2021 commemorates the 5th years of the Lemireart automotive arts as it is today. It was another year full of twists and turns in the world that affected my car portrait business a bit in good and bad, but not that much bad!
3 multiple commissions from car collectors punctuated the first half of the year and the addition of new models to complete. The creation of the 1st Lemireart 5-foot wide piece was also a highlight.
ORDERS FROM COLLECTORS DONE IN 2021
Since 2016, the beginning of my current activity as a car portraitist, I have had to do some commissions for collectors of more than one car. I present you these collector's orders in detail.
SSS COLLECTION
This Texan collector has a nice mix of Camaros and Corvettes that were built since 1969. He also has a fondness for INDY 500 identified vehicles, having 2 cars, a 2008 pace car replica, and a 2017 Camaro "Official Vehicle". The printed drawings of the cars were made in 12X18 inches.
Another special feature is that this collector purchased in 2014, a white C7 Corvette Stingray with saddle interior, to match his 1970 Corvette Stingray which has the same body and interior colors.
Models ordered
- 1969 Camaro SS 396
- 1970 Corvette Stingray 454
- 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51
- 2008 Corvette Replica INDY 500 Pace Car Convertible
- 2017 Camaro SS INDY 500 Official Vehicle
COLLECTION NC
Fan of big American cars from the 70's, this collector from the Quebec had his 3 luxury cars done as private commissions in 14X21 inches printed size. Being more used to drawing muscle cars and sports cars, it opened my mind to these models that I appreciate more today when I see them in classic car shows.
The chrome rendering is lighter than what I usually do. This was a request from the customer who found my color recipe too dark and not bright enough. I must admit that paling the chrome areas allows a greater contrast with the body, especially for the sublime Cadillac DeVille!
Models ordered
- 1970 Cadillac DeVille
- 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V Cartier Edition
- 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe
COLLECTION BW
This collection is special in that it has 3 landmark Corvettes from the 90's and 3 Z06 models from the 3 successive generations, the 5th, 6th and 7th generations. Also included in the collection is a 2017 Camaro SS 1LE which is not present in the image below.
The printed illustrations of the Corvettes were done in 12X18 inches size. The tire lettering was added on the 6 portraits drawn.
Models ordered
- 1990 Corvette ZR-1
- 1993 Corvette 40th Anniversary
- 1996 Corvette Grand Sport
- C5 Corvette Z06
- C6 Corvette Z06
- C7 Corvette Z06
What to do to request a quote for a group of cars to draw?
For collectors interested in having their vehicles done, please contact us at info@lemireart.com with the following information:
• The models and years of manufacture of the cars to be illustrated
• Photos of the models to be illustrated
• The desired printing format
• The possibility for me to take pictures of the cars to illustrate if you are in a location where I can organize a photoshoot for a group of cars.
FIRST ORDERS FOR THE BRITISH CARS PRINTED ILLUSTRATIONS
With the publication on Facebook of the 3 British car illustrations, 2 orders of personalized copies of a Blaze colored 1971 MGB Roadster and an Inca Yellow 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500 were ordered for a customer in Saskatchewan, the first sale in this part of Canada in Lemireart’s history, and for a customer in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean located in the Quebec province.
A pair of fog lights were added to the MGB Roadster master illustration at the customer's request.
Following the publication of the 2 Triumph drawings, I had the comment that I only had the American market versions on my inventory. I created with the illustration of the MGB Roadster, 2 other versions, European and British, with the driving wheel on the right and will do for the 2 Triumph artworks.
The Triumph TR 250 was a car that was started, but once the line drawing was done, I realized the car had the wheels of the TR6 when it should have chrome wire wheels or 4-spoke magnum type of wheels.
Once the right wheels are drawn and colored, it will be another beautiful British car that will join the inventory of European cars!
Having been to Europe 5 times, I must admit that I have a soft spot for these cars of a different format!
THE ORDER OF THE 1958 CORVETTE FOR A BRITISH CUSTOMER
During a Facebook post of the 1958 to 1960 Corvette illustration, I had a special request to create a personalized version of the 1958 Corvette artwork in Panama Yellow. The customer's origin also surprised me since he was a British owner.
