AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (March 11, 2009) – Automotive Fine Arts Society founding member, Bill Motta, will debut his most recent work, “Memories of ?” during the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance March 13-15 in Amelia Island, Fla. The painting, which was designed to engage, intrigue and mystify, is a 24” x 36” oil on canvas. The original painting will be available during the 14th annual AFAS Amelia Island art show, which is sponsored by Mazda North America. In Motta’s masterpiece, a youthful face is reflected in the soft glow of a pair of prewar racecars. The competition cars are not identified, […]
AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (March 11, 2009) – Automotive Fine Arts Society founding member, Bill Motta, will debut his most recent work, “Memories of ?” during the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance March 13-15 in Amelia Island, Fla. The painting, which was designed to engage, intrigue and mystify, is a 24” x 36” oil on canvas. The original painting will be available during the 14th annual AFAS Amelia Island art show, which is sponsored by Mazda North America.
In Motta’s masterpiece, a youthful face is reflected in the soft glow of a pair of prewar racecars. The competition cars are not identified, giving the piece an even greater air of mystery.
“Art should stir the soul and challenge the imagination,” said Motta. “So I created a painting that would prompt a series of questions. Who is the girl? Why is she with these two particular racecars? Did she by chance drive them? Is she lost in love with the owners, the drivers or the beautiful machines? The answers can only be drawn from the mind of the person enjoying the painting.”
Motta has been a favorite at the Amelia Island Concours since the event began. One year, he was commissioned to create the official Concours artwork, which was used for the program cover, event poster and marketing materials. In March 2007, Motta took home the coveted “Mazda Award” at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance with “The World’s Fastest Toys.” The winning piece depicts wind-up toy cars and motorcycles racing side by side in a heated contest.
Motta’s paintings hang in both private and corporate collections worldwide, including those owned by Alfa Romeo, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Road & Track, Rolls-Royce and Subaru. He was commissioned to create the artwork for various Concours d’Elegance posters, including Pebble Beach, Meadowbrook Hall, Newport Beach and the Villa d’Este Concours at Lake Como in Italy. Motta was the first AFAS member asked to conduct an individual show at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. He helped pioneer the concept of a permanent “Art Wall” exhibit at the museum in 2005.
As a founding member of the AFAS, Motta continues to work with artists around the world to elevate the quality of automotive art and further promote its appreciation. He retired from Road & Track after 18 years as the Art Director and was the Art Director of Road & Track’s Special Division for another 20 years. Motta continues to contribute artwork as an independent consultant for the magazine.
Motta is a native of California and a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He resides in Newport Beach, California, with his wife Margit.
