When Transmission Brewing in Ventura, California, asked me to create a painting of their vintage RV trailer, I didn’t hesitate. The trailer i used for reference in the painting is an RV parked in their vintage trailer park a couple of blocks from the brewery. It’s practically a symbol of wanderlust. You can almost hear the stories it carries. The late-night road trips, pit stops in the middle of nowhere, and strangers who became friends. Painting it felt like I was giving those stories a new home.
The brewery itself, built in an old transmission shop, has this raw, open-beam vibe that perfectly complements the nostalgic charm of the trailer. My large-scale painting fits right in, adding a touch of that adventurous spirit to the space.
Capturing More Than Just an RV
Painting this trailer wasn’t just about getting the proportions or the details right. It was about capturing the feeling andthe sense of freedom. It’s about the possibility that comes with hitting the road and not knowing exactly where you’ll end up. The trailer itself is a reflection of all those journeys, and I wanted the painting to reflect that. It’s like the trailer became a canvas for the dreams and stories of everyone who’s ever hitched it up and driven off into the unknown.
While working on it, I kept thinking about how trailers are more than just vehicles. They’re little capsules of adventure, carrying the hopes and dreams of their travelers. Painting this one felt like honoring all the moments it has witnessed.
Challenges? Oh, Plenty.
Painting something like this can be tricky. First, there’s the sheer size of the work. I’m talking large-scale here. It is 10 feet by 6y feet. And making sure the details didn’t get lost in the size was a challenge. Then there’s the fact that an RV is full of curves and lines that just don’t want to sit still. It’s not like painting a boxy building or a flat landscape.
Why It Matters
Art like this adds something special to a place. It’s not just decoration. It’s part of the atmosphere. When you walk into Transmission Brewing, I hope the painting makes you stop for a second and think about hitting the road yourself. Maybe it inspires a little wanderlust or makes you remember that one trip you took years ago. Either way, it’s about creating a connection.
If you’re ever in Ventura, check out Transmission brewery and see the painting for yourself. Grab a beer, take in the open-beam ceilings, and let the RV trailer’s story inspire you to start planning your next trip.
