Airbrush artist shows off his colorful touch on custom vehicle
MANOR — Famed autobody airbrush artist Richard Markham was in the Lenape Technical School's collision repair technology department to show students how they could paint some wickedly hot customized graphic artwork — like flames and lightning — onto some really cool fast cars.
Markham was there this week in his Gothic-style, dragon and skull-painted, semi-truck mobile classroom that he uses to teach and to transport some of his creations, including his 2000 Toyota Celica Ice Car. He takes it around the country for airbrush-painting demonstrations meant to motivate students to pursue careers in that and other auto-work-related fields.
"I love watching this stuff, like, come alive," said Brad Pelts, 18, of Burrell Township, a senior studying collision repair at the technical high school. "I can't paint anything like that but if I could ever learn to paint something like that it would be mind-blowing. It sure takes a lot of time and practice. It's amazing to have the opportunity to meet somebody that can do that and is doing it right in front of your face for you. It's incredible."
Cody Brink skipped out of his automotive technology class for a moment to catch a look at what was going on.
"I like fast (cars)," Brink said. "But when I get a car I'm definitely going to get you to paint it and pay you $50,000 to do it," he told Markham.
Markham, who teaches air-brushing classes, developed an air-brushing curriculum and tours high schools for Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, spent the day telling the students about his experiences and his easy-to-learn techniques, showing them how he does his work, letting them try their hand at airbrushing and pointing them toward the specialized education that will put them in lucrative careers. He stopped at Lenape for the day between major car shows.
"We bring them a day of inspiration," said Markham. "If this is something that inspires them, we take that to talk to them about the programs we have. The industry is booming and we have some top-of-the-line programs."
"I create the enthusiasm and the admissions rep takes it from there," he said. "A student may have no interest in paint — they're into the body work or the high performance engines. Whatever they're interested in, we teach them to do it right. If you're going to do it for a living you have to do it right."
Ohio Technical College Admissions representative Richard Sokol came to Lenape with Markham. He advised students on the career opportunities provided by the school.
The school has majors in auto tech, diesel tech, collision repair refinishing with custom paint and graphics, classic car restoration, high performance and welding.
Jarod Wheeler, Lenape collision repair class instructor, said he welcomed the introduction of his students to airbrushing.
"It's first-hand experience and it gets them intrigued in the field," said Wheeler. "Airbrushing is another part of collision repair, which isn't just straightening frames and banging on fenders. There are a lot of levels of things you can do. It opens up a lot more doors."
Anyone wanting to see Markham's auto art creations can visit www.richardmarkham.com . For career information for Ohio Technical College, go to www.ohiotechnicalcollege.com . or call Sokol at 800-322-7000.
