Car and Driver’s '10 Best' features the nostalgic, hand-painted illustration of Toronto-based artist, Phil. An inspired choice, Art Director Darin Johnson commissioned Phil to interpret 10 contemporary cars in his unique style.
Honda Civic
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Always a thinker and a dreamer, Phil works traditionally, painting with acrylic on distressed wood. This meticulous process establishes a weathered and worn look, bringing an incredibly unique quality to the subject matter, and encouraging the viewer to really pause and take a closer look. The incredible resulting patina gives each artwork a feeling of a time passed, a recalled memory from way back, of items that are well-used and well-loved. Phil's illustration has a way of doing that, taking something new and making it familiar at the same time. Much like a newer model of a well-known car. Your favourite, reliable, classic models upgraded with all the bells and whistles from leather seats to the latest technology.
Chevrolet Corvette
Toyota GR Supra
Engineered, precision car details are represented in an earnestly concise manner. The hand-painted quality of each illustration making it even more spectacular. The shine on the hood, reflections on the windshields and gleaming taillights, all carefully crafted to showcase the curves and body of these popular picks. The background provides room to play with texture and layering of tones, adding depth and setting the mood. Paying close attention to colour combinations, Phil uses the contrast created to highlight the shape and features of each vehicle. Notice the diamond pattern (inspired by the Bavarian flag) for the luxury BMW, flashy red and neon for the fun corvette and a brilliant yellow and blue for the sporty Porsche, each one hinting at characteristics of the corresponding cars. Phil’s careful consideration of angles provides interesting and varied vantage points and keeps the editorial feature flowing from one fantastic illustration to the next.
BMW i4
Honda Accord
From vintage to modern, Phil’s nostalgic style proves to be a perfect fit.
View more of Phil’s illustration. Represented by i2i Art Inc.