The distinctive feature of the dynamics shown

Depicting and ‘capturing’ the speed of vehicles in a watercolour – this has been Uli Ehret’s primary focus from the very beginning. In 1998, he discovered the right artistic approach to express what spectators and drivers alike see and feel during a race: speed. To capture this in a painting, one of the key factors was discovering this particular type of watercolour paper. This paper allows the artist to work with both a lot and a little water right next to one another – without losing precise contours and details. The dynamism in the watercolour arises from several factors. The air currents swirling around the vehicle take on different shapes depending on the speed – and are made visible by moisture or dust. The wheels, particularly the rims, must be depicted differently depending on the speed. Small stones or gravel are kicked up, and the background becomes blurred – depending on the viewer’s perspective. The background is more or less discernible depending on the speed.

The beginnings

#0004 Autounion

It is Uli Ehret’s very first watercolour painting, which convincingly conveys the theme of ‘driving dynamics’. Almost all the tyres are off the ground, and the driver looks tense.

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#0111 Porsche 917 Gulf

The viewer’s perspective, just above the road, already gives a sense of ‘speed’. The forest in the background is depicted in stripes, which lend the three vehicles an additional sense of speed.

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#0174 Lotus 33

A very dynamic perspective of the fleet of Formula 1 cars. The track and the background emphasise the sense of movement through the use of stripes.

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A milestone

The side view of the racing car and the blurred streaks in the background give the viewer the impression that they are following the fast-moving vehicle with a turn of the head. The car remains in focus, whilst the background is distorted into streaks. These four images marked the start of this series in 2014, which Uli Ehret calls ‘XS’ – the internal abbreviation for ‘eXtreme Speed’.

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From milestone to trademark

This style of side-view illustration has been perfected by Uli Ehret over the years and has become his trademark.

Enhanced momentum through background elements

The composition described earlier, with its extreme landscape aspect ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, and the sense of dynamism this creates, is further enhanced in this type of image by the aeroplane. The drifting Aston Martin derives its dynamism from the ‘plumes of smoke’ rising from the tyres. But the trees beside Goodwood House are also depicted in streaks, as are the kerbs and other details. This image, #0629, marked the beginning of the refinement of the dynamic distortion of background elements.

A different kind of dynamic

#1000 Sleepless at the Sarthe

Le Mans 24 Hours 2024

This image shows a number of cars braking together as they enter a bend. The brake lights and glowing brake discs highlight the racing line and convey the sense of dynamism. Dust and spray kicked up in the direction of travel add to the effect.

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#0933 Walter arrives

1985 San Remo Rally

This photograph uses the swirling dust to convey a sense of speed. The road in front of the cars also appears to be moving, further enhancing the impression of speed.

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#1500 Morning Has Broken

Le Mans 24 Hours 2025

As in the previous image, many cars are depicted braking together as they enter a bend. The brake lights and glowing brake discs highlight the racing line and convey a sense of dynamism. Dust and spray kicked up in the direction of travel add to the effect.

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Dynamism from the front view

These images (#1407 and #0993C show the dynamics from a front view. The vehicles’ wheels are partially off the ground – and there is very little contact with the ground. The wheels are clearly turning – none of the spokes are visible. The road surface and the air behind, beneath and above the vehicles provide clear indications of the vehicle’s dynamics.

The whole collection

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