As popular as car art is within a certain niche, there are still many who don’t pay it very much attention in the wider world. A lot of people don’t even think of it as a niche or genre of its own, just considering cars to be, like anything else, a thing that can be painted or drawn. Yet there are undeniable points that separate car art from other areas. The depiction of speed, crowds and the car itself, aesthetically and mechanically, all have a real say in making car art a world of its own. We’re just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.

Not many automotive artists, even those among the best, have had their work recognised from outside the art world in such measure as Alan Fearnley. There is a good reason why he is held in such esteem. Much of his work has recently been published in book form – a collection of 75 paintings and 50 drawings depicting racing cars through time from the 1930s up to the modern day of Formula One. The book has a foreword from legendary British motor racing commentator Murray Walker.

Inside, along with the pictures, are comments from collectors and the subjects of Alan Fearnley’s work, including Sir Stirling Moss. A recurring theme is the amazing way in which the artist manages to capture atmosphere and spirit without compromising on the finer technical points. A master at work, of that there is no doubt.