, Andretti/Bianchi, DNF
J8 06/67 : Le Mans, 4, Ruby/Hulme, DNF
Glickenhaus has J-6, which I saw in 2003 at The Glen. J-5 is at the Ford Museum. It doesn't run like the other two can.
Supposedly Ford sold J-7, but it was wrecked badly. Someone built a complete car on J-12, never seen it.
There are exact continuation cars out there now numbered J-13 to J-19. I met the people involved when they were looking at the Simeone car and I got the detail shots. They frequently used it as a reference because it's the most original of them all.
[link]
If its an actual pic, it may be one of those cars....
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really brilliant work John, looks brilliant to me!!!
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Truly fantastic John...
What you said in the comments section of this work is totally true for me as well. Work the subject first, and then the background, takes a nosedive in any energy left from me. I adventured in my last few paintings, on the backgrounds first hoping to have that inspiration to finish the painting on a high energy level with the actual female in the foreground. Guess what...45 to 60 hours of work just still seems to kill that anticipation of energy.
So I feel you man...you just laid out on the table the truth of my dilemma and the reason I hardly ever actually finish a painting at all. My personal technique is so similar to yours only digitally. Although digital is more forgiving," that I admit by far" but still one color at a time and all penciled in digitally...for the most part. I can get away with the shortcuts like painting part of a fence and then replicating it making it seem endless in the painting...whereas you have to continue to paint in every single rock, gravel, link of chain etc. That my man is where the true test of patience comes in to finish a work.
I have always thought I have "THE" patience but you have proven me wrong with "Long Lasting Patience"...lol.
So here is a tribute to you my friend...a glass of sprite and 151...
A true American Artist at the top of my personal list.
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Wow!
I like the composition. I would have moved the photographer over to the right a bit, but it works really well. I think your idea of doing the more "boring" background work first sounds great. It certainly worked here.
You're right...this is one of the most beautiful race cars ever, and you did a gorgeous job of capturing it here.
You have a beautiful range of sunny day values here. Great use of light.
It's a sterling piece of work!
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You are always welcome!
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John I saw these race at Le Mans and I agree they are among the most pleasing racecars ever. The noise they made was earth shattering. Sublime.
You have captured the very essence of the experience and the background absolutely makes the effort worthwhile.
david.
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Had a chance to see the Glickenhaus car in 2003 at The Glen where it ran about three laps and came in. All I know is that he's very cautious with it, but it was fun to see there.
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Thank you very much for your kind words and sharing your experiences.
Best of luck to you ,my friend!
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Sweet! I got a sunburn just looking at this one. Nice depiction of light!
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