I saw some of Arvil Shepherds wood graining on the portfolio table....I was totally impressed.I offerd to let him use my shop for a workshop,here in Houston, Texas.
I was wondering if there would be any interest?How much is a fair price,what would be expected as far as materials and supplies?Length of class,etc.sure would appreciate any input.
Posted by CJ Allan (Member # 52) on :
I've seen Sheps work up close, and believe me, no picture on any web-site can even come close to doing his artwork justice.......!!
I'd love to learn how he does his wood graining, and a few other techniques he has mastered.
I would think the going rate for a two or three day seminar would be in the neighborhood of around $150. if the materials were supplied, and no more than 15 or 20 people were in each class. That's what I'd expect to pay judging from everything I've seen. And that would be a good deal !!
One more thought.........Shep also builds some really neat '55 Chevy chairs and lamps, and I hear he's having some kind of raffle for em. I know I'm gettin down for a couple tickets, cause these things are Tooo Koool !! Check em out..... http://artbyshep.homestead.com/index.html
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
I agree with what CJ said about the price to attend. Unfortunately I will not be able to travel to Texas! Hope those that do enjoy it!
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Yes the wood grain effect is definately cool. I would love to learn it...and I would love to see Texas. However I don't have a money tree growing in my yard. Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
The woodgrain effect used by Shep give far superior results than any method I've seen. The dollar amount is always going to be a sore point for me, because 2 kids and a wife spend mine. But being realistic. The $150 price tag for a couple of days seminar with Shep's creative genius is not out of line. Throwing in the needed paint supplies would be a plus, but 15 x $150 =2250, so dropping a couple of hundred in paint, supplies and material to work on, add a room and board and travel. This might put Shep in a bind. That ain't right. If you throw in that it was at Steve's place 4 hours west of me, and Steve don't seem like the kind of guy that won't throw a few tip your way, I'm going to try and get there. So don't schedule it too close to Joey Hutson's Swamp Jam.
[ December 05, 2001: Message edited by: Santo ]
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Took me a while to go through all of the site, but the fact that I did speaks volumes for me.
With all humility, I recognize a master of his craft, and Shep IS one. I've not seen better.
Posted by Steve Robinson (Member # 2215) on :
What if ...we did a wood grain -pinstripe workshop....would that work?
Posted by Bob Ficucell (Member # 1460) on :
Hey Cheryl, Ya need to use more fertilizer !! lol Bob
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
Shep has a heckuva technique for this, and if I lived a little closer, I'd definitely pay to learn to do it. Those that do get to, will be the richer for it. Man those pics on the portfolio page are just too fine!
Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :
I oggled over those pics a good while. Damned if I know how he does it. I thought I'd pulled off some decent 'grains in my own style, but it can't hold a candle to that. This is "Must-Acquire" knowlege. I don't when a trip and seminar fee could be put into the budget. Any chance of catching this process on an instructional video or even a step-by-step???
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Are you guys talking about the Portfolio board, or his website? If you haven't been to the website, the Portfolio page "ain't nuthin'", mon.
Posted by Ryan E Young (Member # 2325) on :
Sounds good to me the only thing is I dont think I could make it to Texas. I live in SC so what do I get if I show up at your doorstep with 150 bucks?
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
Well...I think its a great idea. Most seminars/workshops in the automotive industry you can attend go for way more than the prices i've seen tossed around here,and i guarantee you'll learn something from the man,probably not just woodgraining either... and at the end you wont hear "if you have any further questions buy my book and video"or "i only use these products b/c they are the best,not b/c my face is plastered all over their ads" or other industry BS you're expected to believe.....gotta remember this would be a learning experience,not a well designed marketing ploy like alot of this stuff. Good idea...as far as an actual $$ amount...i wasn't implying it should cost more...
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
I guess the next thing would be for Steve to make the judgement on the number of people his shop can handle. If the numbers are right. It should work out well. Steve do you have any contacts with any of the salvage yards on Hwy. 90 around Liberty? They may be good for a fender or two.
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Santo, What is your take on the fenders ?????? Do you propose woodgraining the fenders ??? That would be unusual, as well as a good way to show the detail of the woodgrain on a curved surface !!!!! I like the idea, would make one heck of a "Wall Hanging" for your shop or garage. Shep'
Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
Right after I got out of the Navy in '69 I saw a '49 Merc that was all woodgrained on the outside, and where all the "corners" are the guy had painted in dovetail joints. Never seen any thing quite like it since.
