ANNA-LOUISE FELSTEAD
The Historic Racetrack Collection
Anna-Louise Felstead is a reportage artist and illustrator from England who draws and paints on location. She enjoys putting herself in environments that are usually only covered by photographers.
Anna-Louise is a graduate of two world-renowned schools of art and design in London. After achieving 1st Class (Hons) in Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins in 2001, she went on to study Communication Art & Design at the Royal College of Art, gaining a Master’s degree in 2003.
Work projects followed, documenting scenes in a variety of places; e.g: aboard Royal Navy warships, backstage at London Fashion Week, to Cartier polo matches in St. Moritz and Dubai. Her work has been published in many magazines and exhibited in various group and solo shows.
“I have always loved painting busy scenes of people in unusual environments. In 2008 I was invited to the Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco, which I thought would be the perfect opportunity to paint race cars and the mechanics working on them in the pits. A friend made me aware of the security issues in F1 and suggested I fly out two weeks earlier to paint the Grand Prix Historique. As you can imagine, I fell in love with the whole scene.”
She has since traveled to many historic racetracks around Europe, painting at Monaco, Monza, Dijon, Silverstone, Goodwood, the Nurburgring, Paul Ricard and Spa -- depicting not only the cars, but the people involved with racing.
“I work on location and use inks because they dry quickly. Things are constantly changing, which I believe gives my work energy and movement.” Her colorful paintings exhibit spontaneity and playfulness in a style unlike any other in automotive art. “The colors capture the vibrancy and immediacy of the events, and look good in print. I ended up designing the official posters for the last two Monza Intereuropa competitions, and designed Christmas cards for the Vintage Sports Car Club.”
Few artists get to race or rally their subject matter, but Anna-Louise has competed in the Rallye de Monte Carlo Historique, learnt to race Formula Fords in Sardinia, taken the Porsche Camp 4S ice driving course in Finland, and raced at Monza and Silverstone. These experiences are extremely insightful for an automotive artist.
“I never know what the future holds. One minute I’ve been at sea, painting Harriers on HMS Illustrious and then racing around Monte Carlo in a 1957 Alfa Romeo. I would hope that I am able to continue painting classic cars, possibly even venture into F1 as the whole scene has become a real passion of mine. The people involved are all so enthusiastic and friendly and it gives me great pleasure to sit, paint and learn about these beautiful machines.”
“I would love to have a book published, do more poster designs and continue to travel the world getting access to unusual situations that allow me to document what is usually only covered by photographers.”