Artist Statement

Automobiles are far more than machines. They represent engineering, design, competition, history, and deeply personal memories. For many collectors, a car is not simply something they own—it is part of who they are.

My passion is transforming these automotive icons into fine art.

Every commissioned piece begins with observation—studying the design, character, and presence of the automobile, motorcycle, or aircraft. Through carefully crafted photography, specialized light painting, and artistic interpretation, I shape light, shadow, texture, and form into an image that reveals not only the beauty of the machine, but the emotion behind it.

My goal is never to simply document a vehicle.

My goal is to create artwork that preserves passion, celebrates craftsmanship, and transforms personal stories into lasting legacy.

Your Passion - My Art - Your Legacy

The Collections

My work is expressed through two distinct artistic collections:

Signature Series

Custom commissioned artwork created for collectors, enthusiasts, and racers who want to preserve the story of a significant automobile, motorcycle, or aircraft as a lasting legacy piece.

Velocity Impressions

A more interpretive expression of automotive art, where photography, digital artistry, and painterly techniques combine to create bold, emotional, and imaginative presentations of iconic machines.

Bio

John Herrel has spent a lifetime at the intersection of art, engineering, business, and motorsports.

Before dedicating himself full-time to photography, John built successful careers as a chemical engineer, corporate business leader, software entrepreneur, and financial planner. In 2010, he turned his creative focus fully toward professional photography, where technical precision and artistic vision found their perfect balance.

John’s passion for motorsports runs just as deep. He raced sports cars in the 1970s and returned to the track decades later, competing in a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport from 2022–2025. He has also photographed some of the world’s most prestigious racing events, including the Indianapolis 500, Formula 1, IMSA endurance racing, and vintage motorsports.

Today, John combines a racer’s understanding of performance, a photographer’s eye for light, and an artist’s vision for storytelling to create museum-quality automotive artwork for collectors, enthusiasts, and racers.

Credentials

John’s work is built on decades of professional achievement and artistic excellence.

Professional Photography

• Master of Photography — Professional Photographers of America

• Photographic Craftsman — Professional Photographers of America

• Artist juried into multiple museum and gallery exhibitions

Leadership

• Past President & Chairman of the Board — American Society of Photographers

Automotive & Motorsport Experience

• Sports car racer in the 1970s

• Porsche Club and Historic Sportscar Racing racing competitor (2022–2025)

• Professional motorsports photographer with access to world-class racing venues

Fine Art Production

• Museum-quality archival printing

• Expert color-managed workflow

• Fine art papers, canvas, metal, and acrylic presentation options