"Canned Casa"

I'm excited to announce the release of my newest print, "Canned Casa."

This is one of my images that I started several months ago. As things go, other things always come into play, like finding the right background, the right sky, and the time to put it all together along with going through back surgery. This is one of those images that I think does what all art should; they affect how the viewer see things. Your mind will fill in the gaps. What do you think?

The print infused onto gloss metal comes custom framed in a "Barnwwood " frame. Offered in two sizes, hand-numbered, signed, and wired ready to hang and enjoy. Size one is a 16"x 24" and size two is a 24"x 36."

The introductory prices in include shipping here in the US. Can I ship one to you?

16"x 24", $450
24"x 36", $750

"Canned Casa"

16"x 24" $450.00 USD 24"x 36" $750.00 USD

The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

Kicking in the time machine door and thinking back. It could have been used for trips to see Mount Rushmore, maybe a trip to the Salton Sea, or the back woods for a trout fishing outing. Was it a family haven from everyday work and school for the kids? Was it towed behind an oversized Caddy, a "Four hole" Buick, or the everyday work truck? We will never know, but we can dream of those days long gone when this trailer was the king of the road.

This is a new image from my trailer series. It includes the classic Airstream called "Solitude," and the small canned ham trailer image called "Hormel." Looking closely you can make out the barely visible name painted on the side. It was wearing the appropriate name of, " Spartan Mansion." So, who am I to take that name away from its past glory.

I present to you "Spartan Mansion."

Spring has Sprung

Yep, time to get out and drive, blow the cobwebs or mice out of the exhaust. Does this conjure up good thoughts of hitting the road? It should....get that sense, touch and smell of your ride again!

For me, I'm trying to measure out my time between all of that above and getting ready for one of my big shows of the year. It's listed on the bottom of this months pin-up calendar. Print it, cut it, and stick it up to get a months view of the iconic Shelby Cobra Coupe.

Mark Another One Off...

As the year comes to a close, I just want to thank all of you for sharing my ride.

Here's a list of shows that I'm already registered for this coming year. I'm sure some more will be added, but these should keep me off the street and out of trouble. Needless to say, I have some very cool new images that will be coming your way.

First off is the two day show held in Little Italy, San Diego, called "Art Walk." This is one of the largest art shows west of the Mississippi. April 27-28, 2019.

Next up is a two month show in Laguna Beach, called "The Laguna Art A Fair." This is one of the "Big Three" art shows during the summer months on the west coast. June 28-September 1, 2019.

Stuck in the middle of the Laguna show is Monterey during car week, called "Automobilia Monterey." This show has been expanded to three days starting on Monday. August 12-14, 2019.

Also, on a side note, I'll be passing on the Barrett-Jackson show this year. Last year it was a nine day show from 7:00am-10:00pm. Long days! I'm taking a year off from that.

As you can see, it's going to be a good year! And starting it off,  here is your calendar for January. Print it out and stick it up somewhere. Please feel free to forward this post to your friends.

Stay safe on New Years and have a great one!

John

ArtWalk is a Wrap...

A big "Thank you" to all you guys that came by my booth at ArtWalk! To those that made a purchase to take home, or ordered an image for the future, it's always fun to see the smiles on your faces. Some of you are below. Thank you! I do wish I would have had more time to talk with each of you, but sometimes it was like a feeding frenzy in my booth.

To those that signed up for my blog/mailing list, a big "Welcome!" I hope you enjoy it. Remember, if you ever see anything you want, let me know!

Mission Federal ArtWalk

How time flies! It doesn't seem like a year ago I was set up in San Diego's Little Italy doing ArtWalk. However, this year is special to me. I was chosen to be one of eight "Featured Artists" out of 350 artist participating!  I'll be there with my fine art automotive images at the southwest corner on India St. and Cedar St. My booth is 318 on Cedar St. just across the street from the Burger Lounge, how convenient!

I hope you can join me for the 34th annual Mission Federal ArtWalk, San Diego's premier arts and culture event. It's next weekend, free and covers 17 blocks with the two day festival with painting, sculpture, glass work, jewelry and of course photography. The times are 11:00 to 6:00pm both days.

You can find out more info here: www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal/ 

Gallery of Speed Fine Art

It's been a busy time, I've been out doing some commission shots as well as getting art together for a gallery in Laguna Beach. That's right, I'm excited to announce that I'm now being represented by "Gallery of Speed Fine Art" located in that sea side town. It's a gallery dedicated to all things that relate to speed with very cool watercolors, paintings in oil, automotive dioramas, and of course photography. Only original art, not reproductions. As you may know, I've been in a gallery in Carmel the past two summers, now it's closer to home! And speaking about close to home, here in San Diego, I've been chosen as one of eight "Featured Artists" for San Diego's ArtWalk in Little Italy. More on this in a future post.

So if you're in the area of Laguna Beach, please stop by and check out the automotive work from some very talented artists. It's best to call ahead for open times. The "Gallery of Speed" is located at, 1590 South Coast Highway #3, Laguna Beach, CA., 1-949-637-7009.

What People Say and Do...

