Automotive Fine Arts Society’s 23rd Annual Art Show a Hit at 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Artist Stanley Rose Captures Top Honors at the 2008 Exhibit
Pebble Beach, Calif. – August 28, 2008 – Demand for automotive fine art was strong as the Automotive Fine Arts Society experienced solid sales and attendance during their 23rd annual art exhibit at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. Stanley Rose headlined the award winners by capturing the prestigious Peter Helck Award for his stunning painting, “Nuvolari.” Sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company, the amazing art show on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links included automotive subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“The Pebble Beach Concours was once again the world’s ultimate gathering of classic cars and astute auto enthusiasts,” said Ken Eberts, president of AFAS. “We experienced an amazing flow of visitors throughout the day and received rave reviews of our latest works. Thanks to events like the Pebble Beach Concours, the demand for automotive fine art continues to grow across the globe.”
The organization’s top honor, the Peter Helck Award, went to Rose’s “Nuvolari.” The 40″ x 40″ oil on canvas painting featured racing legend Tazio Nuvolari and the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider. The amazing 8C 2300 Spider was the star of Alfa Romeo’s racing stable during the 1930s. Nuvolari piloted the Alfa to victories at the famous Targa Florio road race in 1931 and 1932. The award is given annually to the artist whose work represents what his fellow artists believe is the pinnacle of automotive fine art. Rose also won the Lincoln Award for his elegant display of original works.
“I’m proud to receive these high honors for a painting that commemorates a pair of vintage racing icons,” noted Rose. “The inspiration for this piece came from seeing a stunning Alfa Romeo 8C on the field during the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours. I was mesmerized by the flawless mechanical detail of the front wheel suspension and brake system, which I highlighted in the painting. The image of this unique car offered a perfect setting for a portrait of Tazio Nuvolari, who was quite familiar with the Alfa 8C.”
Receiving Awards of Excellence for original pieces at the 2008 show were Eberts, Larry Braun, Peter Hearsey, Jay Koka and Richard Pietruska.
For 23 years, AFAS artists have earned significant praise at the Pebble Beach Concours and are widely acknowledged as the premier automotive artists in the world. The AFAS will showcase new automotive depictions during their 14th annual exhibit at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March 2009.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
AFAS To Dazzle Enthusiasts With 23rd Annual Art Exhibit During The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours
Pebble Beach, Calif. – August 14, 2008 – Members of the renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society will return to the shores of the Pacific on Sunday, August 17, 2008, for their 23rd annual art show during the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company, the exhibit will join the world’s premier vintage automobiles on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. The AFAS is comprised of automotive artists from all corners of the globe who create subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of AFAS, and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate that incredible milestone than at the world’s most renowned automotive event,” said Ken Eberts, president of the AFAS. “The Pebble Beach Concours has been instrumental to the growth of automotive fine art, as thousands of enthusiasts are introduced to our works during the event each year. We’re honored to have been associated with this amazing celebration for over two decades and look forward to many more years of participation.”
Lincoln, which has sponsored the Pebble Beach AFAS exhibit since 1996, will do so again this year. The American automaker will display a new 2009 Lincoln MKS as well as a classic 1940 Lincoln Continental at the AFAS tent. Lincoln will also sponsor the group’s annual Saturday afternoon reception on August 16, which has become a popular destination for celebrities and industry leaders.
Featured marques at the 58th Annual Pebble Beach Concours will be the Italian duo of Lancia and Lamborghini. The Concours will also celebrate the 100th Anniversary of General Motors. Other recognized classes will include early London to Brighton Veteran Car Run participants as well as pre and post war preservation cars. Charles Maher was commissioned to create the official Concours art and Barry Rowe was chosen to design the Tour d’Elegance poster this year.
“We’ll unveil some exciting new pieces at Pebble Beach this year,” added Bill Motta, vice-president of the AFAS. “Each AFAS member works tirelessly to bring fresh, never-before seen artwork to impress the Concours crowd. Many of the artists will also browse the incredible display of vintage automobiles surrounding the art show tent in search of inspiration for their next painting or sculpture.”
