Words: Rory FH Smith
For the real petrolhead gentlemen among us, 4-wheeled fixations extend beyond the driveway and garage. They out themselves at every possible occasion and, more noticeably, on every available household surface in the form of automotive artwork.
Whether you’re longing to be transported back to the charismatic chaos of a 1930s Grand Prix while daydreaming in the office, or prefer to see your pride and joy mapped out on the kitchen wall, here are 5 automotive artists that are sure to liven up your living room.
JAMES HART DYKE
While working as Aston Martin’s artist-in-residence during the build up to the company’s centenary year in 2013, Hart Dyke painted everything from Sir Stirling Moss piloting a 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1 to watercolours of the production line in Gaydon.
POPBANGCOLOUR
Using just radio-controlled cars and tyres to create his artworks, Ian Cook, or PopbangColour as he’s more widely known, takes a slightly more unconventional look at the automotive world. Cook has created numerous artworks and commissions including a giant painting of racing legend Ayrton Senna and a custom designed wrap for Lord Pembroke’s Bugatti Veyron.
DAN GWINNETT
Dan Gwinnett’s career in the artistic side of the automotive world started with repairing vintage motorcycles in his father’s garage while he was still in short trousers. After moving on to graphic design in the 1960s, he now specialises in automotive portraiture and private commissions, with the aim of capturing the character and historical presence of many a beloved motor.
SILVER ARROWS PROJECT
When artist Jan Rambousek and creative director Tomas Kopecny started work in 2012, they wanted to bring the untamed nature of 1930s motorsport back to life in the 21st century. Named the Silver Arrows Project, this Prague-based duo set about recreating historic Mercedes and Auto Union moments from 12 Grand Prix races in the 1930s, using computer-generated imagery and super-high resolution photography.
TIM LAYZELL
As one of the best-known names in the automotive art industry, Tim Layzell’s ‘pop art’ style paintings are a familiar and unmistakable sight for many motorsport fans around the world. Taking inspiration from the cars that raced between the 1930s and 1970s, Layzell’s nostalgic artworks aim to recreate some of the greatest historic moments in what was largely regarded as the golden age of motorsport.
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