CARMEL, Calif. – August 7, 2019 – Charles Maher, an award-winning painter and member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS), will display his original artwork, Juan Manuel Fangio – Maserati 250F, at the group’s exhibit and reception at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel. The free exclusive car show, entitled “Old Masters at the New Masters,” begins on Saturday, August 10th and continues through Sunday, August 18th.
For Mr. Maher, racing has long fueled his enthusiasm for the automotive form; it wasn’t until he went to races that the car bug really bit. Today, sports cars and racing serve as the inspiration for the bulk of his work. Of course, few subjects would be as inspiring as the now-iconic Argentinian, Juan Manuel Fangio, and his 1957 Grand Prix mount, the Maserati 250F.
“I’ve been enamored with the Maserati 250F for quite a while,” noted Mr. Maher, “Fortunately, I have come into contact with several of them over the years. It is one of the enduringly beautiful race cars of all time. I’ve also been a long-time fan of Fangio and his accomplishments. Combining the two, I thought, would make for a compelling piece of art.”
The Nurburgring course has its own history and much of that was made by Fangio in 1957.
“The 1957 race became epic because of Fangio’s effort to overtake Hawthorn and Collins, both driving Ferraris,” said Maher. “Fangio won it while setting nine lap records.”
In the painting, Fangio seems to be aiming the 250F directly at the viewer, while the background creates the feeling of speed and motion. The Fangio/Maserati artwork is painted in acrylic on canvas, and measures 23 inches by 18 inches.
Growing up in Miami, Maher drew his first automotive inspiration at the wheel of his family’s 1955 Chevy Bel-Air. Later, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Notre Dame. Maher has held positions as a designer at Ford Motor Company, art director for a graphics firm and has – most recently – been an independent artist-illustrator-designer, providing design work for, among others. the Bricklin Car Co., Grumman Corp., the K-Mart/Little Caesars NASCAR team, Toyota and Honda.
Mr. Maher’s publishing credits include Automobile Magazine, Road & Track, Racer and Autoweek. Poster art commissions include those from the Concours d’Elegance at Ault Park, Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise and the Meadow Brook Historic Races. More of his artwork can be viewed on the AFAS website: www.autoartgallery.com.
The AFAS exhibit opens at the New Masters Gallery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10 and closes at 5:30. Those hours will continue through Friday, August 16. On Saturday (August 17), the exhibit again opens at 10:00 a.m., while a reception honoring the latest AFAS artists work begins at 4:00 p.m. and concludes at 6:30. The reception has evolved into a popular hotspot for celebrities, art collectors and industry leaders to preview and purchase the latest AFAS pieces. The gallery is located at Dolores St. between Ocean Ave. and 7th St. in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.
Created in 1983 by six artists, the society made its first appearance as a group at the 1986 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Remaining very involved with the Concours, AFAS is comprised of more than 25 incredible artists. All continue to create truly innovative and stunning pieces of automotive art, celebrating most – if not all – automotive genres.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
AFAS was first established in 1983 by a group of artists who are acknowledged by critics to be among the best in their field. Members work in diverse mediums, including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS and its members have participated in select shows across the country, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Dana Point Concours d’Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Additional information about the Automotive Fine Arts Society is available at www.autoartgallery.com.
###