Motor racing enthusiasts Artist Neil Baggaley and photographer Olithephoto join forces to show case their work

ShortShift News caught up with artist Neil Baggaley for a little insight to his passion for painting. Neil was an admirer of Basingstoke’s Darren Oliver-Jones’s photography and decided to paint some of Darren’s Bennetts British Superbike’s photos. When asking Neil about working with Olithephoto his reply was “Pretty damn cool. Not only do I regard him as a friend, he is also a very talented photographer.”

Darren, more known in the BSB paddock as Olithephoto has been shooting images for the last three seasons. Olithephoto’s work has be noticed by various riders and teams, Glenn Irwin used one of Darren’s photos for his tribute helmet design for the late Paul Bird.

Neil has painted three outstanding pictures from Darren’s collection; Jason O’Halloran, Rhys Irwin and more recently Dany Kent.

Neil has always painted, but only took up painting race bikes over the last 10 years on and off, but more Seriously over the last 2 years. He developed the skill of painting riders through the love of the sport and getting to know certain riders on a more personal level.

Neil has followed bike racing since 1980 after attending his first meeting at Olivers Mount in Scarborough. He has owned motorbikes for over 30 years but never raced one on track.
Wayne Gardner is Neil’s favourite rider of all time. Simon Andrews was a friend and racer, and in more recent times Neil has got to know Jason O’Halloran.

If you are interested in purchasing one of Neil’s prints; A3 Prints are £15 each plus £5 first class recorded delivery. You can contact him via Facebook Messenger or via email; neilbags1005@gmail.com

It takes about 3 months in total to complete the picture from concept to finish, but that is alongside his existing work commitments as Neil is a driving instructor.

Neil presented his work to Jason, Rhys and Danny, all riders were thrilled with their prints and signed them.

Give Neil and Olithephoto a follow on all of their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.