Pebble Beach, CA, 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.