Unframed "Gordon Claims Inaugural California 500" Signed Original water and pencil art (27"x28 ½") $ 1995

Quantity:

"Gordon Claims Inaugural California 500" Signed Original water and pencil art by George Bartell Art actual size 27" x 28 ½". California Speedway opened in 1997 with a ribbon cutting ceremony held June 20th of that year. Two days later, Jeff Gordon would claim the first ever Nascar California 500 win with live event coverage by major networks. This original piece of art is classic George Bartell (who died March 23, 2013); striking colors and art pencil details that unlock more images the more you look. It captures the essence of the California Speedway inaugural weekend from the ribbon cutting, fans in the new grand stand, the drop of the checkered flag and of course Gordon's championship win and trophy wave on the winner's podium. This is a truly striking piece of original art by one of America's masters that captures a historic moment in time. This art piece is signed by Bartell, followed by the AFAS insignia which Bartell would proudly include to indicate he is a member of the elite Automotive Fine Arts Society, a small group of painters and sculptors who are recognized for their portrayals of the automobile. Peter Brock, world renowned automotive designer, met artist George Bartell when they both attended Art Center College of Design in the mid '50s. Years later when Brock was creating Cobra ads for Shelby American and had no cars to photograph, Brock hired Bartell to "create" cars via his artwork. Those ads have become iconic symbols of the era While visiting Bartell in his Southern California home in 2008, Bartell turned over his private collection to Brock to manage as he saw fit. Brock is now offering these amazing pieces of original art to the public for the first time. It's art you love the moment you see it and that you appreciate more each day. As George would explain: "The brain is amazing. You just give it an idea and it will fill in the rest." Never "overworked", some of George's best art is of the automotive industry, in which he is best known and respected. This art, created using water colors and pens and whatever else was within arm's reach of the dynamic Bartell, is painted on heavyweight illustration board. This original piece, which was in Bartell's possession until he turned it over to Brock in 2008, has some scratches on the right side where Bartell had other pieces of art placed up against it. This art comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by automotive designer Peter Brock (photo seen here of Brock autographing certificate), stating that he personally received the art from the artist at Bartell's home in 2008 and that it was offered for sale for the first time in March 2013. The certificate also contains a picture of the artwork and states the medium of the art and the size of the art itself. This is a rare opportunity to own an original by one of America's most respected automotive artists!