The exploits of the shop attracted the producers of the Speed It was at Autoworks that Wes is introduced to Computer
Channel’s television show “Chop, Cut and Rebuild”. Wes’ fifteen graphics and website artwork. From that point on Wes would
minutes of fame was airbrushing on the featured car’s Candy be also responsible for designing and maintaining the compa-
Apple paint job. (Episode: Mustang Mystique, 1967 Mustang ny’s extensive, ever-changing website, nearly as customized
Fastback)
looking as the custom cars he was airbrushing.
In the summer of 2009 Wes’ art career took another unusual airbrush pioneer Charles White the third; Peter Palombe; Sal-
turn. He was hired to airbrushing life-like props for Stu Seagull vador Dally; and cavemen Wes calls the first “airbrushers”.
Productions, a movie and television studio in San Diego. The His goals are pretty simple, to be painting tomorrow and mak-
studio produces television shows like Renegade, Silk Stalkings ing people happy with his art.” His lovely wife Dex and their five
and Pensacola: Wings of Gold. Wes still works there today. year old, energetic son Nicky compliment his positive outlook.
Wes says what pleases him most about his about his life is he While interviewing Wes I noticed a sign hanging on the wall
never knows what interesting projects he’ll get next like the behind him that read: “It is still a beautiful world, strive to be
work he was doing when we talked, airbrushing a three inch happy!”
long, inflatable “Flea” for a retail point-of-purchase display. Wes uses a Kustom iwata Air Brush, House of Kolor paints
Wes’ heroes include his “crazy” aunt, an artist herself; his and Airgas potable Air Cylinders.
mom who taught him to appreciate the good things in life; all For more information about Wes check out his website:
the artists at the former Airbrush shop; Pin Striper Lyle Fisk; www.studiowess.com
Q & A With Wess Smith
Q. What drives you to be an artist? shoot the clear.
A. Curiosity and passion. Not to mention I like to make people
happy. Q.Is your artwork planned or spontaneous for the most
part?
Q. How was it you first picked up an airbrush to use in your
A. More often than not it’s spontaneous, at least the initial
artwork?
drawing or layout. It’s much more exiting that way, you know,
A. My senior year in high school art class, I saw a kid using
just going for it. But, I also do a lot of planned out stuff. technical
this crazy little gun that made beautiful color fades. I asked him
things that have to be done tight, like chrome vehicle badging
what it was. He said an airbrush. At that moment I knew I must or company logos.
have one. The next day I went out and bought my own.
Q. Do you use a computer, plotter to help with design
Q.How do you go about using color in your artwork? ideas?
A. It depends on what I’m working on. If it’s a car or bike, I like A. Ha! Yeah! Of course back in the seventies there were no
to use colors that flow with the vehicle, as opposed to stick- computers to speak of. You taped it off, drew it and cut it out
ing out like a sore thumb. When it comes to my own personal with an X-acto. Now I use a computer and plotter quite often if
work, the sky’s the limit. If it’s seascape, I decide what time of the job calls for it. I also like to show my customers a computer
day it will be and go from there. I also like to experiment with mock-up of their artwork.
different materials. Kandy is always fun and also kind of nerve
racking, because you never know how it’s going to look until you Q. What inspires you to paint?
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32