The “painter laureate of the car”, Harold Cleworth is definitely a product of the streets. His subjects are big, sleek and fast. They range from old Packards and Cadillacs to Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Of English descent, Harold James Cleworth grew up drawing and painting the heavy machinery and industrial neighborhoods of England, but decided to change subjects to the thing he loved, the automotive world.
Cleworth’s youthful art talent didn’t go unnoticed. He was rewarded with admission into the prestigious Manchester College of Art. After his graduation from Manchester, Cleworth worked for Decca Records. His artwork graced the covers of such newcomers as the Rolling Stones, The Who and others.
His road to success led him to San Francisco, where a commission by car dealer Richard Rubin led to the creation of one of Harold Cleworth’s most famous originals, the Mercedes gullwing. This stunning work featured the gullwing with its trademark doors open. Commissions to paint exacting portraits followed: Duesenbergs, Ferraris, Packards and Bugattis. Corporate commissions were next, with requests from automotive giants such as Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Isuzu and Saab. Each of these companies wanted Harold Cleworth originals of their newest models.
But this one would be special; his trademark techniques of “super-realism” give Harold Cleworth originals a photo-like quality. This signature style has grown from not only including oil paintings, but lithographs, posters and Giclees as well. Because of his world-wide fame, Harold Cleworth originals are rarely on the open market and when sold, garner incredible sums of money.
New Harold Cleworth originals don’t happen often. Most are commissioned works and he only produces six or seven new works per year. With the incredible beauty of his work and the limited availability, the prices of Harold Cleworth originals continue to rise. Even now, many of his limited edition prints have increased by 800% or more since their introduction.
The unavailability of Harold Cleworth originals makes the portraits of this talented artist a great investment. With their stunning realism, classic appeal and limited supply, a Harold Cleworth original is sure to be a valued addition to any collector’s collection. Whether you are looking for an investment opportunity only or you are buying for your personal art portfolio, you have reached a special place in your art collection. You are ready to purchase a Harold Cleworth original.
