Can anyone spot the Studebaker recently added to this mural?
Long story: The mural is on the south side of the NAPA Auto Parts store in Monroe, WA. It was painted by local artist David Hose about 10 years ago, and he's been working the past few months between raindrops to refresh it. A few months ago I needed to stop by the store for something, and as I came into the parking lot, I saw David touching up the mural. I've always enjoyed looking at it because he captured many small details of everyday life (woman walking a dog, kid in a coon-skin hat riding a bike, cat sitting on top a Coke vending machine, etc.).
I introduced myself and told him how much I've enjoyed the mural over the years. I went inside (through the side door in the middle of the mural), made my purchase, and got back in my van. As I was pulling away, I thought to ask him why there were no Studebakers in the mural, so I backed up and rolled down my window to ask. "Studebaker! My gosh, I had a friend who owned one years ago" he exclaimed. "Do you have one?" he asked me. I told him about the 51 Land Cruiser I am restoring, and then he asked, "Can I paint it into the mural? Send me some pictures of it." Wow.
I emailed him some photos of my unrestored car, and a photo of a restored Champion/Commander I found on the internet to give him an idea of what it will look like when finished.
He recently sent me a message to let me know he added my car as a detail to mural a few weeks ago. The weather was really nice today, so I stopped by to snap this picture. Can you see my car?
Those of you who are purists will note he captured the essence of the Champion/Commander I sent him. He even painted the front fender spears and the hood ornament, but since there's no vent window on the back door, it's not really a Land Cruiser.
I'm glad I backed up to ask him my question. Don't ever pass up an opportunity to talk about Studebaker. You never know what might happen.
Mark L
Long story: The mural is on the south side of the NAPA Auto Parts store in Monroe, WA. It was painted by local artist David Hose about 10 years ago, and he's been working the past few months between raindrops to refresh it. A few months ago I needed to stop by the store for something, and as I came into the parking lot, I saw David touching up the mural. I've always enjoyed looking at it because he captured many small details of everyday life (woman walking a dog, kid in a coon-skin hat riding a bike, cat sitting on top a Coke vending machine, etc.).
I introduced myself and told him how much I've enjoyed the mural over the years. I went inside (through the side door in the middle of the mural), made my purchase, and got back in my van. As I was pulling away, I thought to ask him why there were no Studebakers in the mural, so I backed up and rolled down my window to ask. "Studebaker! My gosh, I had a friend who owned one years ago" he exclaimed. "Do you have one?" he asked me. I told him about the 51 Land Cruiser I am restoring, and then he asked, "Can I paint it into the mural? Send me some pictures of it." Wow.
I emailed him some photos of my unrestored car, and a photo of a restored Champion/Commander I found on the internet to give him an idea of what it will look like when finished.
He recently sent me a message to let me know he added my car as a detail to mural a few weeks ago. The weather was really nice today, so I stopped by to snap this picture. Can you see my car?
Those of you who are purists will note he captured the essence of the Champion/Commander I sent him. He even painted the front fender spears and the hood ornament, but since there's no vent window on the back door, it's not really a Land Cruiser.
I'm glad I backed up to ask him my question. Don't ever pass up an opportunity to talk about Studebaker. You never know what might happen.
Mark L
Comment