Dave Tobaben
I began my career as a technical illustrator after graduating from Ferris State College in 1967, then earned my Bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University in Industrial Design. After working at several studios I started GM Photographic in 1973, doing assembly illustrations, cut-a-ways and concept art for engineering/design. My cut-a-ways have appeared in Popular Science, Motor Trend, and Car & Driver. I moved to Chevrolet, then GM Engineering for 29 years, transitioning to design and computer 3-d modeling. I retired in 2002 and I am pursuing more fine art objectives.
My love of cars is expressed in the pen & ink and watercolor renderings as well as larger acrylic paintings. I have self published three coloring books “This Old Truck”-1935 Ford”, “This Old Car-1940 Ford” and “Sketches from a Century of Buick-1903-2003”.
Being trained as an illustrator, I tend to tighten up details, but I am trying to get more “painterly” watercolors of landscapes and homes by “plein aire” painting on location. I will complete about 90% of the painting on location then finish up in the studio. Setting a limit on my time also helps to keep the painting loose. I have painted oils, but mostly acrylics for over 40 years, and find the challenge of watercolors exciting and (sometimes) rewarding.
I am constantly sketching in my sketch-journal. I recommend any aspiring artist to keep a sketch-journal for honing your drawing abilities as well as noting inspiring things to paint, and just to provide memories of trips. I include all kinds of information that may be useful in the future, it’s a kind of diary/brainstorming/idea book. I like to look back at them over the years to see where I have been and where I am headed. I hope you will get inspired to sketch, or just start drawing.
I am available to make a rendering (pen & ink, acrylic, or watercolor) of your classic car, boat, house, or cottage on commission basis.
