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What Was – How Art Used To Be Done

I posted this to facebook a few years ago but thought I’d share this note about my Dad here too. Both of my parents were talented in different ways and we, as children, were surrounded by it all. I don’t have his talent or penchant for detail work but can really appreciate what it takes.

I was asked to post some pictures of my Dad and his work. He was a commercial artist, worked for General Motors, then did freelance work. The first picture is of him at his drafting board around 1936. These were all hand done with an airbrush, no computer here, folks. He was a furniture maker by avocation and we have many of his pieces in our home that we enjoy. When he retired he still worked in his wood shop but also painted for his own pleasure. The easel that I work on was one he built for himself and I inherited. When I walk into the studio it’s like a warm hug from him Although I can’t do the precise work he did, I still feel that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Thanks, Daddy.

RCD at his drafting table = late 1930’s
All of these drawings were concept cars with the exception of one. Done at age 17 in 1931.
Engine part all done with airbrush, no computers then. This is what he did as a commercial artist for GM and as a freelance artist.
Hood ornament done with air brush.
Done during WWII, I think.
A sample of the oil paintings he did in the 80’s after he retired.

12 thoughts on “What Was – How Art Used To Be Done

  1. Judith Rachael Munro says:

    Wow. Your Dad was very talented like you, but in very different ways. You must be so proud. Enjoy your memories. Rachael

    1. Karen Hale says:

      Thanks for your comment, Rachael. He really was amazing…also a furniture maker by avocation. I have many of his pieces in my home. He saw many of my
      artistic reinventions but didn’t get to see my painting stage. I am very proud of him and I think he would be proud of me too.

  2. Larry says:

    I admire talented people ……

    1. Karen Hale says:

      Thanks, Larry. He could do a lot of things well.

  3. Debbie Mason says:

    Wow! What talent your Dad had. Definitely in the genes. Thanks for sharing this part of your story 🙂

    1. Karen Hale says:

      Thanks, Debbie.

  4. Dyan Kirkpatrick says:

    Fantastic! He was incredibly talented and you have definitely inherited his creativity. I have long been a silent admirer of your work. Thank you for sharing this.

    1. Karen Hale says:

      Thank you so very much. I appreciate your kind comment.

  5. Deb says:

    How wonderful to have such a strong, creative presence in your life. Your talent is your own but I can certainly see how well nurtured you have been in your creative life with a great artist such as your Dad with you. He was very talented, as are you. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Karen Hale says:

      Thank you very much. He was a quite a creative force, to be sure.

  6. Vicki Maguire says:

    What a legacy to you, your Dad and the American
    Signature of truly artful vehicles. I grew up in a home of car knowledge and adoration. Married a car guy and living in CA., the highways are filled with the most exotic and wonderful car shows.
    Great article! Yes! How cool 😎 to have the drafting table. ❤️

    1. Karen Hale says:

      Thanks for visiting. He was pretty darn good at what he did. I don’t have his drafting table do have his easel. He built it for himself and I inherited it. I use it just about every day. Kind of like a warm hug when I walk into the studio every day.

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