“My interest in automobiles mainly came from the
experience of growing up with these large chrome beasts.”
“I have memories growing up looking at the bumpers and the way they would shape images like funhouse mirrors. Those images stayed with me.”
Those are the words that Marietta artist David Wendel uses to detail his journey to becoming a premier hyper-realist painter whose work highlights the finest detail of 1950s American cars. Wendel’s attention to detail is reflected in the shiny chrome of GTOs and antique Cameos he paints. The mirror-like polish in every car surface captures the glare of the sun and the slick finish of each automobile. His palette is comprised of the primary colors for which these vehicles of yesteryear are known, when American carmakers were in their prime.
“I started the series after 9-11,” said Wendel, a 30-year resident of Marietta. “I was searching for something that was close to me personally, but also expressed American style and panache, brash and bold. We were really strutting our stuff in the 50s. Airplane and spaceship shapes inspired the designs. They made these cars look like they were in the jet age. They’re just fun, fun vehicles.”
Wendel began painting when he was a teenager. He graduated from the University of Georgia’s graphic design program and has devoted the last 25 years to capturing the exact image before him, down to the smallest detail.
“I had a professor in college that said look, then look, then look, then look again, and then paint,” said Wendel. “It’s a quote that stuck with me. I find it interesting to try to do something with a paintbrush that’s only done through machine replication, through photography and prints. That’s a large part of the challenge.”
The pursuit of perfection isn’t easy, though.
Wendel invests an immense amount of time and effort into each work.
“I work about 40 to 45 hours on each painting,” said Wendel. “It starts with a lot of photos, different angles, different lighting, with interesting shapes, composition, and color. I then lay down a sketch of the image on the canvas and fill in the large dark areas. I try not to get too encumbered in one area. That can drive you crazy sometimes. I move all around the painting and maybe start another one while I’m working on that one, to take away some of the eye strain. In the end, the painting is a series of washes generally. Some of the chrome areas can be 20 to 25 layers of color to give it translucence.”
Despite his formal training and rigorous technique, he stresses that the urge to make art is inherent and instinctive for all of us.
“All creative endeavors come from a child-like attitude,” said Wendel. “All children have a tendency to be creative, creative beings.”

America up close
“America Up Close” is a new exhibition featuring work by David Wendel, Lincoln Stone, and Michael Liedel through August 18 at dk Gallery, 25 West Park Square in downtown Marietta. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free of charge.
Information: 770.427.5377 or www.dkgallery.us

Want more art??
The Marietta Art Walk adds life to the Marietta Square – people sauntering down sidewalks, peering in windows, strolling through shops, gazing at the art hanging on gallery walls. With more than 20 participating restaurants, shops, and galleries, The Art Walk creates a sense of community that is visible, a social energy that is tangible.
Occurring on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., the Marietta Art Walk will be August 7, September 4, and October 2.