(Panel art above by Steve Vandemon)

Halloween - You wouldn’t know it here. The most scary things at SEMA on opening day are more likely to be the wildly radical paint on so many trick rides, and the impending fear of large belt buckles. The paint featured on many cars on display at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show is just incredible. The quality and finish of materials, along with the incredible talent out there make for some outstanding cars. I’m happy to report that airbrush is more alive than ever!

With this post, we’re going to start with the tools of the trade - airbrushes. I spent most of my day at the Iwata / Anest Iwata / Artool display with the crew from Iwata-Medea from Portland, Oregon. It seemed like everyone stopped by today, and many stayed around to mingle with fellow air-heads…

…and no wonder. Their display is filled with eye-candy galore.

Deborah Mahan mannequins are showcased on each corner, and a collection of new Pamela Shanteau art panels are on display too.

Premiering at the SEMA Show… (drum roll please)…the Iwata Kustom series airbrushes are now available as a complete set - all 5 airbrushes; The Kustom Hi-Line TH, Revolution TR, Micron CM, Hi-Line CH and Eclipse CS are now available in a kewl aluminum case. Some artists have already opted to trick out their cases, which are on display in the Iwata booth. These cases are perfect for airbrush art, and come with the perfect airbrushes to do the job. This is a great way to be prepared for any airbrush challenge that lies ahead.

Check out these custom Kustom cases painted by Steve Vandemon and Dennis Mathewson.

Deborah brought her Kustom case, featuring her famous pin-up style.

…and keeping in the spirit of Halloween, Mike Lavallee treated Gary Glass with a tricked monster case.

Of course, Anest Iwata had an impressive display of spray guns too.

Talk about cool. This classic refrigerator has been revamped and update to include an amazing airbrush murals that wraps around both sides and the front. These are beautiful examples of Mike Lavallee’s airbrush skills. mike had two at the show - one in the Iwata booth, and one on display in the House of Kolor area. We’ll bring you that in an upcoming HoK post.

Until then, check out side two of the the blue fridge.

Iwata’s display is art - pure art. Left-to-right, originals art by Dennis Mathewson (which is featured on the cover of the Kustom airbrush brochure), Mike Lavallee, Craig Fraser and Steve Vandemon.

A closer look at Fraser’s sick and twisted art panel…

…and Lavallee’s dragon art panel.

There was no shortage of visiting artists either. Shin was in town from Japan and took time to hang out at the Iwata booth. Shin is a very talented airbrush artist and I’m a big fan of his beautiful painted ladies. His work was featured in the Iwata 2006 calendar, which I designed, so it was a real pleasure to finally meet. Visit his website at: The fetish ArtofShin.com.

Also, stopping by was Donn Shanteau from Air Illusions, and Dean Loucks. You may remember Dean featured in ASET Air Report - Volume 1.

Donn “too-tall” Shanteau shares a friendly moment with Joanna from Iwata Medea, Portland, Oregon.

Gabe McCubbin of Artool Products Inc. catches up with Robert Pascal from ArtTalk.

… and Gary Glass from Iwata Medea, microphone in hand, closes out an upcoming TV show. He was approached and asked to share a few words with the SEMA attendees scheduled to air soon. He looks like a natural to us. He says goodbye - we say hello…

Until next time, Happy Halloween from SEMA.

Here we are - LAS VEGAS! What a day. Kathy and I helped Iwata Medea set up part of their display, and the day was like a who’s-who of the airbrush and kustom art worlds, starting with breakfast with Wiil Naemura and Gary Glass (from Iwata Medea) at Lucky’s at the Hard Rock. We ran into Tom Prewitt on our way into the LV Hilton Convention Center and throughout the day, airbrush luminaries Mike Lavallee, Steve Vandemon, Mark Remling and a ton of others stopped to help set everything in place for the big show, which starts bright and early Tuesday.

Later, we all broke for dinner and Kathy and I spent some quality time with Donn and Pamela Shanteau, who I haven’t seen in person since the 1995 Airstorm in Atlanta, Georgia. As a side note, I’ve been working diligently on her new soon-to-be-released book. I can’t share the details quite yet, but hang in there and we’ll bring you up to speed soon. All I can tell you now is that this books rocks! I’m proud of our part with it, but the real credit goes to the Shanteaus who have poured their hearts and soul into this project.

Later, while delivering some new display signs to the Iwata Medea and House of Kolor booths, I ran into Dennis Mathewson with the crew from Alsa Paints. Pics - not yet, but tomorrow we’ll shoot plenty.

Speaking of Dennis Mathewson, he’s the featured artist in the new Iwata Medea Kustom brochure that I just wrapped up over the weekend. Hot of the press - seriously so. This brochure just printed today, so it it doesn’t get more fresh than this. We’ll have fresh copies at SEMA for the show.