[ December 07, 2001: Message edited by: Mike Languein ]
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Mike, About 1960 I saw, in Statesville NC a 1949 Chevy that had been "White Pine Panneled" complete with knots and nails and individual boards.It was done by a "House Painter" and covered with shellac, looked great for about 3 months, then the shellac started to come off, and needless to say the car looked like crap from then on.
I have woodgrained the sides of custom cars to make them look like a "Woodie" complete with the outside boards. And top coated with two part urethane...And in the 70's I did a lot of woodgrain panels on Vans. At that time it was the "rage" Your interest are "Old Cars", so is mine , check out my web site.. Shep'
Yea, vanners loved the wood grain look (2%). Shep, show us all your techniques in Mars, It would be great if you could attend. I know it will be a great time, similar to Mazeppa Muster. Just maybe Jills meet can top Mike Meyer's meet? thats a tough act to follow, but I wouldnt put anything past Jill.
Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
I don't see any graining on the site, Shep...
I'm really aggravated with AOL right now (nothing new here!) because I've been trying all day to post some pics of my own wood graining and as usual it ain't woikin'. I grained my Falcon wagon in & out 20 years ago and the clear coats went to Hell in a hand basket but the colors are still there. If I ever get it running again I want to silk screen print termites all over it
The guys at work keep teasing me that they want to get together and have some W.G. demos after work Friday or on Saturday - and every week they change their minds and bail to go bar hopping or Go Kart racing. And one of them started LetterHeads. Here's everybody trying to give Shep buckets of money to show 'em 3 grains and I can't give it away. Story of my life. The guys at Lenny's did the same thing to me 15 years ago - I went out there and spent all day setting up and nobody showed. Get the $$$ up front, Shep... they act just like the customers they cuss.
[ December 08, 2001: Message edited by: Mike Languein ]
[ December 08, 2001: Message edited by: Mike Languein ]
[ December 08, 2001: Message edited by: Mike Languein ]
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
Shep, I thought about the fenders for a substrate for demonstrating various techniques. I bet the woodgrain or other effect would be an excellent showroom piece. Maybe have a couple of features on different sections.
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Well, let me see now - 2 days with at least 15 people per day @ $150.00 ea. = if my calculator is working right it looks to add up to around $4,500.00. I know this is wishful thinking that you might actually get all that but it would definitely fill up a couple tubs at my camp. Then if these are 6 hour classes, let's say 4500 divided by 12 = *ahem* $375.00 per hour? Less expenses, of course. That's great, Shep, your art work looks terrific and if you can teach 30 people to compete with you in a weekend I'd say it's well worth it all around. @ $5-600 per dashboard they'll make it up on 1 job. And you told me 3 grains, yourself, you E-mailed me.
Please don't get me wrong, here, I have NO complaints at all about getting paid for the lessons, I believe the Day Studio in New York charges more than a yard and a half per day for faux bois & marbre. I hope it works for you. I know I'm going to print this post out to show the goofs at work what they've been passing up for free...ha ha. One of the old retired grainers at Disneyland, Vivian Felix, has offered several times to do a class for us and show us 4 grains, Walnut, Mahogany, Oak and Weathered Barnboard plus white & black marble and all he wants is $50/hr. 16 people put their names on the list and then never can get together. I bought all the tools, the material and cut it myself and painted the base coats and loaded the truck and took it to them and STILL they'd rather go play somewhere else. I give up.
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Hey Mikey......that's because you are all a bunch of big kids. You race go carts all the time.......hey here's a thought....why not wood grain one of your go carts??!!! I guess my thoughts on the workshops are the instructor should get paid...but don't make it so rediculously overpriced that it is unaffordable for those who want to attend. There are traveling expenses to think about too. 150.00 isn't such a huge deal.....but airfare.....motel....it all adds up real quick.
Posted by Steve Robinson (Member # 2215) on :
I really can't believe what I've been reading....Everybody would like to get top money for what they do,but I think the point is missed here,this man is a master in this field.I offerd to pay him 500.00 a day to train me,and I felt like I'd be short changing him,because of his wealth of knowledge,and what I could make in return.As well as to get to spend some time with a real gentleman.On top of that he never mentioned a price!And if he did make 5 grand in a day,that would be great.Did you stop to think of the pain it is just to have to communicate with all who would want to come?
