Fernando Alonso
Rise
The Concept
In this piece, I wanted to create a bold portrait, capturing Fernando Alonso rising from the Aston Martin F1 car.
Each painting begins with an idea. A concept that forms the foundation of the final piece. When I begin developing an idea, I focus on creating a strong composition through line, structure, and movement. This early stage gives me the freedom to explore different directions and colour palettes, shaping both the emotional impact of the moment and the story being told.
For Rise, I chose to experiment with the composition and flow of the abstract shapes to support the presence of Alonso. In this piece, I explored how the differing abstract backgrounds create depth and movement within the subject, and how the viewer’s eye perceives the painting. This concept was not about being bold. It was a calmer, more thought-provoking moment. When working with the colour theme, keeping close to the cooler Aston tones felt natural and effective.
Emotion and perception are always key elements I aim to control when creating a piece, helping to define both the energy and the message within the work.
A colour of history and heritage
discovering a theme that subtly integrates the colours and identity of the brand, is a key componant to any painting.
The Painting
I created this piece in oil on a 1 x 1 metre stretched canvas. The square canvas ratio is one of my favourite formats, and in this case it formed a strong structure for the presence of Fernando Alonso on the canvas.
I made the decision to keep a small section of the car within the painting, as this helps tell the story of the moment. It subtly reinforces the power of the scene as Fernando rises from the car. These key features help define the narrative within a piece, and in this composition, they were essential for that reason.
The piece balances detailed realism with my signature abstract world, keeping the focus firmly on Alonso. As with all my work, detail is present in abundance, from the carbon fibre on his HANS to the reflections on his visor. I take great enjoyment in including this level of realism within a portrait.
I took great pleasure in creating this piece, both in the studio and during a live painting for Aston Martin in late 2025, bringing the work to life in front of a live audience.
Welcome to Rise. If you would like to find out more, or discuss the process behind this piece, please get in touch.
A powerful portrait of a legend
Please enjoy this video showcase highlighting some of the key details of the painting.
POA
If you have any enquiries about the original piece or its acquisition, please get in contact.