CARMEL, Calif. – Aug 7, 2017 – Ken Eberts, president of the Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS), has captured the essence of classic American automobiles and architecture in his latest watercolor and gouache painting, which will debut at the AFAS exhibit during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 20, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Carmel, California. “The Leithiser Mansion on Chocolate Avenue” features four American pre-war automobiles from the William Davis Collection, along with the artist’s personal car.
“To keep my art fresh for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance exhibition, I feature vehicles from different eras and manufacturers that were not in my previous year’s portfolio,” said Eberts. “I’m especially pleased to debut this year’s artwork, which honors four American classics from the period leading up to the Second World War. Several belong to a noted collector and concours d’elegance judge, William Davis. He is a good friend and it was a pleasure to connect some of Bill’s favorite cars with one of mine in this piece.”
“The Leithiser Mansion on Chocolate Avenue” is a 22-inch by 31-inch watercolor and gouache painting. It celebrates a quartet of American built, “depression era” automobiles including a black ’41 Cadillac convertible sedan, a maroon ’41 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special, a green ’35 Cadillac LaSalle and a ’38 Buick convertible sedan. Eberts’ personal vehicle, a blue ’38 Buick Special Touring sedan, is also shown in the painting.
“I set these beautiful American classics in front of the federal-style Leithiser Mansion, which was built in 1910 for James Leithiser and his wife, Lorena Hershey,” said Eberts. “The mansion, which still belongs to the Hershey Trust Company, not only sets a beautiful backdrop for the cars, but adds a sense of nostalgia for this era of American culture and art. Its dark brick also offered me a wonderful background color that added a greater sense of depth for the piece. I placed the Cadillac in front because its maroon paint beautifully complements the green lawn and draws the eye in to the rest of the vehicles. I also included a hint of autumn in the air with golden leaves on a tree since the Hershey car show is held in the fall.”
“The Leithiser Mansion on Chocolate Avenue” includes Mr. Davis in the 1935 Cadillac LaSalle, wearing his signature hat. The painting will serve as the poster artwork for the Hershey Antique Automobile Club of America’s show, which will be held Oct. 4 -7, 2017, in Hershey, Penn.; it is considered one of the largest and most prestigious antique automobile shows in the United States.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to share my newest works alongside other members of AFAS at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance,” said Eberts. “Of course, our exhibit wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our sponsor, The Lincoln Motor Company, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Both have been wonderful partners over the years. We truly appreciate their support and commitment to fine art.”
One of this generation’s foremost automotive fine artists, Ken Eberts’ artwork, has been featured at the world’s most prestigious automotive events. His paintings have been reproduced as magazine and book covers, Christmas cards, prints, and used as posters for automotive events since 1968.
A graduate of New York’s High School of Music and Art and Los Angeles’ Art Center College of Design, he began his career as an automotive designer for the Ford Motor Company. He earned countless prestigious awards over the years. In 2003, Eberts was named Ford Motor Company’s official Centennial Artist and was commissioned to create 13 original paintings for use as a calendar and other products that celebrated Ford’s 100th Anniversary.
Ken is a one of the original founders of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, and has been its president since its inception. The AFAS Exhibition has been an important part of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance each since 1983.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
AFAS was established in 1983 by a group of artists who are acknowledged by critics to be among the best in their field. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS and its members participate in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance, Dana Point Concours d’Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com.