The Automotive Fine Arts Society was once again a main attraction at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16th as enthusiasts and art collectors swarmed the AFAS tent searching for their favorite cars on canvas.
British artist Nicola Wood captured the prestigious Peter Helck Award, while AFAS president Ken Eberts was honored with the Lincoln Award. Awards of Excellence were given to Ken Dallison, Jim Dietz, Stanley Rose, Peter Hearsey and Barry Rowe during the 24th annual Pebble Beach art show.
“We produced one of the largest exhibits in our 24-year run at Pebble Beach, with over 20 artists bringing new works,” said Eberts. “And the crowds were wonderful. It’s inspiring to witness the passion for fine automobiles and motoring still strong during these uncertain economic times.”
The organization’s top honor, a peer award named for the late artist Peter Helck, went to Wood’s stunning oil painting, “Ferrari 512 S.” Wood’s painting features the 1970 Ferrari 512 S (Chassis No. 1006) on display at a West Coast concours in front of a set of glass doors, where attendants can be seen peering at the Italian racer. Focusing on the famous race car is a departure from her traditional style of French pre-war classics.
“I’ve always painted cars that I like and that make me happy, which has led me to focus more on 
classic French marques like Delahaye and Bugatti,” explained Wood. “But when I laid eyes on this Ferrari racecar at a concours a few years ago, I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s an honor to win the Peter Helck Award for such a daring, unconventional piece.”
Eberts earned the Lincoln Award for his painting “Ray’s 540K.” The 30” x 40” watercolor and gouache piece focuses on a stunning 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Scherr. The Lincoln Award is presented annually by Lincoln to the painting the judges feel is the most elegant. Lincoln has sponsored the AFAS Pebble Beach exhibit for 14 consecutive years.
“The AFAS is grateful to Lincoln for their support of automotive fine art over the years,” noted Eberts. “And I’m honored that they chose my new 540K painting as the most elegant at Pebble Beach.”
[Source: AFAS]
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