Journey of the Little Red Truck to Big Lots; "Through the Eyes of an Artist"
"First Snow" Oil (SOLD) (prints available)
This 1950 Chevy ended up on a Christmas popcorn tin at Big Lots...I can't tell you how excited I was!
The story about the truck's journey (as far back as I know it), goes like this:
My friend Janie acquired this old truck from somewhere out in west Texas several years ago. It was basically a heap of old, rusty metal, sitting at the back of a lot with tree limbs growing through the broken windows.
You may wonder why she would want such a thing...Let me tell you a little something about this spunky red-head; she is one of the most creative, "think outside the box" artists that I know. We met back in the 90's when we were both art teachers in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. I always loved the days when all of the GCISD art teachers got together to go on field trips or spend the day creating new projects to teach our students. Janie always had wild and fun ideas to share. Currently she owns her own business, "Cavender Creations" with her husband, painting huge murals or sculpting unique artsy installations for companies all over the US.
If you have ever been to Grapevine during the Christmas season, you've probably seen her work. She's the one who makes all of those great giant holiday statues. Last year she made giant snowmen for the Gaylord's famous Winterfest. (You can see the making of these here on her website).
If you want to see some of her paintings of the truck in it's "BEFORE" state, click here.
In 2009, Janie ended up selling the truck to another friend of mine, (who was also an amazing art teacher in GCISD), Jeani and her husband, Fred.
The incredibly talented Fred took the Chevy from this state (not even running), to the beauty it is today:
(Fred and Jeani's son, Chad)
I have always been drawn to old cars...and I guess the artist in me really likes the look of the old, rusty, turquoise patinas. (These are finishes I would do for clients on purpose when I did designer finishes back in the day!)
(detail stone and rust finish of an archway I did for
a t.v. set)
On one of my visits to see Jeani out in Ponder, Tx , I got to see the truck while it was in it's middle stages of being restored.
primed and ready for a shiny coat of candy apple red paint!
After Fred did all of his magic, "Ole Red" provided itself as a prop for some really cool photo shoots.
The Cruce's also used it as a Christmas decoration, which is where my inspiration for the painting came from!
One day, I got a call from a lady at a tin can company in Maryland. She said that her client in Wisconsin found my painting "First Snow" on my website, and wanted to license it for Christmas tins. At the time, I had no idea it was going to be distributed through Big Lots! I didn't even know who the company was that licensed the painting (Mallory's Finest). Once the can company sent me samples of the tins, I asked them if there was a website I could send people to in case they wanted to buy one. That's when she replied casually "It's my understanding they will be distributed through Big Lots". I'm like "which one?" So yes, it came as a huge surprise to me when I discovered that they were selling all over the United States, and it was surreal to walk into my local Big Lots store to see them sitting on the shelf!
It was even more surreal to see photos of people with the tins from all over the States!
I'm so appreciative of all the support and those who joined in on getting all the great selfies at Big Lots!...Big Hugs!
