Rockin' Artwork

ROCKIN' ARTWORK

British painter Roy Barrett’s lifelong passion for motorcycles was kindled at the age of 5, when from his grandmother’s house across the road he watched brand-new Velocettes being ridden through the Birmingham factory gates. So when the 46-year-old former BBC-TV producer decided to make his hobby his livelihood, he naturally specialized in the classic bikes and cars he’d been painting in his spare time for years.

Barrett is currently focusing on the caferacing scene of the 1960s, and has produced a series of paintings depicting Rockers venues such as the famed Ace Cafe.

“The Roxy” (shown here) typifies the attention to detail on which Barrett prides himself. “Classic bikes are a real challenge,” says the artist. “Cars and even modern bikes are relatively easy to paint, but these older machines have lots of fiddly bits that are more difficult to get right. If I don’t, there are lots of knowledgeable people who see my work and are quick to put me straight!”

Priced at $50, the limited-edition prints are available directly from Roy Barrett at Thatches, Southerton, Nr. Ottery St. Mary, Devon EX11 1SD, England; or phone 01144-1395-568697.