AFAS members will display and sell original artwork and limited edition prints during the Concours, as well as signed copies of the AFAS book, “AFAS: A Celebration of Automotive Art,” that was debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2005. It records the history, artists and pieces created by AFAS members since the organization’s inception in 1983.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at 214.520.3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
“Yellow Voisin” To Celebrate Elegance And Friendship During The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours
Pebble Beach, Calif. – August 8, 2008 – Nicola Wood, one of the world’s most notable automotive artists and a member of the renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society, will debut her latest painting, “Yellow Voisin,” during the 23rd annual AFAS art show at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. The 24″ x 30″ oil on canvas celebrates a close friendship between the French-built Voisin and Delahaye motorcars. The AFAS is comprised of automotive artists from across the globe who create subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“For true car aficionados, vehicles are not just machines of moving parts and metal,” noted Wood. “Rather, they’re pieces of our lives that take on individual personalities and charm. These two vehicles, which are bound together in a quiet world of beautiful color, are a personification of that sentiment.”
Set against an azure Summer sky, the yellow Voisin and red Delahaye are swirled in white satin next to a glistening turquoise pool. Born from an aviation background, the Voisin marque was known for being lightweight and aerodynamic. A brand initially designed for the affluent, the Voisin marques featured gracious moving lines and were powered by four, six or 12 liter engines. Only a few Voisins survive today and several were recently featured during the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours. The stunning Delahaye highlighted in the piece was also the subject of Wood’s famous “Delahaye in Death Valley” painting.
“So few of these elegant Voisins still exist today,” added Wood. “Bringing it together with its French counterpart in my painting was like reuniting two old friends. I feel that each one has a story to tell. That’s why I gave them the perfect pool side setting where the two glamorous French models share a quiet, contemplative Summer moment.”
Wood has achieved international acclaim for her romantic oil paintings, which often combine famous individuals, places and period automobiles. She has given a one-woman show in New York at SoHo’s Goldstrum Gallery as well as a major retrospective at the Petersen Automotive Museum in a venture sponsored by Cadillac.
Born in Northern England, Wood studied classical art at the Royal College of Art in London, graduated with first class honors and received a Fulbright Scholarship to Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her studio is located in Los Angeles. More information is available at www.nicolawood.com.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
Lincoln Returns As Sponsor Of 23rd Annual Automotive Fine Arts Society Exhibit At Pebble Beach
Revered American Automaker to Celebrate, “Lincoln – Then and Now”
Pebble Beach, Calif. – August 5, 2008 – For the 13th consecutive year, the Automotive Fine Arts Society will welcome Lincoln as the sponsor of their renowned exhibit during the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008, in Pebble Beach, Calif. The art show will include automotive subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“Lincoln‘s sponsorship is crucial to our annual PebbleBeach exhibit, and we’re looking forward to another wonderful Concours weekend with them,” noted Ken Eberts, president of AFAS. “With their support, the reception and art show have become favorites among Concours visitors. This year, we will honor Lincoln‘s impeccable design by showcasing past and present models as well as an amazing painting by John Francis Marsh that celebrates the marque.”
Lincoln will also sponsor the AFAS cocktail party on August 16, from 4-6:30 p.m. The invitation-only reception will include a sneak peek at numerous AFAS masterpieces, awards and a special presentation by the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.
John Francis Marsh was chosen to create this year’s sponsor piece, which will be unveiled during the reception. His painting, “Lincoln – Then and Now,” features a 2009 Lincoln MKS next to a 1940 Lincoln Continental, showcasing the rich heritage of Lincoln design.
“It’s an honor for Lincoln to sponsor the Automotive Fine Arts Society,” said Peter Horbury, Ford Executive Director, Design, The Americas. “The artists of the AFAS are wonderfully passionate about art and design and their work should be celebrated. They remind all of us that automobiles are more than just transportation – they are rolling sculptures we should all fall in love with.”
