Ahhh, California! Where inspirations and aspirations meet, sometimes coming to fruition, sometimes crashing and fragmenting like waves upon a rocky shore (mood music, maestro). This is the story of a visitor to our shores, and his experience. If this doesn’t get you going, you need to check your pulse. Jan Bradbury “My name is Michael Montgomeré from Waitara, New Zealand. I have recently returned from an amazing. experience in California, which I wanted to share with you and your readers. I also wanted to let you know how great your magazine is and what a pleasure it is to see such a display of inspirational work. In February, I traveled to California, in my quest to improve and expand my airbrush skills, and compete for the gold at the New Zealand Sign and Display Awards. I believe in “chasing your dreams and this was one of mine. As usual, people weren’t interested or ‘hot hiring, so to speak. I moved on and visited Disneyland and California Adventure, not for the tides, but to check out the artwork which was very impressive.
I then took my keen attitude and portfolio to Hobby City in Anaheim. Although shy at first, I plucked up the courage to ask Kevin at Radical Reptiles if I could do some work for him. He agreed, and I set about doing research and design work. Next, I purchased equipment for the job at Pacific Coast Airbrush. I was ready to go. Once I began, I never looked back. Bosco, the neighboring ‘Prestige Hobbies’ shop owner, saw my work and asked me to paint a Michael.
Schumacher and John Force painting on the front of his shop. I then continued my travels to teach graphics in London. Bosco emailed and asked me if I would return during the school holidays to paint more. I agreed and painted an F-15 jet fighter and a classic American P51 D Mustang. One day later, I found myself up the road painting a whale and dolphin mural, (Wylan who?). The director of displays from the ship.
Queen Mary in Long Beach showed an interest in my work and so on. I have since returned to London and hope to go back to California to persue my dreams. Thank you to the wonderful, kind and sharing people of California who helped me and made me feel welcome I hope my story is an inspiration to young budding artists, keen to make a name for themselves. Thanks, California!
Animal Instinct
Our second artist, Michael Montgomerie is currently working in London.
Michael is from New Zealand and has been travelling the world using his airbrush skills creating murals.
The featured art was completed at Hobby City, California
