Stripes & Graphics: Ken Klim

Along with the 4-by-8s, storefront signs and truck lettering jobs at his sign shop, Ken Klim has always done plenty of pinstriping—and automotive art. Though trained as an architectural designer, he is a self-taught sign painter, pinstriper and fine artist. He has been in the sign business since 1985.

Now 70, Ken has always had a love for cars and automotive art. In his free time, he paints cars—usually portions of cars—on canvas with acrylics. Over the years he developed a love for photorealism and how it can showcase the beauty of the details of certain vehicles.

“I’ve always done some fine art,” Ken says, “but in 2008 I started doing the car projects. I was ready for something new and thought it might make a good niche for me. I have over 20 paintings in the shop now, and I’ve sold some, too.