Each year, Lincoln honors an AFAS member with the prestigious “Lincoln Award” for the most elegant artwork. A panel of judges chooses five “Award of Excellence” recipients before announcing the prestigious, “Peter Helck Award.” Named after one of the founding members of AFAS, the “Peter Helck Award” is given to the artist whose work most completely represents what his fellow artists believe is the pinnacle of automotive fine art.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
Artist Bill Neale’s Stirring Homage To Racing Champ Fangio To Be Unveiled At Pebble Beach Concours
Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 31, 2008 – Bill Neale, a founding member of the renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society, will unveil several new paintings including “Fangio’s D50 Lancia/Ferrari” at the 23rd annual AFAS art show at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. Neale’s spectacular works, such as his stunning salute to the five time world champion driver, will be a highlight of the annual show on the fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links in an exhibit sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company.
“I had the good fortune to meet Juan Manual Fangio many years ago,” said Neale. “Like so many of the truly great drivers, he was a gracious gentleman outside the race car but a real lion behind the wheel. He was as impressive an individual as he was a sportsman, which is why I wanted to create a painting that celebrated him doing what he loved most.”
Argentinean Juan Manuel Fangio, often called “El Maestro” (“the Master”) dominated the first decade of Formula One racing. He won five F1 championships, which is a record that stood for 46 years, with four different teams including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and Maserati; no one has repeated this accomplishment. Many still consider him to be the greatest driver of all time.
Fangio drove a mighty Mercedes Benz W196 for the Daimler Benz team in 1955, where he won the F1 World Championship. In 1956, Fangio moved to Ferrari to replace Alberto Ascari, who had been killed in an accident. There, he drove the D50 Lancia/Ferrari to his fourth title.
In Neale’s 21″ X 27″ oil painting, Fangio is setting his blood red D50 up for a fast corner. The steely eyed Argentinean looks coolly ahead as he prepares to downshift the five speed transmission and blip the throttle to the 152 c.i.d. high revving V8. With the dominating car set against a sparse background, Neale captures every detail of the suspension, bodywork and pilot while conveying the dynamic fluidity of the moment. The F1 Lancia/Ferrari D50 seems to be tearing off the canvas as it roars toward the next apex.
“Most of Fangio’s major accomplishments as a driver came while in his 40s, which was an age when many racers were retiring,” added Neale. “It’s amazing that he was so dominating when the perception was that racing was a young man’s game. With his ability to control a car on a knife’s edge and push his vehicles so hard without breaking them, he ran rings around men half his age. Even today, the greatest drivers are typically cast as a modern day Fangio when praised for their prowess. But there will never be another Fangio.”
Fangio has been a favorite subject of Neale over the years. Today, two of his other paintings of “El Maestro” hang in the official Fangio museum in Balcarce, Argentina.
As a founding member of the AFAS, Neale’s paintings are treasured centerpieces in many exclusive private and museum collections across the globe. A contributing artist for Car&Driver, Cavallino and Automobile Magazine, he is best known for his private commissions of cars ranging from old Ferraris to the newest models out of Munich, Detroit and Tokyo. Neale resides in Dallas with his wife Nelda.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by calling Luke DeRouen at 214.520.3430 ext. 301 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com (www.tprm-usa.com).
Pebble Beach Concours Taps Barry RoweTo Create 2008 Tour d’Elegance Poster Art
British Artist Honors Legendary Lancia Racer
Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 29, 2008 – Award-winning Automotive Fine Arts Society member, Barry Rowe, was chosen to create the official poster artwork for the 2008 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance. The 11th annual drive will take place August 14, 2008, and trace portions of historic 17-Mile Drive and Highway One. Rowe’s poster captures the beauty and rich tradition of the Tour, while focusing on one of this year’s featured marques, Lancia. The artwork will be on display at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, during the 23rd annual AFAS exhibit on the fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The Lancia depicted by Rowe is the legendary 1954 D24 Sport Spyder, winner of the 1954 Targa Florio in Sicily. He illustrates the Italian racer at speed exiting the historic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, Calif., with brave onlookers cheering and snapping photos. With a 260 horsepower, V6 engine and a top speed of 160 mph, this would have been quite a joy ride in the Lancia spyder.
