Patina ~ old rusted car art

I have a fascination with the effects of time and the elements on objects. Oxidized metals, layers of decay, erosion, rust and fading paint all interest me. I call it ‘Old Rusted Car Art’- it’s just gorgeous to me, the effects of time and the elements on these cars that were once so shiny and new.

When Al and I happened across a sales lot filled with decaying classic cars, we had to stop and poke around, taking photos. One automobile in particular really resonated with me- I took several different shots and even painted it once. This painting sold last year:

Packard 12 x 12 fine art painting of an old rusted car by Ellen Leigh. Old rusted car art.
Packard

Of course I still have the original photo I used to paint the above small 12 x 12 work, but another really intrigued me:

Photograph of Packard old rusted car art  by Ellen Leigh

 

I really liked the detail of the reflections on the chrome, corrosion and rust in the paint, and the contrast of light and shadow in the composition. I opened it in a photo editing program I have and manipulated it as far as I could until I settled on the work below:

Patina old rusted car art digitally enhanced photo by Ellen Leigh

And entered it in a show- they even used it in their advertising:

postcard for show

 

It turned out very contemporary, very colorful and I think would look awesome in a young man’s bedroom, bathroom or even a man-cave. It could be a terrific gift for that gear-head in your life! I had it printed up on metal in the 11 x 14 size for a show, and since it did not sell there, it is available by contacting me directly.  Price: $80.00 Other sizes and  prints of my paintings and photographs are available in my Fine Art America shop on line. Check it out by clicking HERE.

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