Oil On Canvas Originals To Be Auctioned
Wed, 08 Jan 2014
Bonhams will be auctioning two oil on canvas originals from contemporary motorsports artist Robert Carter, January 9th at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
The title piece for this auction (pictured above) measures 48” x 60” and depicts AMA Flat Track star Jim Rice piloting his BSA to victory at the 1970 Santa Rosa Mile. Carter’s second original celebrates the Catalina Grand Prix of 1950’s fame. The oil on canvas piece is 36” x 60”. In addition to these two originals, some of Carter’s Giclee prints will be available.
Born and raised in London, Carter’s love affair with art began at age 13.
“My teacher told me I should go to an art college,” says Carter. “But I couldn’t really see doing that. I just wanted to go out and get into it. I got an apprentice job in a studio that specialized in package design. I was pretty much making tea and delivering parcels, but I learned a lot, especially about packaging which is why some of my stuff has that appearance.”
In 1982 Carter came to California to spend a month touring the West Coast on a BSA.
“It definitely was not the ideal touring bike,” says Carter with a smile. “It broke down in Chico and that brought my trip to an end. However I liked the area so much that I decided to stay. So, obviously, it all worked out.”
Today, Carter and his wife live on a farm in the back of an orchard just off the Sacramento River. Carter has his studio just 50 yards from his house and plenty of land to grow vegetables. His location also allows him in indulge in his other two loves, tinkering with motorcycles and fishing.
“While painting is my passion, I’ve always loved motorcycles,” says Carter. “In fact, I have a dozen or so vintage bikes that came my way. I keep tinkering on them, just like the old saying, if it ain’t broke, fix it until it is. I have built an old Triumph and other stuff and it is something I really enjoy.”
For more information on the Bonham’s Motorcycle Auction and to register to bid on line, go to www.bonhams.com.
By Tom Roderick
See also: Steve McQueen’s Von Dutch Customized Bikes to be Auctioned Tomorrow, Day 4 Dakar 2014: Juan Pedrero Wins Stage Aboard Sherco, Day 3 Dakar 2014: Barreda Maintains Overall Lead, Despres Catches Up.