CARMEL, Calif. – August 14, 2019 – Jim Dietz, an award-winning artist and member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS), will show several pieces of original art saluting the men and machines of World War I in the group’s exhibit at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel. The free exclusive car art show, entitled “Old Masters at the New Masters,” runs from Saturday, August 10ththrough Sunday, August 18th.
Mr. Dietz has long merged his enthusiasm for the automotive form with his interest in the history of mechanized warfare. In four of the exhibited works at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel, that enthusiasm is magnified. Both “Hats in the Ring” and “On the Edge” depict the highs and lows of World War I aviation, while “View from the Chateau” and “Opportune Rendezvous” provide attendees a gritty, granular view from the ground.
Dietz’s attention to detail is unsurpassed, but the details don’t overshadow the very real tension in all four artistic exercises. And for an audience who may only know World War I from watching Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, the narrative is far more immediate than that war’s recent centenary would imply.
“My goal is to tell the story of the brave men grappling with the transformation of warfare caused by these new mechanized weapons,” said Dietz. “Not only did they push the technology envelope, they had to rethink the concepts of strategy and tactics on every level. Many of my pieces explore this unique transition in a very emotional, dramatic way.”
Mr. Dietz is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design and enjoyed a successful illustration career in both Los Angeles and New York. While having produced work ranging from automotive ads to movie posters and book covers, Dietz gradually shifted from commercial illustration to historical aviation and military art. Beyond his membership in the Automotive Fine Arts Society, Dietz has been a member of the World War I Aviation Historical Hall of Fame and an Artist Fellow of the American Society of Aviation Artists.
Awards won and recognition earned by Mr. Dietz are too numerous to reference, but include ‘Best in Show’ at the EAA Aviation Art Show, Naval Aviation Museum Art Show, and Women in Aviation Show. More of his work can be seen at www.autoartgallery.com.
The AFAS exhibit opens at the New Masters Gallery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10and 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.
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.
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