Photography by Kenny Kroeker and courtesy Ron Gibbs
Pinstriping—the art of running a thin, animal-hair brush down the side of a car with machine-like precision—has become a cornerstone of automotive customization. It’s a craft that demands years of dedication, relentless practice, and a commitment to betterment every stroke. Among a select group of world-renowned artists, Ron Gibbs stands out as a master, known for his impeccable and intricate work.
Like many creatives, his success stems from a combination of talent and passion. His extensive catalogue of work showcases his skill, but the respect his name commands speaks volumes about his dedication. Gibbs’ beginnings were humble, rooted in a love for model cars. Customizing scale hot rods was a favorite pastime, allowing his imagination to run wild while his skills worked to keep pace. With a father managing a local Ford dealership and a brother who was a dedicated race car fan, a love for wheels and motors ran deep in the Gibbs family.
“My heart was always into custom cars and trucks” he recalls. He eagerly describes how he devoured every book and magazine he could find, determined to learn everything about the craft of building custom vehicles.
His first vehicle, a van purchased during the height of the Vannin’ era, became the perfect canvas for practice. Once he was satisfied with his work on his own van, he began painting for friends. Eager to hone his craft, he worked on anything he could get his hands on, drawing inspiration from the legends of the era—George Barris, Gene Winfield, and the iconic “Big Daddy” Ed Roth.
His talent quickly became apparent, and his determination drove him to elevate his hobby into a full-fledged career. Reflecting on his decades of work, The 1999 SEMA Show marked a pivotal moment in Gibbs’ career, where Ford Corporate commissioned him to paint three Focus models. One of these, a striking flamed version, became a centerpiece of the show, earning significant recognition.
Iwata Airbrushes and House of Kolor quickly recognized Gibbs’ talents, and their collaborations opened doors to even greater opportunities to showcase his work. While SEMA projects continued to roll in, they were just the beginning. To date, he has worked on over 25 collaborations with nearly every major OEM. Gibb’s became known as the Canadian painter. Some even call him the Canadian Ed Roth.
“I try to incorporate as much of my Canadian roots into my work as I can.” Fittingly, he has had the opportunity to create several military tributes in Canada, including a remarkable piece on the Highway of Heroes for GM Canada.
His humility has been instrumental in building lasting relationships with the same legends he admired in his youth. Over the years, he has worked with industry legends like Gene Winfield, Jack Roush, and Jay Leno, continuing to build lasting relationships with those he once admired from a far. While he’s deeply rooted in automotive art, vehicles are far from his only canvas. From custom-painted guns to intricate designs on hockey goalie masks, he finds immense reward in tackling the unique challenges his clients present.
“There are [often] painters who do pinstriping, or painters who airbrush, but few who do both,” he says of his own versatility. Whether he’s painting flames down the side of a Willys coupe or creating a highly detailed portrait of a mare, Gibbs is equally at home. His talent spans a wide range, capturing everything from the subtle expressions in a portrait to the dynamic energy of a high-paced auto race.
Gibbs’ technical talents are matched by his boundless imagination. In 2019, he let his creativity soar with a piece created for a fundraiser benefiting Katrina Moller. The artwork features a 1967 Mustang floating through space, accompanied by an astronaut. The artwork is packed with intricate details, including a remarkably photo-realistic reflection in the astronaut’s helmet. Positioned in the top left corner, the Mustang has all the details of a show car with the surrealism of rocket boosters.
Despite the many accolades to his name, Gibbs remains remarkably grounded. He credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Nancy. “She’s my biggest supporter,” he says, noting how her outgoing personality complements his more reserved demeanour. Initially unfamiliar with the car world, she embraced his dedication and has since become well-known among his friends.
Gibbs was also able to share his love for cars with his son, Jamie. A fan of sports, Superman, Marvel comics, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Back to the Future, Jamie inspired his father to paint a mural based on the Michael J. Fox classic. If all of his artwork were displayed in one gallery, the Back To The Future tribute would hold a prominent spot.
His grandson has also shown a love for automobiles. “He was a car guy from the day he was born,” Gibbs laughs. Naturally, he has the best-painted soapbox derby racer of any kid his age.
Gibbs takes well-deserved pride in paving the way for other Canadian artists. Often referred to as the “Canadian Rat Fink,” he hopes his journey will serve as inspiration for other talented creatives in Canada.
What began as learning to “drag the line” has evolved into a journey that connects Gibbs with new people and stories. Travel has become a constant—and incredibly rewarding—part of his life. The people he meets are just as important to him as the art he creates.
“I’m just a car guy who’s been feeding my passion,” he says. Yet, to those who know his work, Ron Gibbs is much more than that—he’s an artistic icon who now stands alongside the greatest in the field.
With profound sorrow, Ron’s son James John Royston’s (Jamie) passed away since this interview. He fought valiantly against aggressive brain cancer for two and a half years before peacefully passing at home on June 23, 2024, surrounded by his family. We extend our sincere condolences.