The People’s Car

“The Volkswagen Beetle, originally called the Volkswagen Type 1, dates production in Germany from 1938, and remains one of the best-selling cars of all time. More than 20 million were produced, until the Beetle A5 ended production in 2019. The exterior design varied little over its lifetime, with mostly minor subtle alterations. Officially named the”Beetle” in 1968, this bug-shaped car is a cultural icon worldwide, and sparks memories among all ages.

When I passed this little red VW in a field a few years back, I couldn’t resist stopping to take photos. Using my photo references I included it in an acrylic painting I titled “Red Bug.” It sold quickly to a woman who had a red Beetle years back.

I’m working in a series creating mini whiskey paintings on 4” square Claybord panels, with old vehicles as my subjects. "Chevy Short Bed" was my first, and maybe a first whiskey painting on Claybord by a member of the Whiskey Painters of America. Claybord lends itself to depicting textures and gives me the ability to lift watercolor off the surface and to use abrasive or sharp tools to reveal the original white surface. Watercolors used transparently on these panels glow brilliantly, as a distinct feature of the white clay coating below the paint.”

This Whiskey Painting was created with watercolors diluted with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Sour Mash Tennessee Whiskey.
Judy is a lifelong member of the Whiskey Painters of America.