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Diesel and the art of sketching trucks

A diesel technician at the family business Shepparton Diesel, artist Brett Sullivan makes trucks shine in his detailed drawings.

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Brett Sullivan is a diesel technician by day. But on evenings and weekends he draws trucks in a studio at his home at Shepparton, Victoria.

Brett’s clients seek him out because of his attention to detail, and the way he makes their trucks shine on paper.

“A lot of people have enquired about my chrome pencil. It’s actually made up of probably 15 to 20 different shades of different colours,” Brett says.

There is no shortage of shiny trucks in Shepparton, but Brett has received many commissions from interstate. His truck drawings hang on walls as far away as South Australia and Queensland.

Brett Sullivan at work as a diesel technician.

After finishing school Brett worked for his parents’ business, Shepparton Diesel, as a diesel injection technician. His parents have retired and now Brett runs the business with his wife Tracey.

In January 2017 Brett rekindled his childhood passion for drawing trucks, initially as an outlet for rest and relaxation. His early attempts impressed friends and family who spread the word about his skill. His Facebook page ‘Sullivan Sketching’ and Instagram account @sullivansketching have helped build a fan base. “Now I’ve got 15 orders to do and daily enquiries.”

Each artwork takes between 15 and 30 hours to complete, depending on the size of the drawing and the amount of chrome on the truck.

But somehow Brett also manages to volunteer his time and skill for some great causes, including the recent Great Southern Hearts Drive for Life which helped drought-affected families. His drawing of Kenworths owned by the two organisers, Glenn ‘Yogi’ Kendall and Peter Wright, raised $1000 for drought relief in an online auction.

Brett demonstrated his ability for Owner//Driver when we called in at Shepparton Diesel recently.

Watch our video to see Brett draw a shiny hubcap, complete with reflections, contrast and shades.

And read our full article in the November issue of Owner//Driver.

Video: Tamara Whitsed

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