On Location: The '51 Ford Truck

Every Rattle, Knock and Door Slam

The '51 Ford TruckThe '51 Ford pick-up truck came from our grandparent's ranch. Known as "Dick's truck" because he was the primary driver, it actually belonged to our grandmother who had the custom canopy created back in '51 to protect fragile materials during transport. 

Upon turning 16, the truck was mine for the one month that Dick went on vacation and I performed his duties. Those daily town runs and the longer treks to "the city" (Los Angeles) made the smell and every rattle, knock and door slam a part of me.

The truck retired from ranch life in 1978 to begin its second career as the "51 Art Truck." Although a very starving artist, I was able to purchase it and with more time than money. learned to do all maintenance and repairs except those requiring special tools. Painting road trips grew more numerous and distant and the truck has been outfitted accordingly.

Still a "3 on the tree," 6 volt positive ground Flathead V-8, the 51 Art Truck is usually on display where I paint or exhibit art.

On Location Through The Years

On Location: Santa Paula, California, 1957
Young Paul shows off his art with his future truck in the background

On Location: MCAS Tustin — These fields were once adjacent to the former MCAS Tustin, home to historic LTA blimp hangars. But history has been trumped by "progress" and the last hangar will soon be dismantled.
On Location: San Clemente — Painting en plein air outside Antoine's Cafe.
On Location: San Juan Capistrano.