Andrew Holmes’ hyperreal images of trucks on Californian highways are strikingly vivid, bringing to life the essence of the open road. His works seem like crystal-clear photographs stem from meticulous pencil drawings. Each piece, requiring between 300 to 500 hours, captures the sensory overload of highway life—complete with the roar of engines, the glare of the sun on aluminum, and the unmistakable scent of diesel. Holmes’s latest collection, “Gas Tank City,” is now showcased in a book and an exhibit at London’s Architectural Association (AA).
From Architecture to Hyperreal Art
Holmes trained as an architect, attended the AA, and collaborated with the renowned Richard Rogers on the Centre Pompidou in Paris in 1969. However, his passion for drawing emerged early, beginning at four. Raised in Bromsgrove, England, Holmes traveled to the United States, where his fascination with the Interstate Highway System blossomed. “I discovered (it) was designed as a single object,” he said. “It (was) 43,000 miles long (at the time of its original design in 1956) — the biggest object that’s ever been designed in the world.” This fascination led him to capture the essence of American highways in his unique art style.
Capturing the Spirit of the Highway
Holmes’ travels across California in the 1970s brought him into contact with truckers, roadside diners, and sprawling gas stations. “In those days, driving was a pleasure,” Holmes reminisced, contrasting the past with today’s traffic-filled highways. The trucks reminded him of watching trains as a child, evoking memories of “these huge things belching steam.” He admired the sensory experience of trucks, noting, “The sound, the smell, the shiny aluminum, the size of the things.”
Bringing Trucks to Life on Paper
In his “Gas Tank City” series, Holmes showcases over 100 drawings, celebrating the details of classic Kenworth trucks. His work captures everything from the massive radiator grilles to the intricate side-view mirrors and the sweeping fenders. Each piece is saturated with color, like a red truck reflecting its urban surroundings in polished gas tanks, down to the slightest welding mark. Holmes’ attention to detail breathes life into every scene, turning everyday highway moments into art.
Hyperrealism Beyond the Lens
Though Holmes started by photographing scenes, he quickly became frustrated with the limitations of early camera technology, particularly their shallow depth of field. “I realized if you took three photographs,” he said, “you could then construct a drawing where everything is in focus.” His drawings achieved a clarity that cameras couldn’t capture then, creating an almost surreal sharpness. Using colored pencils, Holmes played with light and color, adding his touch. “I’d hold it up against the sun so you could see into the shadow areas,” he explained, turning shadows into vivid, saturated colors that differed significantly from the original photographs.
A Lasting Connection to the Road
Holmes’ art goes beyond just trucks; it’s a tribute to the culture and community of the highway. During his travels, he often befriended truck drivers, who shared their stories and recommended the best spots for finding exciting vehicles. “When I showed them a drawing, they immediately got excited, and we became friends,” Holmes recalled. This camaraderie shaped many of the scenes he chose to draw, adding a personal touch to his artistic journey.
Continuing the Journey with “Gas Tank City”
Even after fifty years, Holmes remains dedicated to capturing the essence of life on the highway. Though he now incorporates digital photography into his process, the painstaking effort behind each drawing remains unchanged. His works in “Gas Tank City” portray a timeless snapshot of the American highway system, where past and present blend seamlessly. For Holmes, it’s about preserving the spirit of the road—a place where time stands still, and the journey becomes the destination.