Amelia Island, Fla. – February 20, 2008 – Popular Automotive Fine Arts Society artist Jay Koka will showcase two unique paintings featuring vintage and new models during the annual AFAS art show at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 7-9, 2008, in Amelia Island, Fla. Both paintings, “Rolls at the Ritz,” and “Alpina” demonstrate the artist’s ability to capture automotive refinement, regardless of year, make and model. Sponsored by Mazda, the show on the fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island will include automobiles in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“Rolls at the Ritz” is a 48″ x 30″ acrylic on canvas painting that showcases the sophistication and luxury of a 1934 Rolls-Royce Sports Sedan. Painted in a regal stance with the Ritz-Carlton just visible in the background, the Rolls is the show car that was displayed by the Park Ward coachbuilders at the ‘34 Earl’s Court Automobile Show in London. The car features a unique, early “fast-back” styling, which was soon adopted by manufacturers in the late 1930s through early ‘40s.
“This ‘34 Rolls Royce Sports Sedan is the embodiment of enduring elegance and timeless style,” noted Koka. ”With a top speed of only 76 mph, it was by no means a performance car by today’s sports car standards. However, it does have a stately presence that commands respect and draws attention. I enjoyed portraying this graceful classic and I look forward to the reception it will receive at the show this year.”
Koka will also showcase “Alpina,” a large 48″ x 28″ acrylic on canvas that features a black 2003 BMW Z8, which is parked in front of the downtown park in Carmel, Calif. The 2003 Alpina Z8 model was the final model year for this flashy BMW and focused on developing more of a grand touring style, which was a departure from the original sport model.
“It was truly a chance encounter that I crossed paths with this beautifully designed, German-engineered sports car last summer,” added Koka. ”It was sitting near a park in downtown Carmel and immediately caught my attention. Everything about this car is spot on and speaks volumes of performance and style, even when it’s standing still. This painting really came together quite nicely and has become one of my favorite pieces.”
Koka was born in Budapest, Hungary, and immigrated to Canada in 1956, where he attended school and had a successful marketing career. In 1985, he opened a studio near Toronto. While his work has ranged from a concentration in genres to impressionism and realism, his unfaltering exploration into form and color has always remained.
Koka has been the featured artist and poster artist for many international automotive events, including poster artist for the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours. He accepts a small number of private and corporate commissions for original art each year. He is a longtime AFAS member and serves on theBoard of Directors. His work has been extensively reproduced and he has received numerous awards including the “Athena” and Lincoln Award at the Pebble Beach Concours and Awards of Excellence and The Stanley Wanlass Award at the Meadow Brook Concours.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by calling Luke DeRouen at 214.520.3430 ext. 301 or [email protected] (www.timepiecepr.com).