2 PDF files - Click to download outside cover art, or inside pages for airbrush details and specs on the new Kustom series airbrushes from Iwata.

Well, that’s it for tonight. Tomorrow we’ll post pics of hot cars and cool motorcycles - lots of them. if it’s been touched by an airbrush, we’ll post it here. Stay tuned.

Hot cars, custom paint, chrome and carbon fiber, beautiful ladies and cigars - all this and Las Vegas too - it must be SEMA time. The SEMA [Specialty Equipment Market Association] Show is a big deal. In the car world, it’s the biggest; like the Academy Awards and the world’s largest big boy toy store all rolled into one - four days of car show that would take a month to see if you walked it all. Needless to say, the SEMA show is a big, big deal!

SEMA has been serving the Specialty Automotive Equipment Industry since 1963. The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, marine and RV markets. SEMA Show 2005 drew over 50,000 domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The displays are segmented into 11 sections, and a New Products Showcase features more than 1,400 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more. 2006 Show dates: Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2006.

So, as you can imagine, with this much cool car action all in one place, there will have to be a couple with some airbrush art and cool graphics. You’d be right. In fact, there will be tons of kewl rides sporting world-class airbrush art and paint. We’ll be there and we’re bringing it to you - including some live AirbrushTour posts straight from SEMA and the IWATA booth. You heard right - the crew from Iwata Medea will be there (a first for them, and their booth is way cool), along with some of the industries hottest airbrush top guns and manufacturers of art tools and automotive paints that make life easier. Iwata, Artool, ASET, House of Kolor, Coast Airbrush, Airbrush Action magazine, assorted artists, and others — we’ll connect with them all there, and in the process bring you some stuff before it hits the magazines, so stay tuned to AirbrushTour for the inside skinny on the airbrush industry.

Learn more about SEMA online at http://www.sema.org

…or click image below to access the SEMA News Magazine.

Kudos to Noah on the launch of his spankin’ new site, and for taking the airbrush to new levels in the world of fine art. The new website hosts new artwork and a glimpse into the life of Noah. See shots of his studio as well as news regarding his ventures with Hart and Huntington™, Arturo Fuente Cigars™ and French Wineries. See new angel pieces such as “Earth Angel” and upcoming paintings for Tribal Gear Clothing. Make sure to go deep into the bio to learn about the artist.

Click here or image above to visit Noah Fine Art online.

Our buddy Charlie Brechtel is at it again. There must be something about Northern California’s fresh air, motorcycles and music that keeps that guy in the studio, which is just fine by us. When Charlie sings, it’s usually about the things he’s passionate about - most notedly, the American biker lifestyle. Ride on Sonny, his newest song is all of that, and then some as he sings of the legendary Hell’s Angel. This new song follows fresh on the heels of his recent album titled “Iron Buffalo”, a tribute to Indian Larry & David Mann. We’re fans of his tunes, so naturally, we’re happy to share “Ride On Sonny” with you - a new song perfomed live for you music fans, along with some great video [Click image above to download video - 5 MB]. You’ll have to watch this one all the way through, because Charlie and the gang at Big 7 Productions have tossed in some great additional footage showcasing American iron sporting some nice paint and tons of chrome, along with some wild motorcycle stunt riders. Click the image above to download - 5 MB (8:08 minutes).

Charlie is also the voice of the BIKERS INNER CIRCLE Internet Radio Show.

Previous AirbrushTour posts featuring Charlie and the Charlie Brechtel Band are “New Biker Tunes Coming to Sturgis” 07/07/06 and “Bikers Inner Circle” 3/21/06

Ride On Charlie.

Video courtesy Big 7 Productions © 2006. Used by permission.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2006 - Happy accidents happen - sometimes it’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Today was one of those days. Kathy and I were strolling through historic downtown Lake Elsinore, when we tripped across a cool outdoor art show, complete with wine and live music, all set up and ready to show at Elsinore’s Main Street Park. The weather was perfect - admission was free - and quite honestly, the art on display was much more impressive and abundant than expected for a small town outdoor art show.

Ironically, while we always make an effort to have a camera with us, it turned out that our camera was broke and we didn’t realize it until we tried to pop off a couple shots. So while we didn’t get any pictures of the actual event, we did meet several talented artists, including one who slings some airbrush paint. Alberto Ahumada II, owner and artist extraordinaire operating Studio 1 Art Concepts out of Hemet, CA was showing his paintings. His work immediately caught our attention so we stopped in for a quick visit. Turns out Alberto paints commissions; fine art, murals, portraits, trompe l’oeil, children’s rooms, decorative & faux finishes - or as he says… “painting your imagination”— sometimes he works with airbrush and spray tools, and other times with acrylics and oils - specializing in custom venetian plasters. His art is great in many mediums. Check out his work online.

