Cruisin Goods Blog

Lory Lockwood Paints for "The Expendables"

2010-11-18T13:13:00.001-08:00

“How would you like to do some tattoo paintings for Sylvester Stallone’s new movie, The Expendables?” After a quick yes, I was introduced to Stallone who showed me tattoos of his wife with long flowing hair and also a raven. I was then commissioned to paint designs on three acoustic light blue guitars – two fully painted and one partially painted.

These guitars were intended for two scenes. In the first, Mickey Rourke is shown painting a guitar, which he had intended to give to his girlfriend. The moment is pivotal for the film because Mickey expresses remorse for past actions not taken and this conversation with Stallone spurs him on to return to the island Vilena to rescue the girl he left behind.

In the second scene, one of the finished guitars was supposed to be smashed by Rourke in his anger with the now ex girl friend. But this scene was never filmed. I think the guitars were too beautiful to destroy. Word has it that they may be in the Hard Rock Café in Vegas or Reno .

I had two other jobs related to this movie. The first was as an art consultant for Mickey when he was painting. At 2 AM, I was called to the Tool Shop set, bringing a palette, brushes, jars and paints to set up a studio. I then talked to Mickey about paint strokes and brush sizes and then watched the filming. No retakes were needed!

"Deuce of Spades" Full Length Movie Announced

2010-06-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

DEUCE OF SPADES, the new cult Hot Rod film everyone is talking about. Through a series of amazing flashbacks, the two hour drama brings the old Jalopies back into the spotlight and the old hay days of hotrodding back to life. DEUCE OF SPADES is not only a fifties period correct piece that finally does justice to the hot rods, but also an intricate, compelling, inspiring story that promises to delight audiences of all backgrounds and ages. Faith Granger, through her unique artistic approach and wonderful cinematography, has succeeded in making a one of a kind emotionally charged film of great depth and impact. This film was made entirely by one single passionate woman on a budget and the production value can stand up to many of the Hollywood Studios films. An incredible accomplishment, a must see. Runtime 125 min. Rated PG13 . DVD pre-orders now available at Cruisin' Goods. www.cruisingoods.com/Webpages/deuce.htm

Digital Magic

2010-06-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Cruisin’ Goods Gallery is proud to present the electric digital color art of Florida based photographer Barry Schoenholz. Barry’s technique involves digital painting of his photographs to manipulate the hue and chroma of the colors through use of Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4. The results are breathtaking examples of color manipulation and rendering rarely seen in the world of motorcycle art. Barry’s other work has included projects with the Allen Philharmonic Symphony, and showings of his art around the country.

Sculptor and Furniture Designer Expands Artistic Reach to Painting the Open Road

2008-09-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

CruisinGoods.com is proud to announce the addition of paintings by Lorin Friesen to their inventory of motorcycle themed artwork.

Lorin Friesen’s vast range of artistic talents includes furniture design, sculpture and painting. He is the founder of Lorin Designs, a Texas based custom furnishing producer, and his work in sculpture can be seen on display at multiple public locations, including the Texas State Cemetery and the San Marcos City Hall. He currently resides in San Marcos, Texas, which he describes as “a relaxed community that has been a regular source of inspiration in his work.”
Friesen’s piece entitled “Motorcycle Heaven” is his first that focuses on the world of open roads. It superbly demonstrates Friesen’s alla prima (painting from life) technique that results in a realistic and natural quality to his work.

Motorcycle Photographer Fuses Images of Women and Machines

2008-09-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

CruisinGoods.com is proud to announce the addition of Sara Liberte’s “Women and Machine Fine Art Series” photography to their inventory of motorcycle themed artwork.

Sara Liberte is an accomplished photographer, specializing in motorcycle and portrait photography. In addition to taking pictures of motorcycles, she designs custom paint jobs and custom-built motorcycles and has even written a motorcycle servicing book titled “How to Maintain and Repair American V-Twin Motorcycles”.

Liberte’s “Woman and Machine” fine art photography series uses an Image Fusion technique to combine individual images of women and motorcycle components and showcase the internal connection between women and machines. A quote from the artist explains further, “the motorcycle becomes an extension of your body; ‘Women and Machine’ is a way to visually express this connection.”

The featured piece, “Image Fusion 6”, exemplifies Liberte’s unique vision of this connection. Both the female figure and motorcycle components are easily identified, but at the same time blend together seamlessly to form a single bonded image.

New Automotive Art

2008-04-26T12:16:00.001-07:00

Motorcycle Art Spikes Interest of Nine Year Old Boys

2008-04-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Amongst all the television, video games and online entertainment available to kids today, can children actually enjoy art? While showing her popular painting “Hanging With Friends” at the Celebration art show in West Michigan, Dixie Olin found that they can not only enjoy art, but it can elicit thoughts and insights far beyond what one might expect from elementary school students.

Olin’s painting depicts five leather jackets hanging together on a picket fence. When Olin came to pick up her piece from the show, a teacher from a local Christian school approached her and explained that Olin’s piece had been her class of nine-year-old boys’ favorite painting. It may not surprise anyone that a group of boys would prefer a painting of motorcycle jackets, but what is astonishing is the boys’ explanations of why they preferred it. They said that the strong grid of the fence against the softness of the jackets made it a strong composition, that the selection of the colors created an atmosphere of spring, and that the points of the picket fence with the jackets hanging on them created tension. The boys explained that the painting was about loyalty to friends and country and about sticking together when times are tough and knowing you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Despite the constant barrage of technologically enhanced modes of entertainment, inspired works of art like Dixie Olin’s “Hanging With Friends” can provide an exciting, creative, and cultural learning experience for even young children.

International Motorcycle Enthusiast and Pop Artist Introduces Art to US Buyers

2008-04-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Cruisin’ Goods is extremely pleased to be selected to present, for the first time in the

United States

, the pop-art magic of international artist Udi Lichtschein.

Udi Lichtschein has been a lover of Harley-Davidson motorcycles since he purchased his first one 15 years ago. He presently rides a Road King.

His paintings blend the Harley-Davidson experience with elements from the pop-art movement and comics to create a unique and vibrant style. As stated in his biography, “when you look at Udi’s paintings, you get the sense that you are watching a scene in a movie and his influences from the advertisement and cinematic world are clearly evident.”

His images reflect and express one’s tendency to view scenarios as though through a camera. The compositions illuminate a different characteristic of a familiar situation. Udi uses very robust and intense colors taken from the world of comic books, reflecting the style of the 60’s pop artists who saw consumer reality as an artistic statement of their generation – think Andy Warhol.

Udi’s goal is to give the viewer a glimpse of a situation and then let them fill in the rest of the story. His painting “Going My Way” exemplifies this idea as well as his unique artistic style.

To order this painting and view more motorcycle art by Udi Lichtenstein and many others, visit www.cruisingoods.com.