One of the requests he made to me, in addition to asking for a second copy of the illustration, was to create one with the hardtop installed on the car.
Somebody told me the difference between a 1959 Corvette and a 1960 Corvette, was the rim color. In 1958 it's black, in 1959 it's gray or silver and in 1960 it's red or body-colored. On the ad photos of the period, the rim of the year 1960 seems to be black.
So, when ordering a copy of an illustration of this Corvette, it is possible to indicate the rim color of your 1958 to 1960 Corvette.
The linear drawing of 1956, 1957 Corvette is waiting to be colored! Notice to all interested!
It is on this model that appeared the combinations of 2 colors, having a side section called "cove" painted in a different body color.
This model of Corvette made the bridge between those produced between 1953 and 1955 and those offered between 1958 and 1962 and were the last having single head lights.
THE FIRST ORDERS FOR THE C2 CORVETTE
The first order for a custom illustration with 2 Corvettes came from France. One is a Marina Blue with the stinger painted in black 1967 Corvette 427 with red striped tires and the other is a Burgundy 1969 Corvette with a small block hood.
Another custom order came from the New York area with a Milano Maroon 1966 Corvette 427 convertible that was given as a gift to a friend.
Later on, this same customer would ask me for a more detailed version of a Goodwood Green with a white Stinger 1967 Corvette 427 coupe drawing that would rise to the rank of a 16X24 inch printed portrait. This version will receive an enhanced visual treatment in order to match the New Generation collection and the 2 other vehicles he plans to have me illustrate.
The 1965 Corvette Sting Ray 396 coupe is also part of the inventory of the Vintage Look Drawings Collection of classic Corvettes.
As for the years 1963 and 1964, the linear drawing of the 1963 Corvette in coupe version is done except that it needs to be fitted with the wheel caps in place of the "knock-off" wheels, available only from 1964.
Once the coloring is done, this illustration will take its place in the inventory of the Vintage Look Drawings Collection.
THE FIRST ORDERS FOR C3 CORVETTES
One of the first requests for the 2 illustrations of Corvettes from 1969 to 1972 will come from a Texan collector who owns 5 cars including a 1972 Corvette 454 convertible in classic white and saddle for the interior.
A Burgundy 1969 Corvette Stingray coupe version with a small block hood has been ordered by a French customer that ask for the Marina Blue C2 Corvette with the request to add a chrome side exhaust with spaghetti manifold very fashionable during the '70s.
The 1971 Corvette Stingray with a small block hood will also be ordered by a customer from Ontario to give to his father as a Christmas present. Classic White colored Corvette owners will have been the most interesting customers in this year 2021!
C4 CORVETTE ZR-1
With the multiple order from an Ontario customer reported earlier, one of the Corvettes requested was the 1990 model year ZR-1. This model year was unique in that the front end of the 1990 ZR-1 was that of the 1984-1990 C4 Corvettes and the rear end was the concave shape of the 1991-1996 Corvettes.
Having illustrated the 1993 40th Anniversary ZR-1, I only had to do some manipulative work to get the 1990 ZR-1, having completed an order for a 1987 Corvette. Using the 1995 INDY PACE CAR Corvette rims, I was able to complete the entire production of the 1990 to 1995 Corvette ZR-1s.
After the 1990-1995 Corvette ZR-1's were put online, it was the turn of the 1994-1996 regular Corvettes to integrate the inventory of Corvette illustrations in profile view in both body types, convertible and coupe.
The addition of lettering on the tires has been standardized on all side view illustrations in the personalized version.
2002 AND 2008 INDY 500 PACE CAR RELEASED
The 2002 Corvette INDY Pace Car Replica edition was added to the Corvette inventory in profile view during the last year. This car was based on the 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary.
Including in the Texan collector's order, there was a request for the 2008 Corvette INDY 500 Pace Car replica. Available in both coupe and convertible versions, a unique offering in the history of Pace Cars replicas, this was an interesting addition to the inventory of Corvette illustrations.
