CLASSIC | AMERICAN

Daytona Beach. Route 66. Mel’s Drive-in. Just some of the Classic locations for your American cars

Daytona Beach in the 1950s. With this image I wanted to recreate the feel of a summer’s morning at a beach motel.

STAGE 1

After some initial sketches, I retouched the background out from behind the Corvette which began its life on the owner’s driveway, and began piecing together some vintage postcards. I added sea, sky and palms to create a smooth backdrop.

STAGE 2

At this point I thought, ‘Why not a rear view too?’ With the windscreens retouched back in, I added some paving effects, some lawn and planting. But for me, the piece de resistance was the overhanging palm and shadow – perfect!

Another classic from the 1950s. I visualised a 50s scene set on Miami’s legendary Ocean Drive – albeit using a little ‘artistic license’.

STAGE 1

At first I imagined a night time scene full of neon lights but, after trying several options, I felt that the car would shine out from a more muted background. I wanted those fins and tail lights to be the heroes!

STAGE 2

I isolated the car from its grassy setting, adding road and a montage of 1950s Miami hotels. At this point I decided to bring in a sunset sky and added an early evening tint to the facades.

It just had to be a rear view of this iconic Corvette rolling down the dusty highway..

STAGE 1

Originally I visualised two opposing cars with the drivers giving the ‘thumbs up’ as they passed each other. No – too crowded. I settled for one rear view, showing off the split window, heading down the legendary Route 66.

STAGE 2

The Open Road. A montage of tarmac, road markings, hills, scrub and skies. I had to warp the car slightly to fit the perspective then added some blur, dust and lighting. To finish off – some stars and a distant moon rising.

The first Ford Mustang – what a history.

STAGE 1

I mocked up the car in various iconic settings and the owner decided on the legendary Mel’s Drive-in. Using a little artistic license, I started to build the scene thinking early evening lighting.

STAGE 2

We chose a slightly different angle and then experimented with various night time sky combinations. The softer sky worked out best. I then added some haze, ligfhts and shadows.