Honda CT70 Minitrail. 8" x 10" acrylics

I so wish I could justify buying a Honda Minitrail but they demand pretty high prices anymore.  Or, at least, the prices are more than I can spend.  If I could find one in need of restoration...I probably go for it.

Anyway, this project started out with a trip to Hobby Lobby and happening upon a plastic model kit of a CT70 (see below).  The model was super tempting...and even on clearance.  I held back though thinking I could put together a painting--perhaps even a sellable painting--instead.  Well, painting done.  The sellable part remains to be seen.  I did get a test print made through iPrintFromHome and was happy with the result.

8" x 10" acrylics on heavyweight acrylic paper.

JC Higgins Bicycle Restoration

This started out as a mid-1960's (based on the number stamped on the bottom) J.C. Higgins single speed, coaster brake Craigslist find.  See the end of the post for the before photo.  It was ridable but rough and I got on board with the whole custom cruiser look and this is what happened.  As cool as the Higgins was, it wasn't exactly worth a lot of money.  For my first bicycle project of this caliber, that's was a good thing.  I'm not sure I would've wanted to take on this project with something pricier like the more desirable Schwinn cruisers (Panther, Typhoon, etc).

Here's the rundown on what was done.

• New foam handgrips
• New tubes
• New tires (Michelin Country Rock)
• New pedals
• New seat (actually one we already had)
• Lots and lots of sanding
• Lots and lots of primer
• More sanding
• Wheels and spokes were painted black with the red line added
• Handlebars, gooseneck, and seat post painted black.
• Rear fender was cut down to a) give is a bobber look and b) remove the dented and gnarled edge of the fender
• Paint!
• Crank polished a lot
• Handlebars inverted

Here's a good tip if you find yourself reassembling a bicycle: be sure--really sure--the gooseneck is tight.  Once this bike was together I took it for an inaugural ride about the block.  Everything started out great.  And then...then...there was a point where I turned the handlebars one direction but the front wheel went the opposite.  Yikes!  After a tumble and a quick confirmation that no one was looking, I realized the pavement have removed some of the fresh black paint from the handlebars. Sigh.

I ain't getting on no plane!

I started this project a long, long time ago.  At about 75% complete, it began an extended period of sitting on a shelf waiting on some tools (and my thinking I'd just start over and fix my mistakes).  Eventually, I picked up those tools and figured an imperfect but completed project was better than the perfect one in the back of my brain.  Anyway, I finally finished it.

It's not perfect but I'm happy with the results.  

Constructed from poplar, a little Sculpey, craft wheels, and some trusty Rust-Oleum.

Vespa - Acrylic - 11 x 14

Stepped away from the tablet and the computer screen for a bit here.  I was looking to paint something that moves and had some sweet style.  The vintage Vespa fit both of those and allowed me to use the colors I wanted.

With the headlight, the logo, and some creative license, the Scooter is a bit of a mash-up of several mid-sixties models.  Fortunately, I'm not selling the actual scooter at an auction where original condition would matter.

Acrylic on board.  11" x 14"