Usually when you come across cars in art form, it’s in photography. And while photography is wonderful, there’s something even more amazing than that — actual car drawings.

Sometimes, you come across a drawing that you’d swear is a picture, with crazy details that seem nearly impossible to replicate with a pencil and paper, that only a camera would be able to capture. If you think nobody could come close to replicating photographs in this way, you’re wrong.

But you’ve probably just never come across the work of Automobile Artist David Kao.

How I found him

David is a member of S2ki, an international S2000 forum that my husband belongs to. I remember him showing me a posting, asking me if I thought the graphic was a drawing or a photograph.

I told him it must be a drawing, otherwise he wouldn’t be asking the question… But it really didn’t look that way. The shadows and reflections were just a world apart from anything I had ever seen, I was stunned.

When he found out that we could commission David to do a drawing for us, and my husband seemed interested, I told him to do it without a second thought. Not only will we be getting an amazing piece of art, but I love supporting artists’ whose work I wholly admire, and he’s one such artist!

Lucky for me, he also agreed to answer a few questions! Thank you so much, David, not only for the drawing, but for agreeing to the interview!

Edit: He also recently set up a blog, check it out here and leave him some comments.

And now, our feature presentation…

Without further ado, read on to learn more about David Kao!

1. Would you mind doing a quick introduction for yourself?

“My name is David Kao. 20 years old. I came from Taiwan, but moved to California 6 years ago. Currently I am in college and living with my mother and siblings.”

2. How long have you been drawing?

“I have been drawing since I was a kid, which is around 17 years. I have been drawing since I was 3, but I never took it serious until summer 2009.”

3. What first got you interested in cars?

“It was my father who brought me to a his auto shop. As a kid I didn’t understand any mechanics of the cars hanging on car lift. I was attracted to the mystery of how car can move. To me at that age, it was something amazing. I had an urge to know more about cars. That’s when and where I grew my interest in cars.”

4. It’s safe to say you’ve got undeniable artistic talent, what direction do you want to go with it? What are you hoping to use your skills for?

“Currently, I am working on building portfolio with 2D drawings for my future job as a car designer. At the same time, I love to draw cars for car enthusiasts. I am planning to expand my name out there. I want to use my skill in my future job, but I also want to use my skills to make other people feel their uniqueness about their car.”

5. What’s your favorite car? Your favorite car to draw?

“My favorite car is Nissan S13 Silvia. I don’t have a favorite car to draw, I enjoy drawing all of the cars.”

6. Is there anything in particular that inspires you?

“My inspiration comes from photos of cars and landscapes, car magazines and other artists’ drawing.”

7. Do you do commissioned work often? If so, what’s the best way for someone to get in touch with you about having their car drawn?

“I usually produce around 4 drawings each month. So far, I have done some commissions, I am still trying to collect people’s feedback of my drawing of their cars. To contact me about commission work, you could do that through my website. www.kaorenderings.com Leave me a message on the contact page if you would like me to create a piece of art!”

8. Is there anything you’d like to add?

“I believe car enthusiasts really love their cars and there is a indescribable feeling between the car and the owner. To have a drawing of your car and hang it on the wall is the best feeling you could get as a car enthusiast. It’s those people who appreciate my art that gives me the courage and motivation toward my future job. So, Thank you guys for your amazing support!”

The proof is in the pudding:

He also allowed me to post up his drawing, so here’s the photograph he used, taken by me, followed by David’s rendition. Seriously, if you’ve ever wanted an awesome piece of art for your car… Now you know who to talk to. (I’m definitely hoping he won’t mind doing my other two for me!)

This is the photograph that I took of our S2000.

And David Kao's drawing. The detail just blows my mind, still!!