| It's hard to believe Danny's been drawing cars since the tender age of five! His life has been dedicated to the 4 wheeled wonder Henry Ford made famous, and millions of people drive each year! THE MAGNIFICENT AUTOMOBILE! |
As his dad is a car fanatic and so was his father, naturally it runs in his blood!
He remembers the day his dad brought home a brand new 1964 Ford Galaxy 500. It was 2:30 in the afternoon. Right
away little Danny jumps behind the steering wheel to mimic driving down a freeway. Upon moving from the front seat to
the rear he studied every inch of the interior. The bright red interior and gleaming chrome switches, plus that new car
smell was so beautiful. As it was time for his Dad to go to work, he tried in vain to get little Danny out of that car.
Believe it or not it took 20 minutes to pry the screaming and kicking future artist out of that new Ford.You could hear
his ear piercing screams for blocks.
Needless to say this was the makings of a true Automotive Artist.
So when was his first dollar made? That's a very interesting story! Danny was in the 10th grade
drawing instead of studying. A classmate happen to stare over his shoulder because he was
drawing a 1968 Mustang Just like the one his brother owned. He takes out a photo from his
lunch box and asked “if you draw my brother's car just like this photo, I'll pay you Seven dollars.
Danny got a real kick out of this not because of the money, but his classmate's reaction.
He then takes the drawing to the shop class and ask the teacher if he would frame it. In high
school, he remembers his teacher telling him, “Knowledge and wisdom comes with a price!
To obtain Knowledge and wisdom one must set specific goals and stay on the straight and narrow. Lest one is tempted
to stop and pick poison flowers along the way”. To Danny he had one thing in mind, stay on the straight and narrow and
draw cars for Gm and Ford.
To make a long story short, Danny has been drawing and painting automobiles every since!
As he got older, most of his drawings were done in the basement of his parent’s home. Any car was his favorite. He had
no brand loyalty. It didn't matter if it was Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Ferrari, Porsche, whatever! He loved them all. He created
tons of cars while his mom played her hi-fi stereo, as it was referred to back then. Jazz and melodic music was a huge
pioneering force in his creative state of mind!
Danny continues to use jazz, melodic, fusion and world music to set the mood when he paints his masterpieces.
A musician himself: (drums- percussion- etc"), music plays a huge part in his life as an artist.
Fast forward to 1977!
Danny, now in his late teens is encourage to check out College of Creative Studies. The school for "Gifted Creators" in
Detroit Michigan. It wouldn't be easy getting accepted, the first thing he remembers is portfolio scrutiny. I walked in the
office and saw the clerk. I was clueless what to ask her about going to this college. A fellow student told me if you want
to be a professional artist for the auto companies you have to take a 4 year course in Industrial Design. Dumbfounded I
asked her“ Where can I sign up for Industrial Design? With a surprised look on her face she told me I first had to show
my portfolio to the "Dean of the Design Department". In my head I’m thinking: "What the heck is a portfolio" ? Too
embarrassed to ask her that same question I said "Ok". So she gave me an appointment to drop off the portfolio in 2
weeks.
Was I ever stunned!
2 weeks and I didn't even know what a portfolio was! Thank God I talked to an old girlfriend at the time who told me a
portfolio was a body of your work and a biography of yourself. In layman's terms that means 10 to 15 drawings,
paintings, and sketches neatly packaged in a black binder and a resume of your art history. Man was I relieved! All along
I thought this was a medical record my doctor had to give me. So I drop off the portfolio and as you would expect, I'm
sitting on pins and needles impatiently waiting for an answer! Finally I got the phone call of every artist worst
nightmare.“I'm sorry but your portfolio was not accepted”. Naturally I was crushed beyond repair. Once an artist hears
this, there's a temptation to give up and never draw again. However she was really nice and suggested a college that
would help me in perfecting my skills. She gave me a pamphlet on Macomb County Community College that specializes
in technical drawing.
So off I go!
The skills I learned at Macomb was a send God-send! The one class I thought most highly of was 3d perspective and
3d drafting. This is a skill every artist should know. It perfected my skill to a degree that all my drawings and paintings
made since. After spending 2 years at Macomb College I was finally accepted at the Center of Creative Studies! Nothing
but joy filled my heart, yet it was still no trip to Hawaii. Here's where I’m really put to the test. You see in the art
business it's very cut throat, with lots of envy and jealousy. I'm now competing with students from all over the world.
In my 2nd year it was time for our class finals. Our work was displayed in the showroom and judged by designers
already working in business. In this particular class, our task was to designs hair appliances.
Now keep in mind if you make one mistake or miss something on a design, none of your fellow students is going to tell
you about it, especially when it's time for you to explain it in front of the instructor. Surely they couldn't miss out on the
fun of watching you squirm and shake in embarrassment when you find out a drawing is seriously flawed. The handle on
one of my hair dryer designs was smudged beyond repair. It was obviously still wet with marker ink when I rush to
packed it in its 20 X 30 inch case. What a shame. I didn't notice it until after it was hung and couldn't take it down
because of the requirement of 9 designs . Man! The term crawling under a rock couldn't have been more apt! Once I
discovered this blunder the only thing I could do was make up a quick story, “I made the handle that way to give the
impression of it fading into oblivion". Right away, as if someone turned on a laugh track the whole class erupted in
laughter. What a Life!
