Saudi artist’s painting of a classic draws Mercedes-Benz attention

A Saudi artist and car enthusiast has given one of the world’s most luxurious car brands an artistic spin by painting one of its models. Mercedes-Benz contacted Walaa Al-Aqeel to promote her work on their official social media pages.

“Hi there! We’re loving this shot. Would it be okay if we reposted to our social channels? We will give you photo credits, of course,” read an Instagram message she received from the brand’s representative.

Al-Aqeel, 20, is a Saudi biochemistry student who dove into the world of art at a very young age after being inspired by her older sister.

“I used to love watching her draw and paint. She saw my interest and actual talent in art and fostered it,” Al-Aqeel told Arab News. “Most of the paintings are done by us together.”

Mercedes-Benz and classic cars in general were a passion of hers, differing from other youngsters who are more typically fans of sports cars. “That is why my sister and I decided to paint the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.”

The first classic car the sisters painted was the 1971 Ferrari Dino, though her Mercedes-Benz artwork received more praise. “They loved it and I felt so happy to see this positive interaction.”

The decision to paint the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was spontaneous, Al-Aqeel said. She was looking at classic cars with her family and the Mercedes-Benz’s 1960s and 1970s models intrigued her the most.

She added that the 1960s and 1970s were “sophisticated eras in everything, even cars.” However, today’s models are more focused on sports, she said. Al-Aqeel recently took photos at Ibn Mansi Auto showroom in Jeddah, where she also sat in classic cars and enjoyed the feel of older gear and vintage gadgets.

“I absolutely love the pastel colors of vintage cars, and the interior of cars at that time were very beautiful as well. The steering wheel was thin and stylish.”