From Del Boy’s scruffy Reliant Regal van to a dazzling set of 007 Aston Martins, classic cars have featured regularly in Mark Davies’ surreal landscapes.
Combining his love of movies and storytelling, these richly detailed compositions are built up from thousands of digital images, layered to create the drama and atmosphere that absorb his many fans.
Art played a key role in Mark’s life from an early age. “I was quite a shy youngster, but painting gave me confidence,” he says.
“My parents were very encouraging and our home garage became my space. I was always carrying art back and forth to school.”
Casino de Monte-Carlo provides a fitting backdrop for the gathering of Bond cars in Petrolheads 007
Mark’s art teacher, Mr Donald, was a crucial figure in developing his style, he tells us.
Piero della Francesca and the Surrealist Salvador Dalí were early influences, particularly the Spanish artist’s landscape compositions.
“I liked to paint, but I reacted against computers and lost confidence,” continues Mark. “Eventually I switched careers and became a bad manager, but I always wanted to get back into art.