Now it was time to go to work.
With all this wealth of knowledge, I got my very first artist job in Dearborn Michigan. Working for the company Pioneer
Engineering, I was one third of the Ford illustration group. I couldn't sleep a wink! It was way to exciting. Starting time
was 7: 45 am yet I was up at 5: 30 as happy as I could be. I couldn't get my shoes on quick enough!
Needless to say the rest is history.
Having worked at General Motors, Ford Motor Company, the Chrysler Corporation, and countless engineering companies,
Danny’s love for the automobile is the highest among the most hard core car buffs. He pours himself into his paintings
out of an overwhelming appreciation for vehicle design and his desire to capture an image in its most genuine form. His
artistic ability is now well recognized having completed pieces for the likes of such famous personalities as comedian
Bill Cosby and talk show host Jay Leno. Industry leaders including former Ford Motor Co. Chairman, Alex Trotman and
Chrysler Corp President Robert A. Lutz have also commissioned his services.
Having showcased his works throughout the area for many years, Whitfield's art has been widely
featured at professional events including the Detroit North American Auto Show, the Detroit
Autorama, the Woodward Dream Cruise and numerous specialty car shows. If you get a chance to
tour the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky, check out the 6ft x 8ft Wall Mural
of the 1965 All American Corvette. Danny was commission to create this masterpiece for the
museum’inaugural opening. As he is very fond of car shows, he enjoys the opportunity to speak
personally with those who share such an appreciation for the pure aesthetic of the automobile.
His talents are requested at many Colleges and Art Faculties to teach and anoint future artists.
Danny continues to unleash his automotive passions at an explosive rate. He's been stroking the
paint brush for a good 30 professional years and hasn't been one to smirk at modern technology
either. With his experience in the latest creative design software, he's successfully merged digital
technology in his artwork to produce various options and paintings for everyone to enjoy. His
"Whitfield Edition's" are the mark of excellence in the combine talent of design and his personal
touch in styling.
A true believer in Christ, Danny quotes a scripture he carries deep in his heart as an artist...
He have filled him with the Spirit of God, with Skill, Ability and Knowledge in all kinds of Crafts to make artistic designs
for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Exodus; 31 May God Bless..............
He remembers the day his dad brought home a brand new 1964 Ford Galaxy 500. It was 2:30 in the afternoon. Right
away little Danny jumps behind the steering wheel to mimic driving down a freeway. Upon moving from the front seat to
the rear he studied every inch of the interior. The bright red interior and gleaming chrome switches, plus that new car
smell was so beautiful. As it was time for his Dad to go to work, he tried in vain to get little Danny out of that car.
Believe it or not it took 20 minutes to pry the screaming and kicking future artist out of that new Ford.You could hear
his ear piercing screams for blocks.
Needless to say this was the makings of a true Automotive Artist.
So when was his first dollar made? That's a very interesting story! Danny was in the 10th grade
drawing instead of studying. A classmate happen to stare over his shoulder because he was
drawing a 1968 Mustang Just like the one his brother owned. He takes out a photo from his
lunch box and asked “if you draw my brother's car just like this photo, I'll pay you Seven dollars.
Danny got a real kick out of this not because of the money, but his classmate's reaction.
He then takes the drawing to the shop class and ask the teacher if he would frame it. In high
school, he remembers his teacher telling him, “Knowledge and wisdom comes with a price!
To obtain Knowledge and wisdom one must set specific goals and stay on the straight and narrow. Lest one is tempted
to stop and pick poison flowers along the way”. To Danny he had one thing in mind, stay on the straight and narrow and
draw cars for Gm and Ford.
To make a long story short, Danny has been drawing and painting automobiles every since!
As he got older, most of his drawings were done in the basement of his parent’s home. Any car was his favorite. He had
no brand loyalty. It didn't matter if it was Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Ferrari, Porsche, whatever! He loved them all. He created
tons of cars while his mom played her hi-fi stereo, as it was referred to back then. Jazz and melodic music was a huge
pioneering force in his creative state of mind!
Danny continues to use jazz, melodic, fusion and world music to set the mood when he paints his masterpieces.
A musician himself: (drums- percussion- etc"), music plays a huge part in his life as an artist.
Fast forward to 1977!
Danny, now in his late teens is encourage to check out College of Creative Studies. The school for "Gifted Creators" in
Detroit Michigan. It wouldn't be easy getting accepted, the first thing he remembers is portfolio scrutiny. I walked in the
office and saw the clerk. I was clueless what to ask her about going to this college. A fellow student told me if you want
to be a professional artist for the auto companies you have to take a 4 year course in Industrial Design. Dumbfounded I
asked her“ Where can I sign up for Industrial Design? With a surprised look on her face she told me I first had to show
my portfolio to the "Dean of the Design Department". In my head I’m thinking: "What the heck is a portfolio" ? Too
embarrassed to ask her that same question I said "Ok". So she gave me an appointment to drop off the portfolio in 2
weeks.
