For a truck driver, a lorry is much more than just a vehicle. It is a second home, a source of pride and a reflection of their passion. In my art studio in the Netherlands, I capture that passion in paint. But how did my love for painting trucks begin? What makes a truck such a special subject to paint? And how can you have your own truck immortalised on canvas? I'd love to take you behind the scenes and share my story.
How It All Started at the Age of 16
I was introduced to the world of transport when I was sixteen. A good friend asked me if I would paint a truck. I picked up my brushes and got started. The finished painting was received with incredible enthusiasm!
Not long afterwards, another friend started a relationship with a truck driver's daughter. I was then asked to paint a truck for the transport company he worked for.
From that moment on, things moved quickly. Throughout my studies, I regularly painted trucks on commission. Even back then, I had a big dream: to open my own art studio after graduating.
That dream became reality when I was given the wonderful opportunity to start my own studio inside the Mint Interieur building on Heesweg 18 in Raalte, the Netherlands.
The Weeda Scania: The Painting That Brought Me Back to Truck Art
When I first opened my own studio, I actually didn't paint trucks at all. I mainly focused on portraits of people and animals.
One of the reasons was a large painting, measuring 2 by 3 metres, that I had created of myself and my younger sister. Another particularly meaningful painting was a portrait of my grandfather. These personal projects gave me an incredible sense of fulfilment. (Take a look at the photos alongside this story.)
However, after about a year, I started feeling that familiar urge again. I missed painting trucks.
The Weeda Scania became the first project I took on when I returned to truck painting. And it turned out to be exactly the right choice. The response to the painting was overwhelming, and while working on it, I immediately remembered why I love painting trucks so much.
For me, it's never just about the truck itself. It's about what that truck means to someone. The pride, the memories, the miles travelled and the story behind it. That's what I want to capture on canvas.
Why Trucks?
I think trucks are fantastic subjects to paint. Their large shapes, distinctive lines, colours and, above all, the way light reflects off the paintwork make every truck unique.
But what I love most is the story behind the vehicle.
For many drivers, a truck is much more than just their job. It's a passion and often a huge part of their lives. I love hearing drivers talk about their trucks. Why did they choose this particular model? Why does it look the way it does? What memories are attached to it?
I take those stories with me into the painting. Because ultimately, I'm not just painting a truck. I'm capturing a piece of someone's life.
From Photograph to Painting
A custom truck painting takes approximately 40 hours of work. I always start with a good, high-resolution photograph. I use it as a reference to carefully transfer the proportions and lines onto the canvas.
Then the real painting begins. I work from dark to light, gradually building up the image. First come the larger areas of colour and shadows, followed by the finer details.
Those details are what I particularly enjoy painting. The shine of the paintwork, reflections in the windows, the chrome and all the little features that make a truck recognisable. Brushstroke by brushstroke, the truck gradually comes to life.
Once the painting is completely finished, I apply a satin-gloss varnish. This protects the artwork and helps the colours stand out beautifully.
If desired, the painting can also be professionally framed, giving it an extra touch of elegance on the wall.
Want Your Own Truck Painted? Here's How to Order
Would you like to have your own truck painted on canvas? Or are you looking for a unique retirement or anniversary gift for a truck driver or transport company? Getting started is simple:
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Send me an email via the contact page and include a high-quality, sharp photograph of the truck.
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Make sure the truck is clearly visible: A photograph showing the truck cab on its own or the complete tractor-trailer combination clearly in the foreground works best.
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Share your story: I always love hearing who the painting is for and why you would like it created. Is it for a company anniversary, a retirement, a farewell or simply a tribute to the truck you're proud of?
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