“As a past participant in the Tour d’Elegance, I can attest that there is no bigger thrill than the dash across the stunning Bixby Bridge in a classic motorcar,” said Rowe. “And the Lancia D24 is truly an iconic racer that has captured the imaginations of enthusiasts for decades. Its meaty front end, complete with a signature air-scoop on the right side, sets a beautiful contrast to the narrow roads on the Tour.”
In addition to the poster, Rowe will display several other originals during the Concours. He salutes the British icon Bugatti with two new paintings, titled “Bugatti Queen” and “Morning Ride.” Rowe will also offer “Lady in Red,” “Teatime Le Mans 1931″ and “Lancias Targa Florio ‘54.”
A native of England, Rowe studied graphic design at the College of Art in Coventry. He worked for several years as an art director in the advertising field before becoming a freelance artist in 1966 in order to pursue his passion for painting automobiles.
His career as a painter began when he won the Sotheby’s Art Award for his portrait of Juan Fangio. This led to commissions from Louis Vuitton of Paris, Royal Mail, Royal Doulton and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Rowe’s Pebble Beach credentials include eight Tour posters, three official Concours posters, six Awards of Excellence and the Lincoln Award in 2006. He also created last year’s official Pebble Beach Concours poster, which featured Aston Martin.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
Artist Richard Pietruska To Unveil Third And Final Piece Of The Famed “Veronique” Series At Pebble Beach
Celebrated Sculptor Will Also Offer Artwork Honoring European Exotics
Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 24, 2008 – Renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society sculptor, Richard Pietruska, will unveil “Veronique XGT: The Next Generation” at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. It is the third and last sculpture from his popular Veronique series that blends the beauty of the automobile with the female form. Pietruska will also offer pieces that celebrate some of the most inspiring designs from Europe’s mightiest names, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Bugatti. The art will be shown at the annual AFAS show on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links in an exhibit sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company.
The third edition Veronique piece is Pietruska’s most extreme yet, featuring hubless wheels, spoilers, various lighting effects and even sound effects. The original Veronique masterpiece earned Pietruska the prestigious Peter Helck award at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours.
“I really tested my boundaries and held nothing back when creating the final Veronique sculpture,” said Pietruska. “In addition to the outrageous design features, ‘Veronique XGT: The Next Generation’ is a tribute to some of my favorite artists like Syd Mead, H.R. Giger, Ernest Trova, Don Potts, Sorayama, Luigi Colani, Rich Parsley and Fritz Lang. They inspired me to push the envelope with my work.”
Joining “Veronique XGT” will be sculptures honoring Aston Martin and Ferrari. The Aston Martin DBR1 and the DB4 sculptures are approximately 12-inches high by 10-inches wide; they are made of cast resin and chrome mounted on a black wrinkled finished steel base. Another in the series of great European designs is a sculpture of the Ferrari 250 TR. This piece is approximately 8-inches high by 10-inches wide in cast resin and chrome mounted on a black wrinkled finished steel base.
“I fell in love with the DBR1 and DB4 when they dazzled the crowds at the Pebble Beach Concours last year, which featured Aston Martin,” noted Pietruska. “These two spectacular models featured curves that caught the breath and represented major milestones in the history of the storied British car maker. My goal was to capture the romance of the rolling works of art in sculptures that also convey a sense of dynamic motion.”
Pietruska will also showcase his talent with “Bugatti Bordeaux,” a detailed work of art that features the luxurious European classic etched into a wine bottle cork.
“I also wanted to create a somewhat whimsical piece that honors a company that reveled in outlandish designs,” added Pietruska. “So I created my smallest sculpture ever by laser cutting a wine bottle cork to form three different pieces or layers that measure 2 1/4 inches long when finished. ‘Bugatti Bordeaux’ has a special cut matt that showcases the sculpture and the Bugatti Logo, which has been changed to BB instead of EB. This limited edition might be the smallest Bugatti sculpture ever made, or at least the smallest ever made from a cork.”
