Whatever Happend to Custom Painting?

[RottenRodney]

Sure, you guys do it, but if you've been around long enough to have worked as a custom painter, say back in the '70s, you'll probably agree that these ain't the good ol' daze.

In recent years we've witnessed vinyl all but replace the nearly lost art of hand lettering. Sure, everyone's a striper now, but what about the rest of it? Is there any particular area in the U.S. where a real-deal airbrush artist can make a go of it? What about a sign painter who's mastered gold leaf, patina, etc.?

I've recently had the pleasure of meetin' and workin' with a guy that I now consider to be the best all-around custom painter I've ever beheld. His name is Ray Hill, and although he's well-established and busy at home in Sweden, he's wanted for some time to set up shop here in Southern California -- the undisputable birthplace of custom painting. Ray has been here for three months now, he is working, but guess what? It's not like he thought it would be -- he's slingin' mud and paintin' cars one color with guys like me.

Check his resume! http://sprayhill.webplus.net/page5.html

Have Talent -- Will Travel... Where should he (we?) go?