I grew up in San Jose, California, immersed in car culture. Back then, low-riders, old bombs and mini-trucks cruised downtown streets at night, while muscle cars raced from light to light in the suburbs. As a kid, I marveled at that stuff, and when I took an interest in art, I drew inspiration from it. However, it wasn't until I began attending car shows that I discovered my true calling......the hot rod.
By the time I got to college, I knew art was going to be my future. What I didn't know was how much of a role hot rods would play in shaping my career. I started out as a transportation design major, but I found it to be too strict for my taste. I soon found my way to fine arts and began to study under painter Robert Chiarito ( a car guy, himself), who actually encouraged me to use hot rods and classic cars in my work. I also began to study such artists as Robert Bechtle and Norman Rockwell, and I tried to soak up as much as I could about the history of hot rods.
Since art school, I have stayed true to my calling and continue to create hot rod art. My works have been published in several on-line and print magazines and have been in a few gallery shows to boot. To this day, I am always encouraged by the words Professor Chiarito once told me....If you paint what you know and love, you'll always be successful. Definitely words to live by.
Ruben Duran
Ruben Duran joined Fine Art America on July 19th, 2009.
