Buick (E)ight

 This is one of many old pre- 60s cars owned by an individual in NE

Georgia.  Upon seeing it for the first time, I knew I had to do a painting of

it.  At that time, I wasn't sure of the model or the year it was made.  I just

liked the lines and shape of the car.  It was only after doing a little research

(and reading the name on the hood) that I found it to be a 1946 Buick.

The reader may not realize the significance of the make or the year.  But

there is one.  Following the declaration of war in December 1941, the

production of American autos ended.  The materials were needed for the

war effort and the manufacturers retooled accordingly.  No new cars were

made until the conclusion of the war in the latter part of 1945.  And when

the automobile production lines began to run again, the cars made closely

resembled the ones being made in 1941.  That is, they looked like the

previous version, except for Buick.  It did some definitive retooling including

an extensive use of chrome.  It was as if that manufacturer was celebrating

the American spirit that had helped win World War II.

I took a photo of the car which was used as the reference for this painting. 

When I took the picture, this car was almost 80 years old.  Yet, part of the

original paint is still visible and the chrome still reflects the Georgia land and

sky.  Hopefully the beauty of this old car shines through this painting.

The original is a watercolor on 20 x 16,  300 lb cold press paper and is

copyrighted by Gerry Grimes, the artist.  He retains all rights regarding

copies and/or reproductions regardless of the ownership of the original by

others.  No reproductions or copies may be made from it without explicit

consent of the artist.  

A few giclee prints are available.