An RACQ member’s incredible eye for detail shines through in his drawing of Bev and Lang Kidby’s replica Bean 14, which featured on the cover of The Road Ahead.
An RACQ member’s incredible eye for detail shines through in his drawing of Bev and Lang Kidby’s replica Bean 14, which featured on the cover of The Road Ahead.
The Spring 2023 edition of the magazine included a story about Lang and Bev Kidby’s ambitious plan to recreate the 1927 journey from London to Melbourne, which they successfully completed last August.
The cover image caught the attention of Nambour artist Jon Owens.
He was attracted by the quality and clarity of the photo taken by RACQ’s Jake Ryan.
Jon spent 53 hours drawing the Bean 14 and shared copies with RACQ, including one for the Kidbys.
The self-taught artist has been honing his drawing skills since childhood.
“I did art as a high school subject and hated every minute of it,” he said.
He creates his artworks using “pretty much anything that makes a mark,” primarily relying on ballpoint pens, Textas, and pencils.
To achieve his detailed images, he employs a grid system on an enlarged photo of his subject.
“I used to draw by eye, but that was less accurate and took longer,” Jon said.
“I’m shortsighted, so I take my glasses off while drawing.
“Once I get within a couple of inches of the original, I can see everything. I suppose I notice things that many people don’t.”
Among his admirers is US talk show host and avid car collector Jay Leno, who has six of Jon's prints displayed in his home.
“He actually called me to chat after I sent him the drawings,” Jon said.
“He must have been impressed to take the time to do that. You’d think he was just a regular guy if you didn’t know who he was.”
While Jon has been focusing on drawing street machines, the Bean 14 inspired him to explore vehicles from the 1920s and 1930s further.
To see more or purchase his images, go to fineartamerica.com and search ‘Jon Owens art’. Jon can be contacted via email (joroow@yahoo.com.au).
