Motoring art
This talented Yorkshire artist relives a golden age of motoring through his atmospheric paintings
Be it Mike Hawthorn gunning his Ferrari 250TR after rival Stirling Moss’ Aston DBR1 around the Nordschleife, or a race mechanic working late in a deserted garage, Keith Woodcock’s paintings have a unique angle and atmosphere. Although photographic reference is key to all of Woodcock’s work, he goes to great lengths to create original compositions. “I find myself elevating the viewpoint well above that of a crouched photographer,” he explains. “That way, you can see more of the following cars and the track behind.”
Dramatic lighting is also fundamental to Woodcock’s style. Rather than looking at other motoring artists, it’s the classic work of both American Edward Hopper and fellow Yorkshireman John Atkinson Grimshaw that continually inspires him: “For me, the subjects always have to be technically correct, but it’s the mood that’s most important. I’m fascinated by how light and reflection work to create the right atmosphere. Hopper was the master.”
Walk into Woodcock’s studio and it’s clear from his collection of models and books that the 1950s is his favourite era: “As a teenager, I used to travel by train to races at Aintree and Oulton Park. The atmosphere was more relaxed then and you could walk around the paddock. I was lucky to see all my heroes race including Fangio, Moss and Hawthorn, but I never had a camera back then. Reg Parnell always had time for a chat.”
Surprisingly, there’s no history of artistic talent in Woodcock’s family but he had always drawn since he was a child: “Both my father and brothers were great sportsmen, but it was my elder brother Donald who most influenced me. We both built model aircraft kits and went into the aviation industry with English Electric, but I’d always wanted to be an artist and went fulltime in 1984.” Woodcock’s talent was soon in demand, with worldwide commissions for both aircraft and automotive subjects.
Amazingly, between busy commissions, Woodcock has recently written an impressive guide for aspiring automotive artists, Drawing and Painting Cars published by Crowood Press: “I’ve always enjoyed writing and the idea of encouraging budding artists to be more experimental appealed.”
With Woodcock’s technical drawing background and success as an artist, the book comprehensively covers all aspects, from perspective to promoting artwork. MW
For more, call 01652 660601 or see www.keithwoodcockart.com