Automotive Fine Arts Society founding member, Bill Neale, captured Mazda’s “The Emotion of Motion Award” for his painting, “Aston Martin and Friend,” during the 14th annual AFAS art show at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. 
The painting features a stunning 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato below a soaring British Spitfire fighter plane. Mazda North American Operations, which sponsored the AFAS exhibit for the 11th consecutive year, presents the award annually to the painting that best represents the form and function of the automobile. This year’s winner was chosen by 2009 Amelia Island Concours Guest of Honor and championship driver, David Hobbs.
“There were many fabulous pieces by some terrific artists at the Concours this year,” said Hobbs. “But one piece in particular best represented the ‘emotion of motion.’ Bill Neale’s Aston Martin Zagato travelling underneath the fantastic Spitfire defines movement itself. I simply love the painting.”
Neale often blends the beauty and power of the automotive and aviation worlds. The Aston Martin featured in Neale’s painting is wrapped in traditional British racing green and captured at speed by the artist. The Spitfire’s famous elliptical wing design is instantly recognizable as it dives to the right behind the DB4 Zagato.
“I’m truly honored that Mazda and David Hobbs picked my painting among the incredible pieces on display in Amelia Island,” noted Neale. ”Built by the Brits but admired by the world, the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato and the Spitfire were arguably two of the greatest machines of their time. Planes and automobiles have played major roles in my life and I enjoy uniting them with my art work.”
As a founding member of the AFAS, Neale’s paintings are treasured centerpieces in many exclusive private and museum collections across the globe. A contributing artist for Cavallino and AUTOMOBILE magazine, he is best known for his private commissions of cars ranging from old Ferraris to the newest models out of Munich, Detroit and Tokyo. Neale resides in Dallas with his wife Nelda.
From August 14-16, the AFAS will return to the West Coast to host their 24th annual art show and cocktail reception during the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
[Source: AFAS]
Congratulations to Mr Neale! He is most deserving of the award. His artwork is great, and he is a fantastic person that I have been fortunate enough to become acquainted with in the past. All his paintings convey not just the subject at hand, but an emotion connected to them and their surroundings. Bravo
We second the congrats as we are big fans of Mr Neale’s work. Can’t wait to see the AFAS set-up at Pebble to see what they are up to next.