Seeing a car covered in dust and dirt doesn't sound very inspiring — that is, unless you're one of those people who likes to write "WASH ME" on dusty cars.
But for most of us, it's kind of an eyesore. And if our own cars get covered in road grime? Well, it must be time to break out the hose.
But if you're Scott Wade, you see endless potential.
Wade is the artist behind Dirty Car Art, which is exactly what it sounds like. Wade uses brushes and rubber tools to etch complex and masterful works of art on the rear windshields of dusty cars.
That may sound strange, but then sometimes the most striking art comes from unexpected places, like these delicate, rosy paintings created using nothing but red wine.
Wade started out just doodling on his own car. His home in Texas was on an unpaved road, and more often than not, his car would be coated in dust at the end of the day.
His background in illustration and graphic design, along with some early lessons from his cartoonist father, inspired him to start making his drawings more and more complex.
And people started noticing! The rest is history.
[H/T: Ufunk]
Cover photo via Flickr / Ryan Gsell
Living in Central Texas, where the roads are long and dusty, gave artist Scott Wade plenty of time to hone his craft doodling on dirt-covered cars.
And since he really began challenging himself to create more complex doodles, his artwork has gained international attention.
He started off using his fingers, but soon started experimenting with brushes and rubber paint tools, even popsicle sticks!
And though he's developed a more sophisticated method these days, he still uses his fingers all the time.
Driving down the road with something like this on the window is certainly attention-grabbing, and Wade documents all of his creations on his website.
His subject matter ranges from famous paintings to celebrity portraits to the rugged natural beauty of Texas.
Texas figures into his work a lot. This piece shows famous Texas ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Ann Richards, and Barbara Jordan. He's also depicted its wildlife and scenery.
This one shows a variety of wildflowers that bloom in Texas.
Despite the time and care that goes into these, they don't last forever. The wind, rain, and the motion of the car wash the dust away, but Wade is OK with that.
"I may feel a little twang of regret" he says of the drawings on his own car, "but really it's great, because that means I get to do another one!"
Wade works full time in graphic and web design, but he's often commissioned by advertisers and event planners to create commissioned art. He's demonstrated his skills at art fairs, festivals, and expos.
He also regularly decorates his own car, and his neighbors and friends in town have come to look forward to a new drawing every few weeks — that's how long it takes to build up a decent layer of dust!
So while some people may see a spotless, sparkling-clean car as ideal, Wade and his art remind us that even though something might not look "pretty," there might be a secret beauty if you know how to bring it out.
You can see much more of Wade's art on his website, and if you know someone who really hates washing their car, SHARE this art with them!
