a note from the artist...

          My idea for ArtGuitars was born nearly a decade ago while living in the great city of Chicago.
I was persuing my career as a Fine Artist/Printmaker and enjoying the most vibrant music scene on the planet!  Chicago rocks and the musicians all love this city.
I began some sketches and designs with the theme of Music as my focus.  I hit on this design of two opposing Fender Stratocasters.  The idea to lavishly embellish the guitars was inspired from a recent trip to France and a memorable visit to the Palace of Versailles. "Classic" style meets "Rock" n' Roll, thus "CLASSIC ROCK" was born!   >>>> top right

artist note, continued...

Not long after the creation of "CLASSIC ROCK" came it's partner, "GOTHIC ROCK".

I was having way too much fun with the decorated guitars to quit.
Naturally. I began experimenting with the idea of doing my art on playable instruments.
After years of experimenting with a wide array of materials and techniques I was truly realizing the unlimited possibilities for customizing guitars of unparalled character.
From the use of fabrics to my prized collections of firecracker labels to original artworks... I've developed proven  applications and techniques which allow my creativity to soar!
I enjoy the timeless, nostalgic quality of vintage materials and incorporate them as themes whenever possible.

I  welcome the opportunity to build one for YOU!

ARTGUITARS   
THE STUDIO COLLECTION___________

     Rooted in  Artistic Expression  and  Experimentation, the Studio Collection embraces the evolution and hybridization of this eclectic artform.  The idea of a Custom Guitar takes on a whole new meaning when there are no rules, no roads and no gravity.  Free spirited and ever evolving, ArtGuitars by J.Douglas Vokes is an expanding universe that strives to excites the senses and explore new worlds where no man has gone before.

"FESTIVIDAD"  ArtGuitar #01  First in the "Collage Series." Spanish Artist Monleon created this promotional artwork to highlight the 1935 Fall festival celebration in Valencia, Spain.  Personally, I was moved by the female form and it's perfect proportion to the Les Paul silhouette.              
 THE INSTRUMENT:  Samick by Greg Bennett Avion Electric AV3         MSRP: $3300

"SNEEZEWEED"  ArtGuitar # 02 First in the "Original Art Series" the decorative veneer on this guitar is an Original Hand-Pulled Serigraph created by printmaker, J.Douglas Vokes.
               THE INSTRUMENT: Ibanez Talman Double Cutaway Acoustic/Electric     PRICE: $2800

"CRACKERS"  ArtGuitar #03  Second in the "Collage Series." The decorative veneer on this guitar is made up of original labels from various packs of firecrackers. I have always enjoyed the beauty and humor of this commercial artform and have been an avid collector for years.  The labels used to adorn this guitar are an artful collage from my personal collection.
                        THE INSTRUMENT: Dean Vendetta XM Electric                                 MSRP:  $3200

"THE WELL DRESSED GUITAR" ArtGuitar #04  First in the "Fabric Series." The decorative  embellishments that adorn this guitar were inspired by my fascination with the early steamer trunks made fashionable by the French House of Design, Louis Vuitton.
                             THE INSTRUMENT:  Origins Unknown, Acoustic                          MSRP:  $5500  SOLD

"PANIC ATTACK"   ArtGuitar #05  Second in the "Original Art Series."   The decorative veneer on this guitar is an original serigraph created by printmaker, J.Douglas Vokes. *See Artworks tab for more info.  Note the detail and design of the art as it complements the silhouette and hardware of this Epiphone Les Paul.
              THE INSTRUMENT:   Epiphone Les Paul Special                 MSRP:  $2800 

              

"LEATHER & LACE"  ArtGuitar #06  First in the "Found Objects Series." The decorative embellishments adorning this guitar were collected, created and assembled from my studio parts department of found objects.  The rich ruby red lacquer and contrasting textures of stamped gator leather and aluminum lace pickguard make this a striking piece.   Truly one of a kind.                                              
             INSTRUMENT:  Catalina Srtat Style Electric                                            MSRP:  $2900  

"ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY"   ArtGuitar # 07  Third in the "Original Art Series." The decorative veneer on this guitar is an original serigraph by printmaker, J.Douglas Vokes. Emulating the theme of his original artwork, "CLASSIC ROCK," (*See Artworks tab for more info) the art for "ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY" was designed and created specifically for this classic Epiphone acoustic guitar.
                 THE INSTRUMENT: Epiphone Acoustic 1963 Limited Edition           MSRP:  $3,500  SOLD

