![Irish artist John Doherty captures everyday scenes from his home country Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: John Doherty](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2024-03/Classic-%26-Sports-Car-Motoring-art-John-Doherty-01.png?itok=A-9pb2tn)
Road trips have inspired some remarkable art, be it painting, prose, music or photography, and since childhood John Doherty has been captivated by journeys across Ireland.
From colourful shopfronts to deserted petrol stations, these remote locations have inspired a series of paintings that record the changing character of the Emerald Isle.
“During my childhood in the 1950s and ’60s, our family would often travel around Ireland,” says John.
![Old petrol pumps are the focus of this John Doherty artwork Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: John Doherty](/sites/default/files/2024-03/Classic-%26-Sports-Car-Motoring-art-John-Doherty-03.png)
Irish artist John Doherty became interested in old petrol pumps while touring his home country
“There were no motorways then, and journeys were long,” he continues.
“En route to Wicklow or Kilkenny to visit relatives, or holiday trips to West Cork, I was always enchanted by the little towns and the petrol stations we stopped at along the way.
“Clifden in County Galway was always a favourite destination.”
John’s father was an engineer who served with Field Marshal Montgomery in the Eighth Army in North Africa, and he was always fascinated by vehicles.
![Old-school shopfronts in this painting by Irish artist John Doherty Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: John Doherty](/sites/default/files/2024-03/Classic-%26-Sports-Car-Motoring-art-John-Doherty-05.png)
John Doherty captured this Wexford gift shop with stunning realism