You are in category: Hot Vehicles >> Articles >> Sport cars
60 seconds with: Ian Cook, Automotive Artist
Hey Ian, obvious question I know but how the hell did you find out you could paint with R/C cars?
It started when an ex-girlfriend bought me a radio control car and told me“don’t take it down the studio, don’t get paint on it”. It went on from there, really.
So… how long do these paintings take?
Well, it took about 6½ hours to do Jon’s Mini , but I recently did a commission not only of a guy’s Capri JPS, but of his house and dogs too. That took over 30 hours.
What does the art world make of you?
I’ve not really thrown it at the art world yet– it’s more for events and car enthusiasts. They know what I’m painting, and as an enthusiast myself the idea is already sold. No need to convince anyone else.
Which painting has got you the biggest reaction?
Uhmm, I did an Audi R8 earlier in the year. That got a great reaction. But I think the one that’s got me the biggest reaction to date is the Lewis Hamilton commission I did for Reebok. It’s the size of two Double Decker buses and got global coverage– especially as it was up on the weekend he won the world championship.
How long have you been doing this?
Just over a year. The first event I did was at the Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre for Land Rover and it's just snowballed form there really...
You could say that. But with all these commissions coming through, aren't you tempted to blow some wedge on a car?
Radio controlled or real?
Both.
Yeah. I spend about£40-£50 on a radio controlled car though I can quite happily go out and buy four or five in one go. They are my paint brushes after all.
And a real car?
Well I’m a huge Land Rover fan. You can pimp up your Land Rover as much as you like. You can put snorkels and winches on it. I desperately want a Defender with all the stuff on it.
What's the coolest thing about getting appreciated for your work?
I went to Sir Stirling Moss’ house for tea once. We talked about the Mille Miglia, I was asking what it was like to race with an average speed of 90mph for so long and he told me it was"a bit of a blur really.”
When you’re painting do you prefer tea or coffee?
I am actually partial to a hazelnut latte.
What’s been your weirdest request?
A lady asked me to do a steam train once and I was like‘I’ll give it a go’. While I’m young and can play around on my knees I’ll do it. Though one day I'm sure my body is gonna tell me to stop being so silly.
Yeah, your thumbs must be odds on for getting RSI, too. Look after 'em sir and thanks again.
You are watching category 60 seconds with: Ian Cook, Automotive Artist, where you can find lot of intresting information.
Check out Ian Cook's work>>>