I am thinking of attempting a painting of a locomotive, either a shortline nearby or an early CSX. I was wondering if there was a market for this sort of thing. I see a few paintings of old steam engines. I was wondering if anyone had any fine art prints of diesel locos. Most of the ones I have seen are a little too whimsical for my tastes. For example: http://www.railwayshop.com/rwest/QualityinMotion2.jpg Just thought I would ask. My painting woud be more realistic although I have a loose painterly style with oils. I am not planning on selling it. It would be a gift for someone, I just wondered if there was any interests out there for this sort of thing.
We have had folks post up some nicely done art work, who also sell it. Hard to know about any market, unless they happen to read this topic and contribute their thoughts. Boxcab E50
Forget the market, most painters aren't in it to make money. Enjoy the experience, and give it as a gift like you said. You must paint to tell a story that perhaps wasn't captured directly on film (or couldn't have) Good artistic mastery of perspective is a must as well. Painting locomotives is one of the most difficult things to do in the world of art, because you have to be detailed enough to capture the flavor of that magnificent machine without it looking like a scale drawing or a shapeless blob. When you paint, you don't paint with lines or color, you paint with LIGHT. One of the hardest things to learn while painting is NEVER assume anything is there. If you don't see it, be it a shape or color or object, don't paint it. Hopefully this will help.
Oh! one more thing: That painting you linked to was terrible. The light was atrocious, the perspective was incorrect and it looked like a hotrod airbrush painting. Use more muted colors and remember that they subtly fade into the distance. (Mix in sky color for best effect.) Avoid "Railpictures.net" type "wedge" shots, they're overdone enough in photography, we don't need another on canvas. Be creative!
I have several pieces from A gentleman in BC. He does mainly steam but has done a couple of diesel paintings. For the life of me I cannot rememeber his name right now. I know that he does have a large following and does make money at it.
I have a couple of pieces that need framing - one paint and the other pen and ink. Both were a gift and will find a good home in the train room.
I have done some paintings and enjoyed it very much.I originally thought they would sell rapidly,to help pay for my hobby,but that was not the case.So paint to your heart's desire,and if you happen to get an agreeable offer for one then by all means take it.I once heard someone say the truest phrase about art I have ever heard "Everyone apreciates art,but no-one wants to pay for it" My advice would be to paint something you enjoy,so that even if it hangs around for a long while it's still nice to look at.Don't forget to that you can paint backdrops for people,that they usually will pay for.Here is one of my paintings,acrylic on canvas 16x20...
Nice one Mopacjay. I might as well show mine - Boston and Maine BL2 It's fun to try. I'll definitely have another crack at it sometime. Good luck with it, Coachc Mike
