John Robertson Artist

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Creating Personal Identity Through Art and Cars

Creating Art for Real Life


Art isn’t just something that belongs in galleries. It’s part of our everyday lives, shaping the spaces we live in and the things we connect with. That’s why, when a client asked me to paint their 1996 Ferrari 275 GTS, V12, it wasn’t just about the car; it was about capturing a piece of their identity and making it part of their living environment. Cars like the Ferrari 275 GTS aren’t just vehicles; they’re expressions of who we are. And when you bring that into art, it becomes a lasting reflection of personal identity.

Painting the Ferrari:

A Connection with the Subject
When I was commissioned to paint the Ferrari, I knew it wasn’t just about getting the details right. It was about understanding what this car meant to my client. The Ferrari 275 GTS is a special vehicle, not just for its sleek design or powerful engine but for what it represents—luxury, style, and a certain kind of freedom. My job was to capture that essence on canvas, to make the car come alive in a way that speaks to anyone who sees the painting.

The Challenge of Two Homes:

Two Paintings for Two Spaces
My client had a unique problem—two homes, and only one painting. They loved the first painting but couldn’t decide where to hang it. Rather than making a tough choice, I suggested a simple solution: I’d paint another one. But this wasn’t just about duplicating the work; it was about tailoring each painting to fit perfectly in its intended space. We worked together to decide on the sizes and angles that would best suit each home, making sure each painting would not just fill a wall but enhance the room it was in.

Bringing It All Together:

Art That Resonates
When the paintings were finished, and I saw them side by side, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. I hadn’t just painted a car; I had created something that would be part of my client’s life in a meaningful way. Each painting was more than just an image of a Ferrari; it was a piece of art that resonated with the client’s lifestyle and taste. Seeing their reaction was the best part—it confirmed that I had captured not just the car’s physical beauty but the emotional connection my client had with it.

The Value of Art in Everyday Life:

More Than Just Decoration
This experience reinforced something I believe strongly in—art isn’t just for decoration. It’s a way of connecting with the things we love and the identities we create for ourselves. Whether it’s a classic car, a landscape, or any other subject, art has the power to bring meaning into our everyday spaces. For my client, the Ferrari 275 GTS paintings weren’t just about showcasing a prized possession; they were about embedding a piece of their identity into the places they call home.

What Does All of This Mean?

Art Reflects Who We Are.
At the end of the day, art is about more than just what you see on the surface. It’s about what it represents and the feelings it evokes. In this case, the Ferrari 275 GTS wasn’t just a car; it was a symbol of a lifestyle, a statement of who my client is. And now, with these paintings in their homes, that identity is captured and preserved in a way that only art can achieve.