Art is in the soul of the beholder!

Mar/Apr 2019 edition
Issue #4 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Steve Austin

If “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” then I believe that “art is in the soul of the beholder”.  What causes a person to warm to one painting, and yet someone else be completely cold to it?  That’s what makes art exciting, it’s not a science.

As this magazine is dedicated to collectors of automobilia it has made my job a lot easier.  Rather than talk about an infinite list of art and artists, it has already culled the herd for me.   However, the remaining herd is still pretty mind boggling.  With literally thousands of different automobile art pieces out there.  Where as a collector do you start?

Let’s first deal with the collector who is really an investor. Over the years, I’ve had clients who didn’t know a road car from a race car, a Model T from a GT40.  Their interest was purely in the artist and the reasonable chance of an increase in value.  Let the buyer beware!

“When Ascari went into the Port – Grace Kelly” by Benjamin Freudenthal, 8’x5’

I have always proclaimed that when you purchase a piece of art it should move you.  The chances of it making you profit can often give the whole process a negative experience.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to collect one artist’s work. 

Maybe look for similar traits in another artist.  You might even find that a completely different style adds excitement to your collection.  Obviously the Crosby’s,  Ham’s et al are wonderful pieces to procure.  These artists originally became popular because they aroused the interest of early motoring enthusiasts.  It makes a lot of sense that things have moved on.  Artist’s offerings have moved on as well.  Just because an art piece or style is relatively new does not mean it’s not worth a consideration.

I have chosen to show some art that has become very much “avant garde”.  These are pieces that would have not passed muster even forty years ago.  The artist skills are similar to earlier works of art just presented in a more modern angle.  Are they collectibles?  Only time will tell.  The great thing is that they are affordable, look great and if in a few years you tire of them, they may well show you a profit.

“And Don’t Call Me Junior!” by Benjamin Freudenthal, 5’x5’

I have chosen to show some art that has become very much “avant garde”.  These are pieces that would have not passed muster even forty years ago.  The artist skills are similar to earlier works of art just presented in a more modern angle.  Are they collectibles?  Only time will tell.  The great thing is that they are affordable, look great and if in a few years you tire of them, they may well show you a profit.

“Dino” by Richard Wheatland, 20”x14”

“Jim’s Office” by Richard Wheatland, 24”x 6”

Richard Wheatland:  I’ve watched this English artist over a few years now and thoroughly enjoy his work.  As much an illustrator as artist, his pieces are perfect in detail.  Always originals, most pieces are quite small, usually around 20”x14”. Prices are extremely fair, and run $1,100 to $2,000 for small originals.  RichardWheatland.com.

Benjamin Freudenthal:  This French artist I enjoy for his subject matter.  He combines traditional motoring scenes with characters we all recognize.  He has developed a range of this artwork purely for the garage.  Original pieces copied and printed on PVC allow for a fabulous garage back drop.  I have to admit to commercialism here as I have started importing Benjamin’s work.  His pieces run $1,100 to $1,600. SteveAustinsAutomobiliaAndTravel.com
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Steve Austin

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