Motoring art: James Stevens

By Mick Walsh

| 27 Apr 2026

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: James Stevens

With his vivid Grand Prix studies, James Stevens has become a true master of portraits, even when the star subject is limited to a pair of eyes peering out from a full-face helmet.

Visitors to his stand at the Goodwood Revival would point out the Ferrari 312T team composition and exclaim: “Lauda!”

James’ talent is detail, from the team manager’s notes resting on the bodywork to the stitching of sponsors’ patches on a race suit.

Jackie Stewart in the 1965 BRM P261

Whatever the chosen medium, be it acrylic or oils, the colours have a brilliant vibrancy, the subject stylishly enhanced by the bold background hues that have become his signature style.

“You have to get the details right,” he confirms. “Everyone today is an expert, so research is key.”

James enjoyed art from an early age. “My parents tell me I was constantly drawing, and when I started school I was way ahead in art,” he says.

“At first I was happy using just pencils; those early monochrome drawings are a total contrast to the colours I use now.”

Graham Hill checks practice times in the 1969 Lotus 49 while Colin Chapman (on left) advises

Initially he focused on favourite films, such as Back to the Future, Star Wars and Ghostbusters, but a trip with his uncle to Brands Hatch for a meeting of the Superbike World Championship ignited an interest in motorsport.

Heroes included Carl Fogarty, and years later it was a proud moment when ‘Foggy’ signed one of his paintings.

Lewis Hamilton’s career was followed avidly, and for James’ first live painting experience, at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, he chose the seven-time champion as his subject.

“It was a big event for me, particularly because Lewis had won at Silverstone the week before,” he recalls. “I felt a little uncomfortable with an audience, but it’s good to push your skills.”

Niki Lauda, in the Ferrari 312T, confers with team manager Daniele Audetto

As a youngster, James had ambitions to be an airline pilot, but he eventually became a full-time photographer.

During a quiet work period he sketched a Spitfire, which quickly sold on Facebook Marketplace, and from there further sales developed rapidly.

Since A-level art at school he has been totally self-taught, honing his style as well as building up a business.

He is now a regular exhibitor at Goodwood, and his dramatic paintings have featured at Aston Martin events.

James Hunt’s McLaren, with Alastair Caldwell (left) and Teddy Mayer (seated) guiding the crew

At the Singapore Grand Prix, Sir Jackie Stewart signed an embellished print for auction in support of his dementia foundation.

James has also been inspired by SailGP, with some spectacular results.

He enjoys working with large canvases, and his biggest so far measures 5ft wide. Such a large scale takes lengthy preparation.

“I like the idea that the drawings stay with the painting: they reveal the process,” he says.

A pensive Damon Hill during his first season driving the Williams FW15C, prior to his debut Grand Prix victory at the Hungaroring

Depending on the size and detail, a complex composition can require weeks of work.

The bold pitstop scene of Jenson Button’s 2012 McLaren MP4-27 with mirrored reflections on the bodywork and the crew’s chrome helmets took 300 hours.

James’ original dream car was a DeLorean, but now he’d be very happy with an Aston Martin DBS V12, as featured in Casino Royale.

“I enjoy driving around in my Volkswagen T2 camper,” he says. “Its bus-style wheel always makes me smile, and it’s very handy for transporting large paintings.”

For more, see jamesstevensartist.com or follow @jamesstevensartist on Instagram

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