Studebaker Cruiser Drawings

Last week, I posted the first of a series of three 1966 Studebaker Cruiser drawings commissioned from the Michigan Antiques Festival. The first drawing was a classic side view, one of my favorites because of the simplicity and classic feel. The last two are three-quarter views, both front and rear.

I started with the rear view, positioned eye level with the gas cap. The line drawing turned out clean on this drawing. At first glance, the Studebaker Cruiser appears to be a super boxy bland car, but as I studied the lines, I became increasingly impressed by the features. The fenders have very cool contours that lead in to the chrome trim on the front and rear.

The rear sail panel has a series of contours that almost resemble an antique carriage convertible top. I’m also glad they kept the original hubcaps – I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about vintage factory hubcaps that screams “cool” to me.

The taillights are cool, too. The slotted top portion is a carry-over from the mid-century jet age design motifs of the 1950s. It would be nearly phased out in 1966.

The line work in the front view was also very tasty. The Studebaker badge in the grille and the “S” logo hood ornament stand proud at the front of the car.

Rendering these Studebaker Cruiser drawings required a variety of blues. Similar to the side view, I opted to keep the body slightly lighter blue than the actual car to prevent losing detail in the body lines. I used white charcoal to bring out some of the light reflections in the body and glass. Posca white brings out the reflections in the chrome.

Finally, I framed the drawings in matted 11×14. I really love the way the white mat breaks up the space between the black frame and the car itself. It also draws some of the white out of the car and adds depth.

To me, the gray paper signals back to vintage engineering drawings and design artwork from auto designers of the past. I’m very grateful to have had the chance to study and memorialize this beautiful Stude! Which perspective is your favorite?