If anyone is interested,please contact Shep....but put your calculator back in your pocket!
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Mike, Sorry, I forgot about e mailing you!!! Cheryl, The same expense you are talking about, trip,meals,lodging etc.applies to me as well..
What I propose to teach, to those who wants to participant in, took me over 25 years to perfect.
And one Street Rod Dash will more than pay for the cost of the class.
And I will teach more than three styles..(see enclosed panel sample..8 types...Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany,Maple.Rosewood etc.etc.) All of these were atained using the same Grain style and the same color of graining material.Just over different base colors. With my style the results are endless.....
Yes I know Shep....the airfare and motel part is the most expense. I am not disputing that anyone should not get paid. Each has his/her own value for their work. You are top notch Shep. As is Mike.....here is a picture of Mikes metal cabinet made to look like wood (since his aol isn't cooperating). You guys are great!!!
[ December 09, 2001: Message edited by: cheryl nordby ]
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Cheryl and Mike, That relly looks great.......That took a lot of time taping off the individual planks...and a professional use of a "Rocker Graining Tool" I like the tone and color also.......
Thus the point I am trying to make.......everyone cannot do this type of work...It is just that I am willing to part with some of MY knowledge....However it will not be FREE....And The cost is within reason for this type of information I am willing to share.. Considering what the profit margin COULD be to the participant. $150. for a six hour class is well within the going price...and MY calculator says that is $25. per hour per person.....Heck my Shop Rate is $50. per hour.
Shep' Shep'
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
It is a great deal no doubt about it Shep. It would be even greater if it were in Seattle. Sigh You do great work.
Hop on the bus..Gus.....no need to by coy Roy.....
Posted by david drane (Member # 507) on :
As someone else here has already said Shep is not only an extremely talented artist but I know from my own experience he is an angel, a Gentleman and a real gem. If I lived in the states I would be going from anywhere to attend the class to learn a bit from the talent of a master craftsman. Back in September I posted a story of a child near my town who had drowned and out of the blue came Shep who sent a signed print of his angel painting for me to get to the parents of the child. Thanks Shep.
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
THANK YOU DAVE, For letting me bring a little bit of happiness to a Family whom I am sure is in a lot of grief. (You see I also lost a son) If the Print brings them a little bit of cheer, then I have shared my God given talent with someone who probably could use a smile long about now. You see I am not a "Trained Artist".......
What little "Talent" I have............was here .....when I got here !!!!! Shep'
If Shep were doing this workshop in a local I could get to, I'd jump on that wagon right now!
The jumpstart on the graining skill is a tremendous asset. The contacts and friendships developed have added potential, and the fun would be greater than most anything else I can think of.
At the last MicroMeet, Mike Languein was doing some graining and that's where I found myself wanting to hang out. It surprised me that there wasn't a croud surrounding him. I think it might be too laborious for many.
Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
Here goes nothin' - trying to upload a couple pics of a dash I did a while back - the whole dash doesn't show up too well so here's a close up...
Yeah, Rick - now that I see what it's worth just wait 'til the NEXT Micro Meet - boy! It's gonna cost you SOMETHIN' to look over MY shouilder from now on - no more freebies! No more Mr. Goodbar! I'm don't up there for fun, you know - those 2 hip doctors of yours are getting paid, I bet! It's my turn next. I plan to have a big motel bill in September
[ December 13, 2001: Message edited by: Mike Languein ]
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Mike, The dash looks Really Great... (I hope you charged for this}..if you did not..then come to work with me.I am sure I can get enough work to keep both of us busy....
And I do get paid for my work.he he he.just kidding.. Call me sometime..or email me your # and I will call you...we need to talk. Shep'
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Dates are set for Woodgraining workshop....
April 6 & 7 2002 at Steve Robinsons shop in Spring Texas. E mail me for details. Space is limited, sign up NOW.... Shep'
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
i agree with ya CJ no photo on the internet does justice to shep's wood graining.
if at all possible i will be at that workshop shep.
your work rocks!
bubba
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
I have several people signed up for the Workshop, the class is limited to 15 people per day. Don't wait till its to late......SIGN UP NOW... Class is April 6-7 2002 in Spring Texas..Near Houston...email for more info....
