A look at John Harrow Airbrushing & Pinstripes

For many Detroit area motorcyclists the initials JH on their bikes and equipment represents their commitment to wanting only the finest for themselves and their bikes.  The artist who belongs to those initials,
 John Harrow, has created countless outstanding prize winning designs and commissions.  These designs are personal works of art from John’s heart, mind and soul.

Through long hours of practice and experimentation, John has developed a personal style, which sets his work apart from many other artists.  His education in graphic design, BFA from the prestigious College of Creative Studies, Detroit, MI, has given him a unique sense of design and vision.  His artwork seems to leap off the surface and is so detailed in both color and form that they confound the eye and the mind.

The process begins with a meeting between the client and John. Here the initial thoughts and desires of the customer and discussed and explored so John can produce a design concept that fulfills the customer’s expectations.  After a full color design proposal is produced and submitted for approval, final changes and details are worked out with close attention to creating a unique and exciting image.  Now the concept is ready to be brought into reality.

All designs are created in acrylic urethane after careful preparation of the original parts.  The preparation begins with removal of all old paint and modification of the parts as specified by the customer. The parts are surfaced and primed with urethane primer to produce a smooth durable substrate for the final finish. Next a base color followed by clear urethane is applied and allowed to cure. A special masking material is applied over the cured and sanded base.  The design is laid out on the masking material and incised. Through a series of color applications and re-masking the design emerges.  Where required, details are painted by hand and after the final colors are applied the entire part is sprayed with multiple coats of clear. Careful hand sanding of this clear coat smoothes and flattens the surface. Final coats of clear are applied.  Another hand sanding followed by careful compounding with polishing materials produces the crystal clear flat surface that defines John’s work.

In addition to painting motorcycles and motorcycle accessories, John has painted hockey masks, helmets, guitars, automobiles, advertising displays and illuminated signs.  All of which have produced rave responses from those who have seen these distinctive and exciting works of art. The designs produced on motorcycles have consistently been recognized as prizewinning examples whenever they have been displayed in competition. First in class wins are the norm not the exception.  

To obtain more information about the process and view additional examples of his work, please visit our web sites at www.classicandexotic.com , www.johnharrow.com  or call John at 248-269-9346.