Old Engine Pencil Drawings

By Leslie C. Mcdaniel
Published on January 1, 1999
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An eye for detail: Susan's working knowledge of engines is obvious in her drawings.
An eye for detail: Susan's working knowledge of engines is obvious in her drawings.
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Susan's work – like this painting – keeps the past alive.
Susan's work – like this painting – keeps the past alive.
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Susan's interests extend to old gas pumps and petroleum collectibles.
Susan's interests extend to old gas pumps and petroleum collectibles. "I've gotten my husband interested in those, too," she said.
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An eye for detail: Susan's working knowledge of engines is obvious in her drawings.
An eye for detail: Susan's working knowledge of engines is obvious in her drawings.
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With an artist's steady hand, Susan's taken on pinstriping jobs like this one.
With an artist's steady hand, Susan's taken on pinstriping jobs like this one.
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Susan at work:
Susan at work: "If I ever get my own studiom then everything would be all set."

Gears interlocking in precision … perfectly threaded ignitors … gleaming oil caps: it’s the stuff of engines, but also the focus of artwork created by Susan Eddy.

Susan, who lives in Numa, Iowa, with her husband, James, and infant daughter, has a long involvement with old gas engines and tractors.

“I grew up around it,” she said. “First with my dad. We were always running around, looking for old engines or tractors — well, we still do. And then with my husband … It’s just been a part of my life.”

Although she’s restored her share of engines (an Emerson-Brantingham awaits finishing touches in the garage), in recent years her passion for vintage equipment has bloomed through her pencil drawings. A natural artist, she’s had little formal training.

“I’ve always been interested in art,” she said. “In my senior year in high school, my art teacher really encouraged me.”

She works in watercolor, oils and acrylic, “but pencil drawings are what I call my first love,” she said.

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