A major part of the reason why Grand Prix racing lends itself so well to being depicted in art is the timeless sense of action. Although the artists are depicting races that happen at high speed, the art itself manages to take a snapshot of the moment in time that it is depicting and create an impression of velocity while the paint – of course – remains firmly in place. This is why lovers of car art find the works of their favorite artists simply bewitching – and why only truly talented artists can manage to pull it off.

Alfredo de la Maria is one example of a car artist whose interest is focused very solidly on Grand Prix racing. Among his most famous pieces is the legendary Monaco Magic 11, taken from a race at the legendary Grand Prix circuit. The cars, the course, the drivers and the track are depicted with oils and brush in such a way as to transport you back to an era when drivers took to the track with their faces exposed, when spectators were within touching distance of the drivers. It may not have been safe, but it was exciting.

De la Maria, a Uruguayan, made his early career as an illustrator for a leading newspaper in his nation’s capital, Montevideo. As adept at depicting politics as he was at creating sporting scenes, he built himself a reputation as someone who could put you right in the center of a scene with only the tools available to him. His love for his subject translates itself to the canvas as a consequence of his amazing talent.