The term “car artist”, when you think about it, is a somewhat limiting expression. Is someone a car artist because they once painted a piece that happened to feature a car? Are they not a car artist because some of their paintings depict something else? The answer to both questions must surely be “no”. It is entirely possible to be a car artist and – for example – a military artist. One example of this is James Dietz. Well known beyond the world of car art for his depictions of aviation scenes and a particular liking for the aircraft of World War I, James Dietz also depicts classic cars, many from that era, in a way that only a lover of cars truly can.

It is somewhat fitting that James has such a love for military scenes, as his son Ian is a serving officer in the US Army. His love of classic cars is often seen side by side with the aircraft in his paintings, and it may have been this that caught the eye of the board at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, who have more than once commissioned him to design posters for their event – one of the most exclusive Concours events in the entire world. Although his work has certainly leant towards a military theme in recent decades, car art aficionados know the name James Dietz well, for the excellent works he has created in the medium they love. His website, www.jamesdietz.com , is a very worthwhile read for car art fans.