Pebble Beach, CA, 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 […]
Pebble Beach, CA, 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.