Was I ever stunned!
2 weeks and I didn't even know what a portfolio was! Thank God I talked to an old girlfriend at the time who told me a
portfolio was a body of your work and a biography of yourself. In layman's terms that means 10 to 15 drawings,
paintings, and sketches neatly packaged in a black binder and a resume of your art history. Man was I relieved! All along
I thought this was a medical record my doctor had to give me. So I drop off the portfolio and as you would expect, I'm
sitting on pins and needles impatiently waiting for an answer! Finally I got the phone call of every artist worst
nightmare.“I'm sorry but your portfolio was not accepted”. Naturally I was crushed beyond repair. Once an artist hears
this, there's a temptation to give up and never draw again. However she was really nice and suggested a college that
would help me in perfecting my skills. She gave me a pamphlet on Macomb County Community College that specializes
in technical drawing.
So off I go!
The skills I learned at Macomb was a send God-send! The one class I thought most highly of was 3d perspective and
3d drafting. This is a skill every artist should know. It perfected my skill to a degree that all my drawings and paintings
made since. After spending 2 years at Macomb College I was finally accepted at the Center of Creative Studies! Nothing
but joy filled my heart, yet it was still no trip to Hawaii. Here's where I’m really put to the test. You see in the art
business it's very cut throat, with lots of envy and jealousy. I'm now competing with students from all over the world.
In my 2nd year it was time for our class finals. Our work was displayed in the showroom and judged by designers
already working in business. In this particular class, our task was to designs hair appliances.
Now keep in mind if you make one mistake or miss something on a design, none of your fellow students is going to tell
you about it, especially when it's time for you to explain it in front of the instructor. Surely they couldn't miss out on the
fun of watching you squirm and shake in embarrassment when you find out a drawing is seriously flawed. The handle on
one of my hair dryer designs was smudged beyond repair. It was obviously still wet with marker ink when I rush to
packed it in its 20 X 30 inch case. What a shame. I didn't notice it until after it was hung and couldn't take it down
because of the requirement of 9 designs . Man! The term crawling under a rock couldn't have been more apt! Once I
discovered this blunder the only thing I could do was make up a quick story, “I made the handle that way to give the
impression of it fading into oblivion". Right away, as if someone turned on a laugh track the whole class erupted in
laughter. What a Life!
Now it was time to go to work.
With all this wealth of knowledge, I got my very first artist job in Dearborn Michigan. Working for the company Pioneer
Engineering, I was one third of the Ford illustration group. I couldn't sleep a wink! It was way to exciting. Starting time
was 7: 45 am yet I was up at 5: 30 as happy as I could be. I couldn't get my shoes on quick enough!
Needless to say the rest is history.
Having worked at General Motors, Ford Motor Company, the Chrysler Corporation, and countless engineering companies,
Danny’s love for the automobile is the highest among the most hard core car buffs. He pours himself into his paintings
out of an overwhelming appreciation for vehicle design and his desire to capture an image in its most genuine form. His
artistic ability is now well recognized having completed pieces for the likes of such famous personalities as comedian
Bill Cosby and talk show host Jay Leno. Industry leaders including former Ford Motor Co. Chairman, Alex Trotman and
Chrysler Corp President Robert A. Lutz have also commissioned his services.
Having showcased his works throughout the area for many years, Whitfield's art has been widely
featured at professional events including the Detroit North American Auto Show, the Detroit
Autorama, the Woodward Dream Cruise and numerous specialty car shows. If you get a chance to
tour the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky, check out the 6ft x 8ft Wall Mural
of the 1965 All American Corvette. Danny was commission to create this masterpiece for the
museum’inaugural opening. As he is very fond of car shows, he enjoys the opportunity to speak
personally with those who share such an appreciation for the pure aesthetic of the automobile.
His talents are requested at many Colleges and Art Faculties to teach and anoint future artists.
Danny continues to unleash his automotive passions at an explosive rate. He's been stroking the
paint brush for a good 30 professional years and hasn't been one to smirk at modern technology
either. With his experience in the latest creative design software, he's successfully merged digital
technology in his artwork to produce various options and paintings for everyone to enjoy. His
"Whitfield Edition's" are the mark of excellence in the combine talent of design and his personal
touch in styling.
A true believer in Christ, Danny quotes a scripture he carries deep in his heart as an artist...
He have filled him with the Spirit of God, with Skill, Ability and Knowledge in all kinds of Crafts to make artistic designs
for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Exodus; 31 May God Bless..............
 |
| HIGH QUALITY ART PRINTS FOR EVERLASTING MEMORIES OF THE AUTOMOBILE! |
|
The Automotive Artwork of Danny L Whitfield / Autovision Art Studio. Copyright 1992 All Rights Reserved
12957 NORTH DESERT OLIVE DRIVE, ORO VALLEY ARIZONA 85737 -1859 Studio 520-297-9104
12957 NORTH DESERT OLIVE DRIVE, ORO VALLEY ARIZONA 85737 -1859 Studio 520-297-9104