The 1997-1999 Corvette are also be added to the inventory during the year 2021
THE DRAWING OF THE CORVETTE Z06 C6 NEW IN 2021
A request from a 6 Corvette collector was to illustrate his 3 Corvettes Z06 from 3 different generations. Not having the C6 in stock, I had to create it. It is in the yellow color that the first-order found a taker. The C6 Z06 will join its sisters in the portrait inventory drawn by Lemireart.
Some 8 months later, another customer asked me for a more personalized 16X24 inches version of this drawn portrait with some special requests
- The letter Z in the Z06 logo must be colored green
- The brake shoes should also be colored green
- The wheels will have to be changed from the double spokes installed in the first years to "Spider" type wheels.
I saw on this model of wheels for the first time on a Chevrolet's 100th anniversary edition of the Corvette Z06 at the 2008 Montreal Auto Show!
THE 1969 CAMARO SS AND THE FIRST ORDERS
With the inventory of portrait drawings I have, the question of when I would start making the older models came up more and more often!
I put online the most desirable first-generation Camaro with the 1969 SS 396 model. I got 2 custom orders, both in the same body color, Le Mans Blue, which was the most popular body color in 1969.
In the first order, I had to have the following elements:
- The white decorative side strip
- The white vinyl roof
- The white interior
- The 2 vertical bumpers in the front
- The Chevrolet Magnum wheels
- The USA-1 front plate
On the 2nd order, the 3 white elements of the first order have been colored in black. The Good Year Polyglass tires mounted on "Rally" rims were changed from the master illustration. The hood is the one standard for the Camaro SS, with the fake chrome air vents. Finally, the number 396 has been changed to 350.
ORDERS FOR THE 4TH GENERATION CAMAROS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES
With the upgrade of the rendering caliber of the 4th generation Camaro portraits started in 2020 during the first containment, it was interesting to see the first custom orders derived from this one. I had to create the following models
- the 1998-2002 Camaro Z28 with a domed hood in Mystic Teal Metallic which was a challenge to make the color realistic
- the Camaro Z28 SS by SLP in 16X24 inches
- the 1993-2007 Camaro Z28 in convertible version printed in 16X24 format
- the black 1998-2002 Camaro SS with the SS logo outline in red instead of the white was printed in 16X24 inches which surprised me for this generation of Camaro! A proof that some car owners have the taste to see big and do not look at the expense.
WHAT'S NEW IN THE 6TH GENERATION CAMAROS DRAWN PORTRAITS
In the 6th generation Camaro inventory, the 2019 to 2023 Camaro SS 1LE made their appearance. Like the other 1LE models from 2013 to 2018, it is possible for the racetrack fanatic owner, commonly called "lapping", to have a racetrack added to the portrait drawn if ordered in 16X24 inch format
THE 5 BOSS 302 ORDERS IN ONE WEEK
An interesting sales feat happened in March when the 2012 and 2013 BOSS 302 updated drawn portrait was released. Orders came in from many places including France, Quebec, and the USA. There were 5 orders placed within a week, which is not bad for a single car model! Was it the tax return season that had something to do with it?
The French customer who owns a 2012 BOSS 302 told me that his car was bought new in the Montreal area. Another customer asked for the Laguna Seca version of the 2013 BOSS 302, another drawn portrait that will be added to the inventory shortly. Meeting with an LS owner last summer made me realize that the factory-fitted tires are not the same as the regular BOSS 302.
Somebody told me the front spoiler on the Laguna Seca versions was installed at the dealership because it was too bulky to transport on a trailer and some owner ask to not have it installed.
THE CREATION OF MY FIRST 5 FOOT WIDE AUTOMOTIVE PORTRAIT
An idea I had in the back of my mind since reading 2 or 3 articles on creating large format artwork, was to create one at 5 feet wide. The creation process was somewhat different and more time-consuming, as there was more detail to add!
A client's 2016 Mustang GT colored with the Lemireart logo was used to create this gigantic painting. I call this type of work, a Great Transposition (GT for the insiders).
Once printed on canvas, we had to frame this big thing and do a photoshoot with it in order to properly present this large-format work! The first presentation in a public event was done during the Puces Mécaniques of Drummondville in November 2021.
