Gripped with excitement by the Williams FW15C Alain Prost race in 1993, the thrill of speed and the roar of the engines; Italian Automotive Artist Andrea Del Pesco tells Marcel Haan of CarArtspot how automotive art became his lifes' passion.
Andrea Del Pesco in his studio painting a bugatti
Could you please tell me something about yourself? Who is Andrea Del Pesco?
Andrea Del Pesco is a 39 year old guy, who lives in Italy and who has a passion for art and painting in general. But in particular for motor racing art. My other great “passion” is my wife and two sons.
What is your background and your family history?
I came from a traditional and normal Italian family and live in Milano. My parents both work but have never been involved in artistic work.
Did you always want to paint or be an artist?
Not until the age of about 13/15 years old when I started painting in oils. Although from about 5, I was always drawing at home, in kindergarten and on holiday, I never thought about becoming an artist until I became a student and realized that my skills were above the average of other students. Then I started to dream about making it my career.
Ferrari 612 GTO by Andrea Del Pesco
Porsche 959 Parigi Dakar by Automotive Artist Andrea Del Pesco
Did you then become an Artist or did you have other jobs?
I always tried to have a second profession or get work to cover the tough times, so that I could continue with my art. I still do when it is necessary.
What made you start painting automotive art?
The thrill of speed and the roar of the engines which I was able to see when I was a child at the Monza Circuit, near my house.
Gilles Villeneuve Ferrari 126 C2 1982 by Andrea Del Pesco
Do you have specific cars which you like to paint?
Definitely the Formula 1 cars. The one that made me fall in love with this category was the Williams FW15C raced by Alain Prost in 1993.
Which other subjects do you like to paint besides automotive art?
A lot!! Landscapes, cityscapes and lately also soccer players.
What do you focus most on when you are painting? Is it the lighting, the expression or something else?
The sense of speed and the beauty of the aerodynamic lines.
Jeff Gordon Nascar Race by Andrea Del Pesco
Do you have an engineering background?
No.
Did you go to Art School?
Yes, I attended the Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milano)
Which techniques do you use? Do you have special techniques?
I just use the common rules of the oil painting technique.
What or who inspires you to start a painting?
Usually the beauty of a car or the victory of a great champion.
Pit-Stop Ferrari F1 - 2000 by Andrea Del Pesco
What do you want to express with your artwork?
First, the sense of speed. Second, the power and the aggressiveness of the guidance of a pilot.
How did you develop your style?
By closely observing other artists and in some cases, even the most famous photographers of racing cars.
What sort of audience are you appealing to?
In particular to a young audience but I also do shows in Milan or in Italy for a more mature audience. My clients are usually car and racing enthusiasts or owners of old and luxury cars. On the internet I sell my prints and small paintings and also on sites such as Ebay and Catawiki.
Ayrton Senna Silver Lotus 98T 1986 by Andrea Del Pesco
Do you have a lot of contact with other automotive artists?
Not so much, only some Italian artist occasionally.
Which other artists do you admire?
A lot!! Especially Alfredo De La Maria
Do you paint in your studio or outside?
I have my studio in my home.
Can you tell us anything else about yourself or your work?
I have had the opportunity to meet top drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine and Roberto Locatelli. I have participated in many exhibitions. The next oil paintings that I would like to do are of old racing cars made in black and white and a big oil painting dedicated to Ayrton Senna.
What do you still want to accomplish in your artwork or your life?
Regarding my personal life I am already satisfied. With respect to my art, I would like to hold a great show in an important exhibition centre.
Alpha Romeo Anni 1970 by Andrea Del Pesco
Andrea Del Pesco shows his artistic versatility in the different styles of his work.
Bugatti type 59/50B by Andrea Del Pesco
To see more of Andrea Del Pesco's automotive artwork, visit his website
