Painting the NASCAR Landscape

Credit: Carol D'Agostino for Skirts and Scuffs  

By Carol D’Agostino

When you think of the art term plein air, you may conjure up images of an artist setting up an easel in a picturesque landscape or park. However, if you are scenic artist and NASCAR fan Ken Kaylor of Logandale, Nevada, what could be more fitting than painting Phoenix International Raceway, while perched up on Rattlesnake Hill?

“For 10 years I’ve wanted to do this. I am getting to the point in life when I want to travel and I want to start painting NASCAR tracks,” Kaylor said.

He has painted all around the world in a variety of mediums doing murals, watercolors and miniatures. It is not uncommon for him to finish a couple small pieces a day.

However, the California native and Matt Kenseth fan hasn’t painted for more than eight months due to some major personal challenges, including the recent death of his mother.

“My daughter Terri got me tickets for race weekend for my birthday, so I am making my artistic return here on Rattlesnake Hill.”

For Kaylor, plein air and stock car racing are a perfect match.

“When I do plein air, I am studying all the elements -- the light, smells, how the colors are constantly changing. I am painting from life. When I look at the piece later, it brings me back to that moment in time and all the elements of that moment,” he adeds.

If you are at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday or at your home track this season, you may just see Ken Kaylor capturing spontaneous moments and elements that only racing can provide.

  

Credit: Carol D'Agostino for Skirts and Scuffs