With ArtWalk just finishing, I thought I would share some thoughts because I'm often asked, "Should I enter an art festival?"

So you want to enter a fine art festival with your photography, do you? Well, read on. The show starts by reading all the info the show sends out to the artists telling them everything they need to know, from directions on how to get there, to when to pack it up. It's not really surprising to me how many artist don't or can't read, but that's another story. The day of the show begins with booth set up, then highly scientific placement of the art (with a smile). As the public starts to stream in, the questions start. Examples; "Who took these photos?" "Can I hang here because it's shady." "Boy you must have a great camera!" "Where do you get that printed?" "Is that the real price?" Mother to her daughter, "You can do that with your cell phone camera." It goes on and on, but what makes it really worth showing and selling is when someone walks in, and with one verbal discharge says, "Wow!" Yep, that's what it's all about. Oh yeah, it's also nice to have people see a value in your work, that they will pay to have it hanging in their home, office, or garage! Thanks to those that came out to the show! It was all good...

Some shots from last weekend...

The set-up...

"Four Cam" - Memories in your Hand

I had an urge to go photograph, but the weather wasn't cooperating. It was rather rainy and windy out at the time. So, I decided I needed to stop by a friends race shop, to check out what was on the burner. There it was, sitting in the corner half covered with a tarp, a "Four Cam." I blew the dust away and pulled back the cover. My first impression was the age old texture that was looking at me, not the milled out new stuff you see today. On closer inspection the time required to safety wire, as to say, "you'll finish the race," but then it sank in...how many races had this seen? A lifetime, I'm sure since the day it left the factory. If one could only hold those memories in your hand...

The image on top can be printed on aluminum as a double float. The same as the two images on the bottom example. The image sizes available are 16 x 24 and 24 x 36. Also the double float of custom aluminum adds 4" to those dimensions. They come signed and numbered with hangers on the back ready to be put up and enjoyed. I'm starting off the New Year with a special sale price on both sizes of this image. $995.00 for the 24 x 36 and $695.00 for the 16 x 24, including shipping in the US.

Metal Float Print

24" x 36" $995.00 USD 16" x 24" $695.00 USD

Rocketing Ahead...

Happy New Year!

It's that time of year to set our site on what's coming up. Well, I'll be showing at numerous shows this year; Porsche Lit Meet, Art Walk in Little Italy, monthly shows at Monique's gallery, and of course during Monterey Car Week. If you want to keep up to date on any of these as well as others, please check my "Shows and Exhibits" page on my photo site.

So here's to wishing you all the best for this coming year! Have fun, keep safe, and hopefully we'll see each other during the year!

This is "Atom" seen here.

Goblins and Ghouls...

The warm afternoon breeze is flowing through the room as I type, reminding me of the dog days of summer, and with it a smile comes to my face. Halloween is on its way. These thoughts bring me to my post today, about the San Diego Art Institute sending out a call for seasonal art.

Well, of course I had to come up with an image to enter. "Claw Boy" is proud to announce he was juried in to the show. Here's the link for info to the month long exhibition "The Dead Are Not Quiet" a group exhibition of macabre art in Balboa Park. If you're in the area, stop by and pass a little love onto him. If you want him for your own, he's available and looking for a loving home...

The image is 12"x 12" and matted, with a black museum frame to 16"x 16", ready to hang and enjoy.

You may purchase it here and have it shipped to your door, or if you're in San Diego, pick it up at my studio on 30th Street, and I will refund the shipping. $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada.

Shooting from the Heart

I tend to photograph from the heart, which is very different than working with your head. When I spot a scene that stirs my soul, whether it's automotive, roadside relics, or even plants, I photograph it. Then it's on to the computer, where I start working on the texture, value scale, and colors in post-processing. Here's an example, shot on a walk with my wife in La Jolla one warm sunny afternoon. We were making our way down a small dirt path on the edge of a cliff overlook when looking down it stopped me in my tracks with its unique shapes, opening to the sun and saying, "I dare you to touch me." As usual, my photograph, a little raw with some attitude.

Botanical Blend #6

This is from my "Botanical Collection " collection and is printed on archival paper. The image is 12"x 12" and is matted, with a black museum frame 16"x 16", ready to hang, and enjoy.

You may purchase it here and have it shipped to your door, or if you're in San Diego, pick it up at my studio on 30th Street, and I will refund the shipping. $275 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada.

"Mission Federal Art Walk 2016" is here...

"Mission Federal Art Walk, Little Italy" is just around the corner, in fact, it's going to hit us in the face. This April 30th through May 1st, Little Italy's vibrant streets will be spilling over with color for the 32nd year. It really does have something for every art lover and one of the things that makes it so special is, you get to meet the artists, over 350 of them. But, I'm not here to tell you about the other artists, I'm here to tell you I will have a booth full of sweet color botanical images, framed and ready to hang, as well as some special black and whites. You can preview some of my images on my site: JohnStraubImageWorks.com

So, come by, check out my art, in booth 318, at the corner of India and Cedar. You never know, you may find that unique image that you can't pass up.

Here's a link to Mission Federal Art Walk.