David Kimble (1)

It would be difficult to express my excitement when this book was offered up by LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program - the Cutaways by David Kimble was one of the highlights of my days back when I subscribed to most Auto and Driving magazines back in the 80's and 90's - yes I'm that kind of geek - I always coveted the Italian exotics yet the best I could afford were Hondas and an occasional MG.

David's cutaways were always special - highly detailed air-brush illustrations of my favorite show more cars, with sections "cut away" so you could see the guts - going all the way into the mechanicals. This was back in the days when we didn't have access to high speed computing and 3D models - at least not at the consumer level. To achieve this level of technical detail you not only had to be a competent artist, but an Engineer (if not in degree, at least in mindset) so you could look at photos and blueprints to achieve the cutaway effect. Kimble's acumen is unparalleled in this regard.

The book is extremely well printed - this isn't your typical computer direct-to-print you see these days - these are highly refined printed reproductions - each could be a print in itself. I loved the discussion of techniques, the detailed sketches and the entire process detailed in this book. This is a basic must-have if you're into cars, airbrush illustration and super-realistic detail. show less

Cutaway illustrations are not a new idea. They’ve been around since the Renaissance and even the idea of cutaway car drawings were being produced in the 30’s and 40’s. However, nothing has ever compared to the technical mastery and artistic vision that David Kimble has brought to the table. With the development of computer applications of increasing sophistication, David Kimble has brought his artistic vision inside the working guts of hundreds of powerful machines to show us how it show more all works and hangs together — from inside out!

David Kimble’s Cutaways from CarTech Press is a brilliant look into how the drawings are created…and yes, it’s as complicated as it looks. A short history of how Kimble developed his skill over the years is followed by a detailed recreation of one of his first cutaways from the 60’s, the McLaren M8A. Kimble’s writing is concise and the accompanying step-by-step illustrations are helpful, but it still all seems like magic to me!

The following sections delve into the intricacies of engines and transmissions; a beautiful section featuring golden age classics; international cars, corvettes and NASCAR. Throughout, what holds it all together, besides Kimble’s masterful art, is the detailed text on the cars and the assignments.

I can’t think of a better coffee table book for the car enthusiast who likes his art mixed with a heavy dose of engineering brilliance. show less

This book is GORGEOUS. Its oversized, glossy pages are packed with color photos and cutaways. The level of detail and realism that Kimble achieves in his drawings is amazing, and I couldn’t help but linger on each page to marvel over his skill. Getting to see the various stages of the cutaway process was very cool, and it was interesting to learn what techniques and tools are used (like that the color is airbrushed, or that the drawings are done in separate layers).

Admittedly, I love the show more look of cars (especially old ones), but I don’t actually know much beyond driving and maintaining them, so some of the descriptions/terms went right over my head. I still really enjoyed the book though, and I think anyone, ranging from those just curious about cars or drawings to full out car enthusiasts, would appreciate reading this. show less

As a kid I always wanted to get a pair of the x-ray glasses I saw advertised in the comic books, but I knew they wouldn’t work. I was jealous of Superman and his ability to see through things without any problem, except for lead that is. I had dreams where if I just focused enough I could actually look into things, but they were jut dreams.
But David Kimble must have had the same dream. He must have known early in life that he not only wanted to be able to look into objects, but he figured show more out how. He not only accomplished this feat of superhuman ability, but now he shares not only the outcome but also the techniques he used to be able to do this trick.
In DAVID KIMBLE’S CUTAWAYS we see the result of years of study and training and determination. With this book, Mr. Kimble dazzles us not only with his automotive artwork, but he takes us behind the scenes and details just how he accomplishes this magic.
The art itself is fantastic. You’ve seen it in Motor Trend and Road and Track magazines to name just two sources, as well as in dealerships across the country for the past half-century. He is the go to guy for this type of work and the reason is on display here.
This is a fascinating book that not only is full of his illustrations (including cutaways of engines, motorcycles, cruise ships and some hot rods) but information that surrounds each illustration and tells much about the master holding the pencil. This is a must buy for any motor head out there, even if you just dream of cars. show less