Tom and Ray... in Oil and On Canvas

Artist Louisa Bertman was recently commissioned to paint Tom and Ray. No... they're not rusting. Paint, as in, on canvas. How could a fine artists be coerced into such a lousy set of subjects? The lackeys of Car Talk Plaza wanted to know. We recently tracked down Louisa for a quick conversation.

Car Talk: So, who on earth would commission you to paint Tom and Ray?

Louisa: Commission? I thought NPR called and I won a new transmission! Actually I'm honored to be one of 12 artists selected to illustrate a page for NPR's upcoming 2009 Calendar. The assignment was: When you think of NPR what do you think of? — Need I say more?

Car Talk: Tell us, from an artist's point of view: do you find the guys' faces as scary as the rest of us do?

Louisa: If you think that's scary, wait 'til you see NPR's 2009 full body Car Talk nude series titled, "Behind the scenes and under the hood."

Car Talk: Who was harder to paint, and why?

Louisa: Who's who? Actually lucky for me both their faces were made for radio.

In all seriousness, both guys have so much personality and genuine "glee" radiating from their faces that they were a dream to paint. My challenge was in being able to capture their voice, humor and differences through their portraits. When I'm in the studio I typically try to have my Ipod playing the music of whomever I'm on assignment painting. In this case I had a few Car Talk episodes taped back to back. So to answer your question — it wasn't who was harder to paint but rather, how do I stop smiling and laughing long enough to be able to keep my hand and brush sturdy?

Car Talk: So... how much would it cost us, if we wanted to put Tom or Ray above the mantle in the living room?

Louisa: Really now... don't you see those ugly mugs enough? Let's share the agony with a fine art collector!

The piece "Those Crazy Car Talk Guys" is listed for $4,000 through The Cambridge Art Association. The works are exhibited at The University Place Gallery, right in Harvard Square, through June.

If anyone is interested in purchasing the actual piece, shoot me a line (shameless promotion: www.louisabertman.com). In addition, look for the upcoming 2009 NPR Calendar which will debut new and unseen portraits of Tom and Ray.

Thanks Click and Clack — it's been a blast!

Louisa