Pebble Beach, CA, 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.