The detailed close-up images below will allow you to see the result up close!
ILLUSTRATIONS USED FOR AN ARTICLE ON THE MUSTANG MACH 1
The Mustang Passion France club asked upon my services as an illustrator for an article on the history of the Mustang Mach 1 from 1969 to today.
I provided 4 illustrations on white background of the Mustang Mach 1 from 1969 to 1973. The article is published in the Mag's #38. The article is full of details on the history of this iconic Mustang model and is spread over half a dozen pages. This is my second collaboration with European Mustang club magasines!
See on the pictures how my illustrations looked like printed in the magasine!
THE ARRIVAL OF THE 1968 BULLITT AND 2019 BULLITT ILLUSTRATIONS
2021 will see the arrival of the illustrations of the 1968 Mustang Bullitt well known to fans of Steve McQueen and the 2019-2020 Mustang Bullitt. These 2 illustrations complete the series of 4 Bullitt cars, 3 of which are special editions marketed by Ford.
On the 1968 version, it is possible to see the very detailed specifications of the car used in the movie. This limited edition is available with specification text in English or French. Each language is offered in 68 copies.
The other Bullitt illustrations will see a more traditional Lemireart specification text that was updated by some of the model fanatics when I posted on a Bullitt Mustang fan group!
So, before publishing a complete illustration on a fan group, I have to make some verifications, or even have my texts examined by a model expert!
THE 2022 CALENDAR
With 2 weeks to go before my participation in the mechanical Flea Market, I had the idea to create a multipage calendar, the first in Lemireart history!
It is a selection of 12 sporty and muscular cars from the Vintage Look Drawings Collection that will be used from the year 1960 to 1976. The number of buyers of the calendar was not of great importance, the idea being to create a product allowing the amateurs of old and sporting cars to have one of my different achievements every month.
THE "PUCES MÉCANIQUES" IN PICTURES
It is with 75 booths compared to the 35 of the first edition of the "Puces Mécaniques" that around 1850 visitors were able to have a look.
I had the opportunity to see many acquaintances and owners of sporty and muscular cars. A big thank you to my sidekick Jacques Gaudet for his help in setting up and taking down my booth.
Here is a selection of pictures taken during the event!
THE ORDERS OF THE YEAR
Exclusive private orders (14X21 inches)
COLLECTION "NEW GENERATION"
12X18 inches in limited edition art prints
12X18 inches in personalized art prints
14X21 inches
16X24 inches
ORDERS FROM THE VINTAGE LOOK DRAWINGS COLLECTION
11X14 inches
16X20 inches
THE INSPIRING AUTOMOTIVE BEAUTIES OF 2021
The year 2021 will have been more active than in 2020 for the classic car shows with the return of the VAQ in August! The Saint-Lambert exhibition was the first on their calendar. With an objective of 250 cars, 350 beautiful cars from the past were presented.
The Euro, the European football tournament, was the opportunity for the Ferrari of Canada, chapter of Montreal to present the 1st edition of the Ferrari Festival. The event took place during the final match between Italy and England in a restaurant in St-Leonard. There were a good number of Ferraris present as well as a few other brands whose owners were curious to see these beautiful Italians beauties!
The "Bolides du Nord" also had their fair share of visitors at their weekly Friday night meeting in Laval! With the absence of the Laval Auto Sport club for the second year in a row, car owners from the Laval area flocked to the corner of Dagenais and Curé Labelle boulevards to meet!
Here is a selection of the most beautiful cars present during these events!
THE C8 CORVETTE SPOTED IN LAVAL
FESTIVAL FERRARI BY FOC
VACM IN REPENTIGNY
VAQ IN SAINT-LAMBERT
EPICURE CLASSIC: MONTRÉAL
LES BOLIDES DU NORD: THE CLASSICS
LES BOLIDES DU NORD: THE YOUNGTIMERS AND MODERN CARS
This is the end of the review of the activities and events of the year 2021 at Lemireart. We look forward to creating for you a replica of your passion car in the form of a printed drawing that can be framed soon!