Julian Lennon was in attendance at 2010 The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, NYC,   and is now the proud owner of "Acoustic Alchemy"   by J.D.Vokes

"TOBACCO ROAD"  Artguitar #08  Third in the "Collage Series." The decorative elements adorning this guitar are a collage of all original cigar box labels and cigar bands from the artist's personal collection. The gold leaf and raised embossing  add an elegant richness and texture to this piece.
                             THE INSTRUMENT:  Rogue Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric                  MSRP: $2900

"WIZZARD OF OZZ"  ArtGuitar #09  Fourth in the "Original Art Series." The decorative veneer on this SG axe is a an original movie poster from the classic thriller, "HANNIBAL"  - amped up! - with the artist's touches of oil paints.  A wickedly awesome stage guitar - piercing onlookers from 100+ feet away!
                        THE INSTRUMENT:  Austin SG Style Electric                                       MSRP:  $3100

"LONDON CALLING"  ArtGuitar # 10  Fourth in the "Collage Series." The "Beatlesque" silhouette of this classic violin base formed the perfect "canvas"  for this vintage, whimsically illustrated street map of old London - the guitar sides pointing out notable London landmarks.  JDVokes'  creative talent and ability to unify design and instrument are the hallmark of his ArtGuitars pursuits. No better example of this marriage can be seen in "LONDON CALLING."
                                 THE INSTRUMENT: Jay Turser Electric Violin Bass                MSRP:  $4500

"SPANISH LULLABY"  ArtGuitar #11  Fifth in the "Collage Series."  The decorative veneer on this guitar is a  vintage 1940's lithograph depicting an idealic, old-world day along the Mediterranean Sea. 
                   THE INSTRUMENT:  GEM Acoustic                                                MSRP: $1500

"EASY RIDER"  ArtGuitar #12  Second in the "Fabric Series." the embellishments adorning this strat guitar were inspired by the original '68 movie starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. From the worn denim, natural suede fringe and vintage US flag pickguard, this American Original was "Born to be Wild!"
                           THE INSTRUMENT: Austin Strat Style Electric                                MSRP: $3600

"PATCHOULY"   ArtGuitar#13 Third in the "Fabric Series."  The decorative veneer on this guitar is an original (flea market find) vintage 60's textile creation - painstakingly laquered to a glassy finish. The pick guard was left with a subtle texture to add some contrast.  JDVokes' youthful past was often spent with his "antiquing" parents - haunting antique shops, public auctions, flea markets and excavating old american dumpsites for relics from the past. It's no wonder he has a fondness for incorporating  nostalgic elements  in many of his pieces - along with recycling "unloved" instruments.
                             INSTRUMENT:  Carera R Series Strat Style Electric                     MSRP:  $3300

"NASTY CAT STRAT"   ArtGuitar #14  Sixth in the "Collage Series."  The decorative embellishments on this guitar are a collage of all original labels from an assortment of  firecracker packs.  As a professionally trained graphic artist, JDVokes was responsible for creating unique packaging designs and has always had a fondness for the artful and often comical designs associated with these vintage labels. Where's the fuse?!
                   THE INSTRUMENT:  Squier by Fender Strat Style Electric                          MSRP:  $3500

"BULLSEYE!"   ArtGuitar #15   Seventh in the "Collage Series."  The decorative veneer on this guitar is an original, used bow & arrow target  acquired at a barn sale.  The target had been kept from the weather for decades and was salvaged from the trash heap. One glance and Vokes was inspired. Beauty really is in the eye of the Artist!  Painstaking handling of this brittle, crumbling object , JDVokes has transformed it into an eternal jewel.              
     INSTRUMENT:  Schecter Omen 4 Diamond Series Electric Bass     MSRP:  $3500  SOLD 

"SPROCKETS"  ArtGuitar #16    Fifth in the "Original Art Series." The decorative veneer on this guitar is a dynamic, original Oil Pastel Collage. The raised surfaces, pastel textures and vibrant pallet  are undeniably electric!
                           INSTRUMENT:  Davison Les Paul Style Electric                                  MSRP: $3850

"BENTLEY"   ArtGuitar #19   Sixth in the "Original Art Series."  The artistic veneer adorning this vintage instrument is an original 14-color serigraph titled "August Reflections" by printmaker, JDVokes. *See Artworks tab for more info.

