Who does the best photo-realistic tank art?

[RDJ]

The insurance company are writing off the bike, after I was rear ended at a red light a month back. Once the wrist bones have healed, I'll be replacing the bike. I'm looking ahead for somebody who does photorealistic tank art / paint so I can put my wife's portrait on the new bike. Any suggestions / referrals and websites to view would be welcome; artist preferably based in the South Island. Thanks in advance.

[short-circuit]

The insurance company are writing off the bike, after I was rear ended at a red light a month back. Once the wrist bones have healed, I'll be replacing the bike. I'm looking ahead for somebody who does photorealistic tank art / paint so I can put my wife's portrait on the new bike. Any suggestions / referrals and websites to view would be welcome; artist preferably based in the South Island. Thanks in advance.

He is in Auckland but the best airbrush artist I know is Ron Van Dam. He works for these guys http://www.tccsolutions.co.nz/ (doing heaps of trucks) but also has his own business - http://www.customairbrushfx.co.nz/index.html. (I'd contact him directly through the second link).

Like I said, I know he's in Auckland but it would be worth couriering a tank for slightly more in order to get a true likeness - portrait work aint easy and a half arsed job staring back at ya will just piss you off

[Genie]

Over at Mokinui on the westcoast there's a brilliant fella by name of Leon Van Diepan, he nice amazing work. Will see if i can track down his contact details, but being such an unusual name it may be in directory.

[RDJ]

He is in Auckland but the best airbrush artist I know is Ron Van Dam.

An excellent referral, I checked out his online gallery. Thank you!

[Paul in NZ]

Using your wifes portrait is a cool idea but please get approval before you set her up as 'Amazon Warrior Queen in Chains Clutching Bald Eagle with Axe" type fantasy art...

Ive seen that go horribly wrong....

[sil3nt]

This is going to be just as funny as people who get portraits tattooed on themselves.

http://www.google.co.nz/search?hl=en&q=tattoo+portrait&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1440&bih=809

[SWERVE]

Ive seen some bikes with the actual picture on the bike.... i think they copy it ono some kind of really thin acetate type film then lay it on wet.... then clear laquer over it. Looks stunning..
im sure ive seen this in NZ. Wouldnt mind finding out myself if someone does this over here.

[RDJ]

SWERVE, agree, this (screen printed) look is what I'm wanting to get done in NZ (my bike in the US had this type of tank art when I bought it).
:rockon::rockon::rockon:

And Paul, no, I wasn't looking for the whole heroic fantasy female warrior - a picture that's realistic and pretty, just like my wife of 27 years, will be fine.
:love::love::love:

[Paul in NZ]

SWERVE, agree, this (screen printed) look is what I'm wanting to get done in NZ (my bike in the US had this type of tank art when I bought it).
:rockon::rockon::rockon:

And Paul, no, I wasn't looking for the whole heroic fantasy female warrior - a picture that's realistic and pretty, just like my wife of 27 years, will be fine.
:love::love::love:

Ah - WW2 Pin Up girl look - much better.... Sexy but with a bit of class (and more clothes) Well done, love to see it when its sorted.

[orangeback]

http://www.jamesleedesign.co.nz/