The Art of Motorsport: James Stevens’ Journey
James Stevens, a talented artist known for his vivid Grand Prix studies, has carved out a unique niche in the world of motorsport art. His work is not just about capturing the essence of a car or a driver; it’s about bringing to life the very spirit of the sport through intricate details and bold visual storytelling.
At the Goodwood Revival, visitors often spot his artwork featuring the Ferrari 312T team composition and exclaim, “Lauda!” This recognition is a testament to James’ ability to capture the essence of the subject, even when the star is only visible through a pair of eyes peeking from a full-face helmet.
Attention to Detail
One of James’ most remarkable qualities is his attention to detail. From the team manager’s notes resting on the bodywork to the stitching of sponsors’ patches on a race suit, nothing escapes his gaze. Whether he uses acrylics or oils, the colors in his paintings have a brilliant vibrancy that enhances the subject, often set against bold background hues that have become his signature style.
“Getting the details right is crucial,” James explains. “Everyone today is an expert, so research is key.” This dedication to accuracy and authenticity is what sets his work apart.
Early Influences and Passion for Motorsport
James discovered his passion for art at a young age. “My parents tell me I was constantly drawing, and when I started school I was way ahead in art,” he says. Initially, he focused on pencils, creating monochrome drawings that contrast sharply with the vibrant colors he now uses.
His early influences included films like Back to the Future, Star Wars, and Ghostbusters. However, a trip with his uncle to Brands Hatch race track in Kent for a meeting of the Superbike World Championship ignited a lasting interest in motorsport. Heroes like Carl Fogarty inspired him, and years later, it was a proud moment when ‘Foggy’ signed one of his paintings.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton also captured James’ attention. For his first live painting experience at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, he chose the seven-time champion as his subject.
“It was a big event for me, particularly because Lewis had won at Silverstone the week before,” he recalls. “I felt a little uncomfortable with an audience, but it’s good to push your skills.”
Diverse Career Path
As a youngster, James had ambitions to be an airline pilot, but he eventually became a full-time photographer. During a quiet work period, he sketched a Spitfire, which quickly sold on Facebook Marketplace, leading to further sales.
Since A-level art at school, James has been self-taught, honing his style and building up a business. His hard work has paid off, and he is now a regular exhibitor at Goodwood meetings, with his dramatic paintings featured at Aston Martin events.
Plus, at the Singapore Grand Prix, three-time drivers’ world champion Sir Jackie Stewart signed an embellished print of his for auction in support of the retired F1 star’s dementia foundation.
Expanding Horizons
James has also been inspired by SailGP, an annual international sailing competition where national teams take each other on in identical, high-performance catamarans. He enjoys working with large canvases, and his biggest so far measures 5ft (1.5m) wide. Such a large scale requires lengthy preparation.
“I like the idea that the drawings stay with the painting: they reveal the process,” he says. Depending on the size and detail, a complex composition can require weeks of work. The bold pitstop scene of Jenson Button’s 2012 McLaren MP4-27 with mirrored reflections on the bodywork and the crew’s chrome helmets took 300 hours.
Personal Interests and Future Goals
So what about his personal love of all things automotive? James tells us his original dream car was a DeLorean DMC-12, perhaps not a surprise given the cinematic inspiration already mentioned. But now he says he’d be very happy with an Aston Martin DBS V12, as featured in Casino Royale.
“I enjoy driving around in my Volkswagen T2 camper,” he says. “Its bus-style wheel always makes me smile, and it’s very handy for transporting large paintings.”
For more information, visit jamesstevensartist.com or follow @jamesstevensartist on Instagram.
Conclusion
James Stevens continues to push the boundaries of his craft, blending his love for motorsport with his artistic talents. His journey from a young artist to a respected figure in the motorsport art community is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion. With each new piece, he adds another chapter to his story, capturing the essence of the sport in a way that resonates with fans and collectors alike.