Additional pieces to be exhibited by Pietruska include a large, stainless steel sculpture titled, “Extremely Effervescent,” and a Juan Fangio tribute sculpture.
Lexus also recently commissioned Pietruska to commemorate Chip Ganassi’s three consecutive victories at Daytona in the Riley-Lexus. Celebrated in publications and collections across the world, Pietruska’s influence extends far beyond his art. He has worked for the past three decades as a professor in the Transportation and Product Design Department at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif. Some of his former students include top automotive designers in the U.S. and Japan, as well as head designers at Ford and BMW. More information on Pietruska is available at www.rpmart.com.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by calling Luke DeRouen at 214.520.3430 ext. 301 or lderouen@timepiecepr.com (www.timepiecepr.com).
Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation Selects Winners Of The 6th Kid’s Automotive Art Contest
Foundation Matches Proceeds Raised for the Children’s Organ Transplant Association
GARDENA, Calif. – July 22, 2008 -The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation has announced that Jake Rosenberg Lane and Thomas Belhacene are the Grand Prize winners of the 6th Kid’s Automotive Art Contest. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby and his wife Cleo were joined by Road & Track Editor-in-Chief Thos L. Bryant, Automotive Fine Arts Society members and the auto industry’s top designers at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles in April to pick the winners. The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation matched the $26,000 total raised during the contest, resulting in a $52,000 donation to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA).
“Thanks to our sponsors, partners and some incredible entries, the Kid’s Art Contest was an amazing success,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. “We had a great response from youngsters across the country who proved that the future of automotive design is in good hands. Most importantly, we raised a nice chunk of money for COTA, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children worldwide.”
Sponsored by Wells Fargo and numerous automotive companies, the Kid’s Automotive Art Contest challenged children to draw or paint the car they would like to drive when they grow up. Rosenberg Lane of Pittsburgh won the Kindergarten-8th Grade division with his design, “The Verge,” while Belhacene was awarded the top prize in the 9th-12th Grade category for his futuristic rendering, “Volkswagen Hope.” The two Grand Prize winners each received a $5,000 Series EE U.S. Savings Bond.
“I was blown away by the high level of design acumen and visualization exuded by these young artists,” explained Ken Eberts, president of the Automotive Fine Arts Society. “It took some intense review and debate between the judges to finally pick the winners. It’s reassuring to witness that the passion for automobiles that I had as a kid is alive among today’s youth.”
The judges also selected five first prize winners in smaller categories. Those winners were Starr M. Bradley (K-2), Jessie Zhao (3-4), Jason Hwang (5-6), Caden Jones (7-8) and Naruaki Imaoka (9-12). Each first place winner received a $2,000 Series EE U.S. Savings Bond.
Participating automotive sponsors included Audi, Bentley, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Hummer, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Pontiac, SAAB, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
“We’ve already reached out to our sponsors and partners to start planning next year’s contest,” added Jenni Shreeves, director of the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. “This competition is very important to Mr. Shelby and he was a major advocate of its return. We look to build on the momentum created this year and raise even more money in 2009.”
The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. After undergoing a successful heart transplant in 1990, he established the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. Thanks to the support of the Shelby Companies, Ford Motor Company and loyal fans worldwide, the Foundation is helping children battle life-threatening illnesses and promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation. More information is available at www.cscf.org.
Ken Eberts To Offer Prints Of Award Winning Shelby Cobra Painting At The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours
Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 17, 2008 – Automotive Fine Arts Society president, Ken Eberts, will offer limited edition prints of his award winning painting, “L.A. Scenic,” during the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. The piece, which received an Award of Excellence at last year’s Pebble Beach exhibit, highlights a 1965 427 Shelby Cobra and reflects on the automotive passion that filled the streets of Los Angeles during the 1960s. The 30″ x 40″ giclee prints and several new originals by Eberts will be part of the 23rd annual AFAS Pebble Beach art show, which is sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company.
