The Automotive Inspired Art of Derek McDonald Artworks

Slingshot by Derek McDonald Artworks
Derek McDonald Artworks ~ Slingshot

Derek McDonald is an independent artist based in Orange County, California who’s passionate about using recycled material, so he frequents scrap yards for pieces of metal and other nonsense.

He likes to incorporate motion and texture into his artwork, and constantly experiments with wood, granite, and concrete.

Slingshot

Unique finds get his imagination going, and he loves the challenge of what could be crafted from his collection of presumed junk.

The Begining

Derek began to explore his artistic side at a very young age. He would draw for hours on coffee shop napkins, and he would take apart anything he could get his hands on — even if it was in good working condition.

Mini Chub Racer
Mini Chub Racer

He was obsessed with figuring out how things worked, and he spent his time studying all things mechanical and sketching new ideas.

Leave me with some music and a pile of nuts & bolts, and I can get lost for days… or until my wife calls me for dinner.

Derek McDonald
Mini Chub Racer
Mini Chub Racer

Derek took metal shop during his freshman year of high school, where he was exposed to the art of welding and discovered his passion. With a childlike curiosity, he began to create small art pieces and developed his metal craftsmanship.

Dustfoe
Dustfoe

After decades of drawing, tinkering, and welding, He carries a well-rounded understanding of design and what makes things work.

The Workshop

Derek McDonald Artworks was established in 1997 when Derek decided to dedicate more time to art. With that decision came the task of building a 900 square foot workshop from the ground up, equipped with special machines and tools.

Every artist needs his creative space, and after four years, I finally had mine.

Derek McDonald
Dustfoe
Dustfoe

I am an artist. I am a maker of things.

Derek McDonald

The Tools

Design is at the center of everything Derek does. He likes to get his hands dirty and put his welding torch to use, and he’s proud to provide artisan-quality goods.

Derek McDonald Artworks Tool Time Lamp
Derek McDonald Artworks Tool Time Lamp

His artwork is handcrafted and distinguished by clean, hidden welds and painstaking detail.

Derek McDonald Artworks Tool Time Lamp
Derek McDonald Artworks Tool Time Lamp

Derek strives to create artwork that inspires. He is a husband, a father of three, a land surveyor, and an artist. He is constantly burning the midnight oil to keep up with the ideas in his head, so his hands always seem to be one step behind.

I make simple things complicated.

Derek McDonald

New Project: Who Just Arted

Derek and Jenn Parks are working on a new project called ‘Who Just Arted‘ on their Derek McDonald Artworks channel on YouTube.

In this first episode, you’ll get to know Derek and Jenn Parks as they introduce you to the funny side of making art…

Derek and Jenn actually end up with a cool piece of art that doesn’t suck…

Rolling Works of Art

Derek’s ’63 International Travelette is a work of art in itself and is how we discovered his artwork…

Take a closer look at Derek’s crew cab, and go for a ride-along

Derek with his i963 International Harvester Crewcab Travelette tagged SASSQCH

Derek believes that everyone deserves to own a piece of art. If you really love one of my pieces, let me know your budget and we’ll try to work something out. See more of Derek’s work at DerekMcDonaldArtworks.com

Derek says “I am up for any challenge and would love to work on a custom piece for you.” Connect with Derek