Rear-window grime makes for gorgeous art

Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring," as reinterpreted by dirt-loving artist Scott Wade.(Credit: Scott Wade)

I used to think of dirty car windows as, well, dirty car windows. Now, thanks to Scott Wade, I think of them as blank canvases awaiting an artistic touch, masterpieces in the making. While most people would be content to etch a simple smiley face or "Wash me!" onto a grimy rear window, Wade paints painstakingly detailed drawings, including classics like da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," and Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring."

Art from window grime (photos)

The man known as the "Dirty Car Artist" lives in Wimberley, Texas--along a dirt road appropriately. But even though many cars in his midst are plenty dusty due to their surroundings, Wade starts each painting off by cleaning the windshield thoroughly. He then uses a blow dryer to apply an even coat of dust to his canvas before busting out his paintbrushes. Once completed, Wade notes, the images change over time, as more dust accumulates on them and dew streaks and dots them, creating a patina. When the rain comes, the gorgeous grime just washes away. Luckily, Wade has amassed a photo collection of his amazing art over the years, some of which you can see in the gallery above. You may never look at your filthy car the same way. (Source: Crave UK)
Source: CNET News (http://cnet.com/)