INSTRUMENT: Vintage Bentley Acoustic/Electric Model 5051R                        MSRP: $2900

"MUU MUU UKE"  Artguitar #20   Fifth in the "Fabric Series."  This Artguitar Ukelele continues Vokes' love with his "Fabric Series" pieces.  Here, he dresses this Makala Uke in an authentic 1950's women's Hawaiian dress (Muu Muu)  complete with colorful Polynesian tribal pattern.
              INSTRUMENT:  Makala Ukelele                                                                   MSRP: $1,300

"ROAD KILL"   ArtGuitar #21  First in the "Hide Series."  If you happen to see Vokes' ArtGuitars in person, It's hard to resist the temptation to want to touch this beast - which is often the case with many of Vokes' creations.  Textures play a significant role in the artist's work and he strives to coordinate the looks with the feel factor.  Kids of ALL ages wanna know...  "Is That Real?!" 100% Wild American Coyote.  The thrill of experimenting is the joy of art for JDVokes.
        INSTRUMENT:  Washburn Maverick Electric                                        MSRP: $2700  SOLD

"ROCK-A-BILITY"   ArtGuitar #22    Seventh in the "Original Art Series." The decorative veneer on this classic hollowbody jazz guitar is an original oil painting.The scale, proportions and pallet of this graphic design are comfortably well-suited for the silhouette and stylings of this instrument.The artwork wraps around the sides for enhanced detail and dimension.
            INSTRUMENT:  HUSTON CutawayHollowbody Electric                                      MSRP: $3700

"MY LITTLE SURFER GIRL"      ArtGuitar #23   Ninth in the "Collage Series.    No denying... JDVokes is a pushover for vintage pin-up girl art. Prolific artist Gil Elvgren's girls are - by far - Vokes' favorites. This ArtGuitar immortalizes a rare 1960's pin-up lithograph by artist Bill Medcalf.      As the story goes...  Vokes came across this mint condition art - produced as a large-scale promotional calendar - in an antique mall near his home. He was excited to share his vision for the ArtGuitar piece with the owner who listened intently - then flatly denied the sale and wouldn't budge - how dare you desecrate this rare piece of antiquity?!  Be Gone Now!   Vokes then, was forced to send his son on a covert operation to purchase the piece from the discriminating vendor. It took Vokes some time before he was able to pair this up with the perfect guitar silhouette. Vokes worked hard to keep that sexy little foot and tuche within view. An interesting aspect to this ArtGuitar lies in the "angle" in which the guitar is held...  The steeper the angle, the bigger the wave! 
            INSTRUMENT: LARK - MIJ Vintage Les Paul Style Electric                              MSRP: $3400

"REBEL YELL!"   Artguitar #24   Second in the "Hide Series."   As A 50th birthday present from his nephew, "Big Al" Mayer, Vokes took one look at the shape of this BC Rick Warlock and was instantly inspired. As a graphic designer, Vokes has always had an interest in flags and has designed several in his career. It wasn't enough to pull this design off in paint - Vokes leapt  forward and pulled it off in all natural colored leathers, flawlessly and permanently seamed together.
             INSTRUMENT: BC RICH WARLOCK                                                                  MSRP: $3,100I

"AN AMERICAN QUILT"

"HOME ON THE RANGE"   ArtGuitar #26   Third in the "Hide Series."    As an Artist and Designer, JDVokes works with a broad range of materials which fuels the constant flow of creative inspiration."Home On The Range", AKA "Eat More Chicken!" features a natural hair-on cow hide, leather trimmings and one-of-a-kind machined volume and tone knobs, Texas Style!
     INSTRUMENT: KONA KE335 Semi Hollowbody Electric                                MSRP: $3500  SOLD

