Steve Austin Guest Columnists - Auto Art
Steve Austin at The Monterey Embassy Suites Laguna Grande ballroom snugly contained the 2016 edition of the annual assembly of folks who collect and share automotive artifacts and literature.
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Steve Austin has been an art dealer for the past twenty-five years. “I backed into it through being a too avid collector. Clients, from his successful car tour business, Steve Austin’s Automobilia and Great Vacations, convinced him there was a demand for quality art work and he started what he refers to as “a most interesting side venture, that formed a life of its own”.
Originally from the UK, Steve settled in Oregon and has never looked back. Between the tours and the art he has become the consummate international traveler. “I am one of those fortunate people whose work is an extension of my love of art, cars and motor racing”. SteveAustinsAutomobiliaAndTravel.com [email protected] |
Some of Steve's Articles: Auto Art Column
Sir Stirling Moss painting by Masha.
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It's All a Matter of Opinion Issue #1 Sept/Oct 2019
Automobile Art is as old as the first automobile. In fact it was the automobile artist whose talent promoted the sales, the events and, of course, the first races, giving us a glimpse of what was to be. The thousands of artists who have since arrived on the automobile art scene are as varied as the vehicles they painted. So, who was the best, you may ask? Just like the race drivers, it’s all a matter of opinion. For someone who is totally talentless, even painting a fence is a challenge, I refuse to become that horrible character, the ‘art critic.’ In fact, I prefer to go at it from a far more friendly angle. While, quite obviously there are icons who have graced the walls of collectors, there are also many journeyman artists who have depicted and brought fantastic moments to life. |
"Above the Law" by David Uhl. Currently selling for $1,850 to $3,250.
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Without the Inconvenience of being Dead... Issue #2 Nov/Dec 2018
Art is an unscientific business and maybe that is why so many great artists struggle to be financially successful without the inconvenience of being dead. Nevertheless, there are quite a few who have made more than a good living from their talents. The trick is to have a good sales system in place. Three good examples are all living American artists; Randy Owens (Maryland), Ken Eberts (California) and David Uhl (Colorado). They have managed to organize a good team to look after the sales while they continually put out awesome work. The three pieces shown here are representative of their skill. |
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Getting Framed. Issue #3 Jan/Feb 2019
It occurred to me this might be a good time to talk about framing pieces of art, the cost and the rewards, or in some cases the lack of reward. As an example, my exhibits are of various and multiple pieces; therefore it is very important not to emphasize one piece over another through the framing. A good mantra to follow is, “It’s the art, dummy, not the frame.” It is quite amazing how many times I see wonderful pieces of art overshadowed by a too big or too ornate surrounding. Chances are, that if someone says to you “nice painting, I love the frame”, you may very well have overdone the frame. |
“Dino” by Richard Wheatland, 20”x14”
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Art is in the sole of the Beholder! Issue #4 Mar/Apr 2019
If “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” then I believe that “art is in the soul of the beholder”. What causes a person to warm to one painting, and yet someone else be completely cold to it? That’s what makes art exciting, it’s not a science. As this magazine is dedicated to collectors of automobilia it has made my job a lot easier. Rather than talk about an infinite list of art and artists, it has already culled the herd for me. However, the remaining herd is still pretty mind boggling. With literally thousands of different automobile art pieces out there. Where as a collector do you start? Let’s first deal with the collector who is really an investor. Over the years, I’ve had clients who didn’t know a road car from a race car, a Model T from a GT40. Their interest was purely in the artist and the reasonable chance of an increase in value. Let the buyer beware! |