Page 4 - GMC Vintage RVing Spring 2016

Principles ofGMC Paint Scheme DesignBY BYRON SONGER | LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY | PREVIOUS OWNER OF 1978 ROYALEEDITOR’S NOTE: On two occasions Byron has presented seminars at GMCMI conventions regarding his knowledge of the principles ofGMC paint scheme design. He was asked to share this knowledge with the entire GMCMI membership through GMC Vintage RVing.Basic Shape of the GMC MotorHome DesignBasic Shape of GMC Motorhome DesignThe BasicsOver the brief years of production, the paint schemes of the GMC Motorhome went from a very simple, minimalist design of the first years to the ’77 and ’78 designs of the Kingsley, Palm Beach and Eleganza II. This standardized design, which I consider to be mature and yet conservative, has proven to stand thetest of time. Why? It provides a varietyof harmonious colors with it’s use of appropriately sized striping on a body the size of the GMC.I am quick to point out that any design should be one that doesn’t tire the eyes easily. That means the design should provide lasting value by obeying some classic yet artistic concepts. Generally speaking, the more conservative the scheme the more sturdy it will be. As with good art, “the fewer strokes the better.” I’ll also hasten to say that fads should be ignored if you wish your investment in new paint to be enduring.I admit some of the designs I’ve posted on my website aren’t the best; they just exist. However, there are some good ones thatare worthy of note because they do adhere to established design criteria.Think It OutHere’s what should be kept in mind when looking for a new scheme. Think “curve”... the predominant feature of the GMC. You’ll not find many sharp angles on the GMC so don’t use them in your designs unless they make some obvious sense or present an obvious reason for being. Also, keep in mind the horizontal nature of the design reinforced by the belt line, the windows and even the wheels. To keep current with the trend in automotive design over the last decade or two, a sense of upward flow toward the rear of the coach may be utilized. Even at this, the more gentle the flow, the more satisfactory it will appear over the long haul (see St. Louis Blues and Larry Erd).What Color?Color isn’t objective when it comes to personal preferences. However, coloris subjective when it comes to dealing with more than one. Consider the color wheel: There are a variety of schemes;complimentary, triads, tetrads, analogous, and monochromatic.How Many Colors?The general design rule is to use an even number for a sense of balance and an odd number for a sense of dynamism. The trick in understanding this concept has to do with how much of the basic body tone is exposed to view. If there is a great deal then it is permissible to not count this as one of the colors.Monochromatic or analogous schemes also lend themselves to a satisfactory design with, perhaps, only one accent color that serves as a contrasting element. What is a contrasting element? It canbe a simple stripe or a graphic image. Whatever it is, it should be of one color or present an overwhelmingly predominant color (see Passion Royale and Hoosier Arrow).The Cockpit WindowThe curious challenge is what to do with the transition from the cockpit window to the other windows. The living area and bedroom windows as well as the door and exit window are all of the same4 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COMALLOYS ALLOYSThe ContemporaryALLOYSLarry and Sally Erd | Lake Wales, FloridaHoosier ArrowALLOYSPassion RoyaleALLOYSALLOYSALLOYSALLOYSALLOYS