"CONSTANT CRAVING"   ArtGuitar #28   Seventh in the "Fabric Series."
One Year and over thirty ArtGuitars later...   Vokes' creative spirit and passion for design have surely been rekindled - thanks to this new artform, ArtGuitars by JDVokes. "Constantly Craving" to expand his Universe...   This student model Stella Archtop is another Vokes fabric creation and one of the finest examples of the natural harmony he creates between instrument and artistic vision. More a "Looker" than a player, "Constant Craving" would add an element of rich sophistication to any interior design space.
           INSTRUMENT: Vintage STELLA Archtop Acoustic                          MSRP: $2900

"PORK & BEANS"     ArtGuitar #29     First in the "Relief Series."  
Always a student and admirer of Calligraphy and Typography, Vokes owes the band, WEEZER credit for this verse from the song, "Pork & Beans" hand carved into this instrument - "i do ANYTHING i WAnna DO i ain't Got A THING 2 prove 2 YOU. "The design was originally executed on paper using a vintage collection of printers' woodblocks which Vokes acquired at his favorite flea market.
        INSTRUMENT: OLP ERNIE BALL MUSIC MAN MM4 (SILHOUETTE)           MSRP: $2900

"WILLIE"   ArtGuitar #30   Second in the "Found Objects Series"

I came upon the "wild weed" on the edge of the woods while running the dogs. A quick yank and into the back of the van. Once in the studio, I dried and pressed a bunch of the frawns. The leaves on this Ibanez Acoustic V50 are the actual dried plant - permanently bonded and painstakingly lacquered to an amazingly thin profile. Even upon examination, it's hard to believe it's the actual plant! I lightly burned through the top veneer of the soundboard to create a modeled canvas.

                                                                                                                  MSRP:  $2,900 

"MAGIC BUS"    ArtGuitar #31   Eighth in the "Fabric Series"

Yet another awesome flea market find... the veneer on this classic Epiphone Les Paul Standard was once a pschedelic 60's, Peter Max-ish beadspread!  I can't make this stuff up - I just gotta go with it.  Note how all the elements in this piece play so beautifully off each other in design, form and color. This is the Art in ArtGuitars. The cherry red, cobalt blue and plum purple zones of color have each been amplified with metallic dust to create dazzling dimension. Get on board, baby!

                                                                                                                         MSRP:  $3800    

"DARK SIDE OF THE MOON"   ArtGuitar#32   Second in the "Relief Series"

I don't have the actual weight on this beast, but you're looking at a SOLID classic 70's Crestline (MIJ Made In Japan) Les Paul style archtop electric. The flame pattern was first carved into the solid body. Next, the exposed wood was stained to a fiery burnt orange before installing the metallic green inlay material. This unique and proprietary inlay material is created in-house and was the result of significant R&D while working on the Martin Guitar project.        MSRP:  $2500  

"THE SLASHIN' ASSASSIN"   ArtGuitar #33   Third in the "Relief Series"

         It slices, It dices!         ... Sometimes the creative ideas and design elements require choosing the proper guitar...  and sometimes the guitar does the talking. Well, this Epiphone Goth 1958 Explorer came out screaming in a "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" kinda way!  It knew exactly what it wanted to be when it grew up. Yes, that is an actual 40 inch chainsaw blade embedded into the body of this axe. The routed chanel was stained a rust color to compliment the rusted gears and naturally weathered steel pickguard. The original mat black laquer top was carefully sanded out to a translucent charcoal finish revealing a rustic wood grain.   She's a screamer - Complete with removable "Pull Start" jack ...   just gas her up, plug her in and hang on!     MSRP: $3100

"SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN"  ArtGuitar #34  Ninth in the "Fabric Series"
This Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet with Bigsby provides a rich canvas for this contemporary, silkscreened fabric creation. In addition, hand painted gold leaf  adds a beautiful, highlighted dimension.
*** This look can be recreated on the guitar of your choice! Please inquire.   MSRP: $3,050

COMING SOON!   "PSYCHEDELIC SNAKEBITE!"

"HIPPY FLORAL"  ArtGuitar #36  Fourth in the "Relief Series"

... just completed...   this Baby Taylor Model 305 with Vokes' custom inlay is a stunning jewel.

After numerous prototypes, using Martin Guitar D-28 bodies, Vokes' skill at hand-carving his original designs and  inlaying his unique proprietary materials to exacting standards, allow  this Baby Taylor's tone to shine!            This could be yours - Please call for pricing!