Keith Harding’s passion for vintage cars, his automotive drawing skills, and his love for surfing culture have come together in a distinct art style that evokes the carefree spirit of 1960s and 70s California beach vibes.

Several of Harding’s vibrant paintings are on display at the pop-up gallery in Whakatāne.

The Arts Collective exhibition, which opened just before Christmas, features the work of 55 artists. It’s a must-visit for art fans, offering a dynamic range of styles – including Harding’s bold, colourful pieces that capture the essence of vintage cars and surf culture.

Harding’s work features Kombis, Chevys, and other classic vehicles from the 60s and 70s, often with surfboards stacked on top. His larger pieces are acrylic on canvas, while smaller works are created with spirit-based markers and acrylic-based “shine and sparkle”, giving them a distinctive, lively feel.

“I love rusty old cars, I love V-Dubs, and I obviously surf and adore the old-school longboards,” Harding said.

“I reckon I grew up in the wrong era – I should’ve been in 60s and 70s California, surrounded by big old woodies and V-Dubs.”

Harding’s art not only reflects his passion for his favourite era but also showcases his versatility. “It’s not just about cars. I love the graffiti, Pop Art, and caricature style. Nothing is realistic with me.”

Describing himself as a bit of a nomad, Harding explains that art is his way of finding freedom.

“I’m always searching for the next buzz. My art gives me the freedom to express myself. I just get lost in it.”

His journey as an artist began with automotive illustrations, selling prints at the Beach Hop – an annual festival celebrating 1960s and 70s culture.

Though he enjoyed the experience, Harding found that the costs of selling art didn’t match the returns. However, he refined his skills during this time, drawing portraits, or caricatures, of people in their cars, and picking up commissions.

“I’d do granddad hanging out of his Chevy truck,” he recalls.

But pleasing clients proved difficult. “I had clients come back and say, ‘my husband’s not that bald.’ I’d show them the photos and say, ‘actually, he is.’”

After growing frustrated with the pressures of this line of work, Harding made a shift in his art, finding happiness and freedom in his new direction.

“I’m doing what’s in my head now. I feel free, and I’m expressing myself in a way that doesn’t come with too much pressure.”

Harding’s work can be seen at the Arts Collective pop-up gallery, located in the old Dick Smith building at the lower end of The Strand next to Robert Harris.

He also has an Instagram page featuring his art at keithhardingart and it is on Facebook, Keith Harding Art.

The exhibition is attracting more than 100 visitors daily and runs until January 24. It is a collaboration between Arts Whakatāne, Whakatāne Arts and Crafts, and the Arts Forum Charity Trust.