Daniel Brown: Auto Expressionist

I first came to know Daniel Brown's art at my not-so-local hang out, Daddy Katz.  I was up in Dayton for one of Daddy Katz' famous Thursday Night cruise-in, where local car fanatics can drive their classic cars and show them off to other car enthusiasts.  Now, to get an understanding of what Daddy Katz is, picture a vintage shop, with an attached tattoo studio, with an attached garage, tons of parking lot space, and off the wall tiki items.  You got it.  Run by the awesome Bill Winger, Daddy Katz has proven itself to be a multifaceted store/hangout unlike any other.  You have to check it out.  Bill sells items in his store that he finds all over the place, from flea markets, vintage finds, anywhere.  What he also does is sell local artist's work.  On the wall, I saw this beautiful, HUGE painting of a car.  It was expressionistic, with patchwork brush strokes.  You can SEE the artists hand in them.  The paint was thick, the car was sweet, the talent was there.  I inquired to Bill about the piece, and he told me who the artist was.  After that, in 2010, Bill asked me if I wanted to be a part of the Christmas, or Katzmas, art show party.  Of course i said yes.  When I got there, Daniel Browns art was there, too.  I was so fascinated by his pieces, i wanted to try it in my own work.  From then on, I painted cars.  Brown's paintings are thicker, more expressionist than mine, mostly because I love blending a little too much when it comes to cars.

 

"Lateday Highway"
40x50''
Daniel Brown

"Lonely Boy Merc"
30x66''
Daniel Brown

When you get close to these images, you can really see how many colors he actually uses in the paintings.  I couldn't believe the color palate he used!  It's incredible.
I really don't want to compare my art to his, because his work is out of this world.  For the sake of this blog, I'll repost an image of mine.

"49 Buick"
3'x2'
Adrienne McDonough

This is mine.  Clearly, not expressionistic. Clearly, not as colorful.  The main difference between Brown's work and mine is the process.  Brown uses more color, and has a loose style, while I have a tight painting style which I am trying to break free of.  Another difference is the sheer size of his paintings.  They are huge, monumental pieces.  No matter how much you stare at a piece, every time you look you will see something different.
If you want to check out more of his work, which I encourage you to do, visit his personal website Automotive Expressionist.