I'm making this illustration of a MK2 Escort for my brother. He wants it painted on his big garage wall.
He want's a picture in this style (not sure what it's called).


I'm having trouble visioning the car in only two colors, black and white, and making it simple enough to paint on the wall. We'll probably be using some kind of projector to help us paint it.
I need some opinions from you guys, do you think it looks alright?

Still need to do the headlights, they're now just filtered from the base and way too detailed, but i'm struggling to make them more simple while keeping them looking like they should.
Also needs some work on the front and wheels in general.
Bumpers and mirrors supposed to be chrome.
No stripes or Mexico stickers.
Might have to draw the windshield wipers again as they're accidentally mirrored...
I'm also worried that the hood/windshield area is too detailed.

Here's my take on it.



Base:
http://www.dmmultimedia.com/escort_mk2/Escort_MK2_Mexico_Yellow_zoom.jpg

Looks good so far. I bet that would look great painted on a wall as it is already.

When it comes to car lights, I don't think you can't avoid doing some of that small detail in there as that is what makes it look like a headlight glass. You could replace them with plastic covers that are a lot simpler. That of course alters the style a bit and might look out-of-place if you're aiming for factory stock look.

I did a quick test in Photoshop:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/50rajxft3a98fl0/Screenshot%202014-11-22%2013.22.45.png?dl=0
It's very rough because the extreme contrast but I'm pretty sure something like that would look alright without being too complex to physically paint. Maybe add a white border to bring out the edges of the headlight to separate it from all the black.

For the bonnet reflections. I think you could get away with removing those completely and also making the windows black altogether as now it kind of looks like the car has no windows at all. Difficult task making windows with just black or white, I know. I had another quick play in Photoshop:

You can fake a simple window reflection with a similar streak like this. Maybe without as sharp curve in there but you get the idea.

Also, if you're interested, try looking for this book in the library near you (or get that, it's only 15 dollars on amazon). I've read that book at work and it's got lots of good pointers about drawing cars.

EDIT: Stupid dropbox link won't hotlink the image...

Thanks for your comment Olli!

You're right about the lights, they need to have some detail, I guess I'll have to just play with them till i get them right (like the rest of the car )

Not sure about the windows being completely black. I think it's a must to see the interior.
But i think i got an idea to make them look like there's actually a glass there.

I'll look into the book you mentioned, and post another WIP sometime soon !
Been real busy lately...