Automotive Fine Arts Society member Jay Koka will demonstrate once again his ability to master multiple painting styles when he displays three new pieces during the 14th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance March 13-15, 2009, in Amelia Island, Florida.
Koka’s feature painting, “Drift 2,” will be joined by “Lussori 2,” “Luxe” and other AFAS pieces during the annual AFAS Amelia Island exhibit, which is sponsored by Mazda North America. The AFAS is comprised of automotive artists from across the globe that create subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“I’m excited to bring these new paintings to Amelia Island, as they represent my latest style explorations,” said Koka. “Over time, my style has become more relaxed and free. I continue to work in new areas and have never become complacent with my approach. That mindset keeps me fresh and interested in my work and allows me flexibility when staring at a blank canvas.”
“Drift 2″ is a 48″ x 16” acrylic on canvas painting that illustrates a stunning Porsche Carrera GT at speed on a coastal road. Koka’s swift, light brush strokes create a beautiful contrast between the serene beachfront and the powerful German super car. The panoramic nature of the painting adds to the piece’s overwhelming sense of velocity.
“My first ‘Drift’ painting, which was very well received, was a tightly rendered, relatively small gouache painting of a Jaguar XKD,” added Koka. “Seven years later, ‘Drift 2’ is a larger, edgier work that truly represents a significant departure in style. I’ve been doing a lot of highly realistic work lately, so it was time to create something a little looser and more visually exciting.”
Throughout his career, Koka has made no secret of his affection for the vibrant Lamborghini Gallardo, which he has included in numerous works. In “Lussori 2,” Koka places a bright yellow Gallardo in front of the Lussori jewelry store on Ocean Avenue in Carmel, Calif.
Similar in feel to “Lussori 2,” “Luxe” is a 36″ x 40″ acrylic on canvas that features a Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano parked next to the Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in Carmel.
“‘Luxe’ has the hot 599 parked in downtown Carmel with its unique foliage,” noted Koka. “In fact, the painting started with the tree. I really enjoy the high contrast between sun and shade.”
Koka also tested his boundaries recently when he was commissioned to paint the original poster art for the 2009 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. His painting depicted one of the auction’s stars, a 1947 Steyr-Allard race car owned and raced by the legendary Sydney Allard. In addition to the official 2009 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale poster, Koka’s art was featured on the auction catalog cover and t-shirts. The original painting is a 34″ x 44″ acrylic on canvas.
Koka was born in Budapest, Hungary, and immigrated to Canada, where he attended school and had a successful marketing career. In 1985, he opened a studio near Toronto. His work ranges from high realism to impressionism, as he constantly challenges and evolves his style.
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 twenty plus year AFAS member and serves on the Board of Directors. His work has been extensively reproduced and he has received numerous awards, including his fourth prestigious Athena Award at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
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 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.
[Source: AFAS]