Photo above courtesy Alberto Ahumada II © 2006. Used by permission.

• • • • •

The Elsinore Valley Arts Network promotes the diverse cultural life of Elsinore Valley, the coordination and support of artists, arts organizations and community groups. The network fosters an appreciation of, and participation in artistic expression throughout the community through various programs, activities and showings. The network also works with artists, teachers, performers and community groups to ensure that the arts are accessible to Elsinore Valley residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Click here to visit the Elsinore Valley Arts Network web site.

OCTOBER 7TH, 2006 - Temecula once again played host to kewl hot rods and car fans with the Temecula Fall Car Show & Old Time Cruise 2006. There was no shortage of cars at this outdoor show. The weather was perfect, the beer was cold, and the cars abundant - all this and admission was free. Who could ask for more?

There were several cars we’ve seen and posted from previous shows, namely the Lake Elsinore Rod and Kulture Show back in June, and a few from the Temecula Rock N’ Rod Run 2006 in March. Needless to say — these guys take a lot of pride in their cars.

This show was different though; bigger, better, and full of color. This year, the legendary George Barris, King of Kustoms and creator of the Munsters Coach, the Batman boat, and a plethora of other cool cars was on hand as the event’s Grand Marshal signing autographs as fast a his pen allowed and smiling for photos. It’s not easy getting to him though. The crowds were thick with fans. Mr. Barris is a rightfully popular guy with decades of famous cars under his belt. Putting him in the same tent with Hooters girls fresh from their newest location just down the street makes the task a bit harder. Decisions, decisions; Barris - Hooters girls - Barris - Hooters. After much consideration, we endured the wait and I finally got a chance to meet the legendary Mr. Barris in person. Kudos to you George for a lifetime of memories. Learn more about Barris Kustom Industries and his custom creations by visiting their web site.

A.D. Cook with George Barris, King of Kustomizers.

The always cool Munsters Coach, designed and built by George Barris, is always a crowd favorite.

Mr. Barris is definitely a fan of beautiful ladies, and spends quality time with Temecula’s Hooters babes.

My buddy Eddie, who likes to live life like a beer commercial, joined us for the day, and made a few friends along the way. He tells me it’s a lifestyle thing - who am I to argue?

• • • • •

Okay - enough name-dropping and the babe review (as if there could ever be enough). This show was big, and what we really came for was kustom cars, hot motorcycles and toys smothered in airbrush talent. What we got was plenty of all of it - including the pretty ladies. Airbrush art made an especially huge presence at this event - at least more-so than we’ve seen at previous car shows in the area. And there were so many beautiful world-class cars at this event that it would have been hard to pick a favorite. Several beautiful examples caught our attention and we’re sharing them here…

Tradition street rodding at its best. Who isn’t a fan of black rods with old skewl flames.

This all-too-cool (and all-too-hot) ‘54 Mercury is rolling artwork from any angle.

From the way-cool tail light framed in pinstripes…

…to her beautiful Highway Angel offering us a warm-hearted thumbs up.

To my favorite part; flaming dice running down the wheel skirts. These dice are actually sculpted for a ultra-cool 3-D effect.

Flames - of course. This is a nice car from any angle.

• • • • •

A patriotic PT Cruiser sports a beautiful airbrushed mural on her hood.

And speaking of PTs, this one is all decked out. It even has its own decked-out mini PT.

Meticulously painted wood-grain runs front-to-back.

Some beautiful brush work adorns the hood.

And on the rear - decal clean, yet hand-painted is the The PT Princess.

• • • • •

Pro Auto was showing off their black ‘85 El Camino buried in colorful airbrushed fire all painted via Iwata.

Realistic fire is still a very popular paint choice in many of today’s rods and street cars.

You can contact Pro Auto Collision in Temcula, CA for more. Like the tailgate says… (951) 296-3373

• • • • •

Speaking of paint, and making a big impression, Rock N’ Roll Custom Paintworks was on on hand showcasing their work. We found their rig parked safely behind Batman’s boat.

Check out the front of their show rig. Evil. Pure evil.

Rock N’ Roll always displays beautiful work. This show was no exception. They brought out several nice motorcycle tanks including this wild lion breaking through sheet metal…

…and this wild wolf tank.

Or this, an intimidating pre-historic skull with a beautiful and courageous passenger.

Or how about something just mean and evil.

Not everything they paint is evil though. This pin up is on a radically painted quad and a nice looker too.

It seems that Rock N’ Roll Custom Paintworks has painted it all. Click here to check them out online.

The story continues… click “more” below for more great pics.

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