As defined by Wikipedia, pin striping (pinstriping) is a term used to describe the application of very thin lines of paint used for decoration on a variety of products and most commonly seen on customized autos and motorcycles.
This Sunday, Jan. 20, from 7-9 a.m., at the Malibu Country Mart, Fireball Tim’s Wheels and Waves Malibu, visitors will be able to witness a demonstration of the unique talents of Johnny Martinez—an internationally known, award winning, pinstriper and hot-rodder—as he applies his talents to a 1947, long-lost, original Von Dutch Velocette Motorcycle. The bike, purchased by Greg Weier and Bob Clark for $350 in 1971 from Von Dutch, the most famous pin striper of all, has been in storage forever and is being lovelyingly restored by Greg and Bob. The tank is just seeing the light of day at this weekend’s show for Martinez to stripe.
Martinez, a lifelong “gearhead” and hot-rodder, mastered the art of pin striping after retiring from construction in 2011. Admiring and observing the work of professional pinstipers, Martinez decided to try his hand at it. With no formal art training but with a keen eye, fine motor coordination and previously unrealized artistic skills, he taught himself by close observation of legendary professionals and by trial and error. Today, what started as a hobby has grown into a second career serving clients in the U.S. and around the world.