Young airbrush whiz creates truly moving art

Jonathan Mercado is the creator of moving art. Sometimes it is moving 75 miles per hour.

Just 18, Mercado is already gaining a Renaissance-sized reputation airbrushing images, lettering and pinstriping on cars, trucks and almost anything with wheels. He incorporates Latino themes from low rider art such as el Dia de los Muertos and la Virgen of Guadalupe. He is proficient in the pinstriping styles of squirreling and fine lines.

Mercado said he appreciates all the attention he has gotten, but makes it clear that he thinks he has a long way to go before he would consider himself great.

“Artists are our worst critics,” he said. “I started finding out that I’m a perfectionist.”

Mercado, a graphic design major, paints at a body shop called Imperial Beach Auto. He said he enjoys collaborating with the owners of the cars to come up with art that everyone is happy with. Like many talented artists, he is not primarily motivated by money.

“I don’t pay attention to the pay,” said Mercado. “I take my time on my work to make the costumer happy. If they are happy, then I’m happy.”

As he grew up Mercado’s interest in cars also grew.

Mercado encountered live pinstriping while attending a car show on Third Avenue in Chula Vista when he was 14. Kong, a pinstriping artist at the event, left Mercado in awe and inspired him to try.

Besides Kong, Mercado said he looks up to pinstriping masters Mike Lamberson and Danny D.

Mercado said he started to gain real confidence when Danny D told him he had talent.

“Many people told me that my work was good, but I did not believe them,” he said. “Hearing top painter Danny D say my work was top notch made me think it must actually be true.”

Mercado participates in many charity events, donating his work to fund raise money for deserving organizations.

“I really enjoy what I do,” he said. “If you stay humble, you get more in return.”

Raul Espinoza, Mercado’s SWC airbrush instructor, said he is confident about Mercado’s talents and abilities. He said Mercado could be a standout artist in many disciplines other than automotive design.

Mercado should be working on larger projects, Espinosa said, and vary his work to further develop his talent.

“He is young and he is probably at the right place at the right time,” Espinoza said. “As he gets older he will probably develop new horizons.”

Gabby Aligada, an SWC airbrush student, said Mercado is an honest artist.

“He is a guy who truly enjoys his art,” said Aligada. “ People who enjoy the art produce the most amazing pieces.”

Aligada said Mercado is a friendly and humble classmate who encourages others. Mercado’s humility and desire will help him to improve, Aligada said.

Espinoza agreed and said Mercado has a bright future no matter what he does. Walls and canvas beckon, but right now Mercado is all about cars.

Mercado–and his art–are on roll.