Alfredo de la María

Alfredo de la María (born 1945) is a Uruguayan artist, illustrator, and one of the world's leading automotive painters. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he studied art and architecture at the National School of Fine Arts (Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes). By the age of eighteen, he was already working as an illustrator of political and sporting events for one of Montevideo's leading newspapers.

His first solo exhibition was held in Punta del Este in 1961 and focused on equestrian subjects. His paintings of horses and polo scenes quickly established his reputation in Uruguay. In 1966, he moved to Paris, where he spent three years drawing inspiration from the works of Claude Monet, Joaquín Sorolla, and the great masters of Impressionism and historical realism.

After returning to South America, de la María settled in Buenos Aires, where he produced illustrations for the covers of well-known magazines and publications. During this period, he discovered his passion for automotive art, a genre that would define his career. In 1989, he held his first exhibition at the Buenos Aires Classic Cars Club, marking the beginning of his international recognition.

Working primarily in oil on canvas, Alfredo de la María is renowned for combining historical accuracy with dramatic racing scenes, a powerful sense of speed, and meticulously rendered architectural and landscape backgrounds. His distinctive style blends realism with expressive Impressionist brushwork, creating paintings rich in movement, light, and atmosphere. His deep appreciation for motoring history has made him one of the most respected automotive artists of his generation.

His work has been exhibited at many of the world's most prestigious classic car events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, Rétromobile in Paris, Techno-Classica in Essen, and AutoClásica in San Isidro, Argentina. Alongside automotive subjects, he also paints historical, equestrian, aviation, and maritime scenes, and his works are held in private collections around the world.