Iowa Artist Conjures Up Eye-Poppin’ Motorcycle Art
Most artists prefer to stick to a narrow range of mediums and canvases. Darren McKeag isn’t most artists.
We here at H-D Forums aren’t exactly the types who frequent snobby art exhibits. Heck, we probably couldn’t even tell the difference between a Rembrandt and a Renoir. Nor do we stick our pinkies out when we drink tea. Hell, we don’t even drink tea.
However, we do know great motorcycle art when we see it. So, when we came across the incredible works of a man named Darren McKeag, we were floored.
It’s immediately obvious that McKeag has motor oil in his blood and a passion for anything on two wheels. But even after scoping out his work, we were still surprised at how deep his connection with bikes goes. And like most of us, it all started with a Harley-Davidson.
Today, McKeag not only produces some of the finest motorcycle art we’ve ever seen, he also owns one heck of an impressive collection of cycles.
We recently dialed up the Iowa-based artist to get a few more details on his awesome artwork.
H-D Forums: When did you first notice that you had a knack for art?
DARREN MCKEAG: Although I have been drawing and coloring since the early age of 5, it wasn’t until I was probably 13 or 14 that I noticed and understood the fact that I was creating art. This was a turning point for me, as I also realized that I really enjoyed it.
What inspired you to focus on creating motorcycle art?
Motorbikes have been a part of my entire life. I grew up on a stock Harley Panhead that my Dad rode and have always been around motorbikes. My inspiration for creating motorbike art most likely came in 1990, when I started tattooing. Tattooing has been influenced by the motorbike world and lifestyle for many years. It wasn’t until about 2008 that I directed my art, painting, drawing, and photography towards the motorbike world.
‘I grew up on a stock Harley Panhead and have always been around motorbikes. My inspiration for creating motorbike art most likely came in 1990, when I started tattooing.’
Are there any artists whose style inspired you? We’ve noticed a little Ed Roth influence in some of your work.
Indeed, Ed Roth has had an influence on me, along with George Trosley and David Mann. These artists have had a profound affect on my style of art and lifestyle. Growing up, my parents would take me to custom motorbike shows and I remember specifically being in garages with Harleys and David Mann art all over the walls. David’s art had a profound affect on me and I believe that’s what guided me to where I am today.
What types of motorcycles have you owned or ridden over the years?
I started with dirt bikes and trail-riding. My first street motorbike was a Yamaha 750 that was raked a bit. That bike had been my Dad’s previously. From there, I had a Harley Sportster that I chopped, a 1984 Harley FLH, a custom chopper with an S&S 113” motor, Softails, and more FLHs. I have owned a Dyna, and I have a 1996 Ultra Classic in the stable.
I also have a custom-built Buell 900 flat-track racer that’s street legal. I have a Twisted Chopper that is powered by a 93” Harley Shovelhead motor. I have a chopped Twin Cam bobber, a stock 1967 FLH that I bought for my Dad, and I’m currently building a 1950 Panhead from original parts. My wife recently got her motorbike license and we are shopping for the perfect bike for her. But in the meantime, we rip around the streets and yard on her 1975 Yamaha 250.
What are the different kinds of art that you offer to potential clients?
The styles of art I offer range from pencil illustrations to large acrylic on canvas paintings. Clients have me illustrate their motorbike, they have me paint their bikes, and do paintings of them on their bikes. I paint helmets, empty wine bottles, and old car and bike parts. If it’s got a cool shape to it, I’ll paint it.