“‘L.A. Scenic’ is a look back at a time when all a Cobra driver had to worry about was the police officer in front of him,” joked Eberts. “There was plenty of oil, cheap gas at the ‘Flying A’ station and a new Cobra only cost about $6,000. This painting incorporates all of the aspects that made 1960′s Los Angeles such a special place for automotive enthusiasts, including a great collection of ‘60′s classic cars.”
Designed and built by automotive legend Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Cobra entered production in 1962 and took the automotive industry by storm with its unmatched combination of big horsepower and style. Thanks to Mr. Shelby’s obsession with pure performance, the Cobra has become an icon coveted by collectors worldwide.
“When I decided to try and capture the essence of the automobile in LA during the ‘60s, I knew the 1965 Shelby Cobra would be my centerpiece,” said Eberts. “It gained instant acclaim on racing circuits across the world and developed a loyal throng of fans throughout the United States. Carroll Shelby pushed the limits then and he continues to build amazing cars today.”
Joining the sleek, black Cobra in the painting are a 1964 Mercury Comet, 1966 Dodge Polara Police Special, 1934 Ford 3-window coupe hot rod, 1953 Ford pickup, 1960 Chevrolet, 1957 Volkswagen, 1961 Chevrolet 1-ton pickup and a hint of a 1953 Ford sedan. A “Flying A” service station, oil derricks and a smattering of classic Los Angeles smog are also featured in the background. The painting is set on the outskirts of Los Angeles International Airport near the old Shelby American factory.
As the president of the AFAS since its inception in 1983, Eberts is the driving force behind automotive art around the globe, and a testament to its growing interest. He graduated from New York’s High School of Music and Art and the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. After beginning his career as an automotive designer for Ford Motor Company, Eberts started his automotive art profession in 1968. Over the past 40 years, he has produced over 1,200 original paintings that are currently in public and private collections worldwide.
In January, Eberts was commissioned to create the poster and program cover for the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. He also received the renowned Meguiar’s “Treasure of the Hobby Award” in 2005, marking the first time it had been awarded to an automotive artist. In 2003, he was named Ford Motor Company’s official Centennial Artist and was commissioned to create 13 original paintings for a calendar to celebrate Ford’s 100th anniversary.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
Artist Stanley Rose Pays Homage To Man And Machine In His Latest Painting For The Pebble Beach Concours
Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 9, 2008 – Stanley Rose, a member of the renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society, will debut his latest painting, “Nuvolari,” during the 23rd annual AFAS art show at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. The 40″ x 40″ oil on canvas commemorates Tazio Nuvolari and the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider, a pair of vintage racing icons. The AFAS is comprised of automotive artists from across the globe who create subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“The inspiration for this piece came from seeing a stunning Alfa Romeo 8C on the field during the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours,” said Rose. “I was especially mesmerized by the flawless mechanical detail of the front wheel suspension and brake system, which I highlighted in the painting.”
The 8C 2300 Spider, which signified the car’s powerful straight 8-cylinder, 2,336 cubic-centimeter engine, was the star of Alfa Romeo’s racing stable during the 1930s. Racing legend Tazio Nuvolari piloted the 8C 2300 Spider to victories at the famous Targa Florio road race in 1931 and 1932.
“The image of this unique car offered a perfect setting for a portrait of Tazio Nuvolari,” added Rose. “While the relationship was tumultuous at times, Nuvolari’s impact on the Alfa Romeo and Scuderia Ferrari racing teams was profound. This painting is my ultimate tribute to two icons of motorsport.”
A native of England, Rose studied fine art in the United Kingdom between 1965 and 1970, earning his B.A. Hons Degree. A year later, he received his post-graduate teacher’s certificate from the University of Birmingham. From 1972 to 1984, he taught in schools and adult education centers throughout the United Kingdom before moving to France to paint full time.
Rose’s studio is located in a 14th century chateau in the heart of Burgundy, France, which also houses a collection of Hispano Suiza. He captured the prestigious Peter Helck award at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours and the Lincoln Award in 2002. Rose became an AFAS member in 1999.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
