The Automobile’s Sea Voyage

Bradley (Brad) Schmehl is an American historical artist from Pennsylvania, where he has resided all his life. He attended the Pennsylvania School of the Arts (now Pennsylvania College of Art and Design). From a young age felt compelled to draw and paint the things that he loved in the world around him. He strives to be a naturalist painter with a realistic style and a remarkable eye for detail. Bradley’s work always tends towards the historical, and he researches the subjects for his paintings through diaries, letters, books and visiting historical sites. His interests range from weaponry and machines, historic architecture, figures, and animals to nature. Schmehl never portrays figures as “types” but seeks to depict unique individuals with a broad palette of human emotions. He endeavours to draw the viewer into his art by means of dramatic composition, his portrayal of light and his use of naturalistic tones and colours. Schmehl’s work is featured in collections across America, including the Booth Western Art Museum, the Delaware State Museum, the Command General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, as well as the Philadelphia Convention Center. When the well to do travelled they often travelled with an extensive entourage of staff, personal belongings and even their automobiles. What seems to be a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is being loaded onto a ship to be transported to the new destination of its owner. Obviously the voyage will be an extensive one as the automobile is incapable of taking its owners the entire way on its own.