Tank Artists tanks.....

Haven't done Tank art for a while, I'm still collecting it from all over the world. If one of these tanks is your let me know and I will give credit where it is due. This is all amazing work by amazing artists.

A few words about the makers of the "Von Dutch" trophy

The kat on the left is Tom "Itchy" Otis, a world renowned pinstriper from the 1970's. Also a Hot Rod builder that has held awards himself from the GNRS himself. Well known throughout the hot rod industry he has been handing out this award for the past nine years. If you need any work he is available;

http://www.tommyitchotis.com/indexHome.html

The guy on the right is the fabricator of the metal portion of the trophy, Chris Hamilton. He and his father have been fabricating cars and bikes in the San Fernando Valley for years. Currently he is building custom steel guitars and any other fabrication needs you may have at;

http://www.hamiltonsteelguitars.com/gallery.html

Some of Chris' guitar work

The fishbowl with gold fish painted by Itchy.

It's awesome to allowed in to the show before the regular opening. Itch and I had a few hours to see and photo all the cars and bikes before there were a zillion people in the way so Itch could check out all the pinstriping before he chose the winner.

Here are some of the big players competing for the coveted "Most Beautiful Roadster in the World" award!

I like this little fella, I can picture blastin around town in this little bullet!I

CONGRATULATIONS; The Von Dutch Award for pinstriper of the year

The 2012 Von Dutch Award for excellence in hand painted Pin-striping. Metal sculptured Award by Chris Hamilton / Pin-striping on awards by Tommy Itch Otis.

The winner for 2012 is Pinstriper Joel Anthony from Idaho . The owner of the bike is Todd Asin . This is a great example of a 1960's style Triumph bobber custom Motorcycle . And I'm pretty sure the first motorcycle to win this award "I think" . I won it in 1997 and it was a real highlight for me as an artist . The Pin-striping on this bike is mega clean and tight as well as rings true of a period correct style . I wish they could all be winners .The talent and craftsmanship this year was fantastic . The Winner of The Von Dutch Lifetime Achievement Award went to a great artist and one of the kindest souls I have come across in quite a while , "Jack Lindenberger" from Indiana . This man is a real giver . Congratulations and a special thanks to Chris Hamilton. Sincerely Tommy O. AKA Itch .

More tomorrow, Thanks Itch for a great day!!!

Mitch Macial, SoCal pinstriper

like these two, Mitch striped them....

These are Yamaha hubs I polished for my friend Mitch
Macial (Email voxnooz@hotmail.com) who does all the pinstriping on my paintjobs. Great Kat, honest and quick turn around. I've decided more people need to know how good he really is....