Historic Motor Racing Photography and Contemporary Sea Inspired Paintings at Lionheart

Two dynamic new exhibitions launch the summer season at the Lionheart Gallery in Scotts Corners. “The Eye of Klemantaski”, highlights from one of the world’s largest collections of historic motor racing photographs by internationally known photographer Louis Klemantaski  - who competed in three Monte Carlo rallies and followed the Grand Prix circuit around Europe from 1934 to 1974 - opens Saturday, June 8 with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m.

Another exhibition, “Summer Paintings” features the unique vision and contemporary realism of Celine McDonald – compelling images of boats and houses inspired by New England water views which evoke the stark, pared down, powerful paintings of Edward Hopper. McDonald will greet visitors at her opening Sunday, June 9 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Born in Manchuria to a Polish father and Russian mother in 1912, Louis Klemantaski became fascinated with cars through hanging around his dad’s car agency, learning to drive at age eight. After graduating from Kings College, London, his passion led him to Brooklands, England where he spent the 1930’s racing supercharged single-seaters and photographing cars during races. In those days - long before zoom lenses - photographers could perch on the edge of the track and capture exciting larger than life close-ups of the cars and drivers. Klemantaski became secretary of the Junior Auto Racing Club and also served as navigator for racing greats such as Reg Parnell and Peter Collins in the Mille Miglia, the Italian 1,000 mile race on public roads.  His photographs were sought by Ferrari, Aston-Martin and the Chrysler Corporation.

In 1989 several of these photographic archives were amassed, The Klemantaski Collection was established and Louis Klemantaski has since been rediscovered and introduced to a new generation of motor racing enthusiasts. His unique camera artistry is gaining wide recognition in the pages of Klemantaski & Ferrari , Klemantaski & Aston Martin, and an autobiography, Klemantaski Himself, all of which were produced by the Klemantaski Collection. The Collection also offers a series of special limited edition books and supplies images to authors, publishers and advertisers for reproduction in various media. Prints of the photographs on exhibition at The Lionheart Gallery will be available for purchase.

Celine McDonald was always drawn to Edward Hopper’s work, noting that “like Hopper, who lived in Truro, I am also inspired by the light of outer Cape Cod.” Her first painting classes were at the Provincetown Art Association Museum, followed by the Art Students League in NY.  She says, “I start with a very detailed painting, then simplify everything to its basic iconic form. If there is too much going on in any view, you become distracted and don’t really experience the moment. When you see a simple icon, you can mentally put in your own life experiences. I spend many hours in reducing, paring down my work – it’s a spiritual, intuitive process to create a sense of solitude, order, balance and peace. I hope my viewers share this feeling.” 

The exhibitions continue at The Lionheart Gallery through July 21, open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 to 5 p.m., Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., and by appointment. (914) 764-8689. www.theLionheartGallery.com