Racing Lines
Art by Maxine Dodd
Hospital – 3
Posted on June 13, 2020
Now that lockdown measures are being eased, there is hope of a return to surgical operations recently cancelled due to the intense need of hospital resources and staff covering the pandemic.
My drawings here are based on a view of an operation taken from a recent BBC News item about this return. This is the source image, photographed from the TV.
BBC News 10:15pm
As ever, I was so struck by the intense, but calm concentration and also the character of the surgeons revealed by what is the smallest glimpse of their features.
The other striking element for me is the light we can see here. I can’t help myself, I see the light found in paintings by Caravaggio and Rembrandt, the intensity of colour and feeling, resonates from hundreds of years ago to the present day.
See the features on the faces to the top right in this painting by Caravaggio; only the top of the heads are in light, showing eyes and noses, just as the masks do with the surgeons.
Caravaggio, 1602
National Gallery of Ireland
Here are my efforts in oil pastel, ink and water colour, a long way off the beauty of the photo and certainly the painting!
Maybe the photo says it best here? I will let you decide…
Oil pastel and watercolour study
16cm x 16cm (approx)
Oil pastel and watercolour study
16cm x 16cm (approx)
Tour de France 2019 – Excited!
Posted on July 6, 2019
Bonjour! It’s July, it’s Tour time! Three weeks of absorbing racing through some of the finest scenery you’ll ever see.
There will be crowds and flags and great spectacle along the way.
The race begins in Brussels to mark the 50th Anniversary of the first win of Eddie Merckx, one of cycling’s greatest racers. It also marks one hundred years since the first award of arguably the most famous sporting trophies, the Yellow Jersey.
It was first won by Eugene Christophe in 1919, who will wear it and eventually win it this year? It will be a great adventure finding out!
Wisteria magic
Posted on September 9, 2014
Hello! Spring is almost over and the season on the brink of changing to summer. One plant that marks this transition is the wisteria, which pours colour and fragrance like fountains in many gardens, including ours. It’s a lovely subject, offering curling lines, twisting branches and of course the colour. I’ve drawn it in pastel, pen and ink with watercolour and now digitally for the first time. Here are my drawings…
Tour de France 2014: Stage 15 – Tallard to Nîmes
Posted on July 22, 2014
Bonjour! Stage15 was a long stage leaving the Alps and heading through the south of France towards the Pyrenees. The course passed through classic French countryside, but with crosswinds and storms at times, it was still a challenge for the riders. Two made an impressive breakaway lead by Martin Elmiger and Jack Bauer. At the end of the stage they were caught and passed by the head of the peloton – all sprinters – and there was nothing either man could do to assuage the onslaught! Amazing stuff – can’t wait for Stage 16! Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 14 – Grenoble to Risoul
Posted on July 20, 2014
Bonjour! Stage14 continued in the Alps in a hard day’s climbing and an engrossing day’s racing. The skies promised rain but didn’t deliver – instead riders worked hard in the sun. The race saw great performances from the AG2R team, Vincenzo Nibali, but the stage was won by up and coming climber, Rafal Majka, who crossed the line, jacket unzipped and flapping! Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 13 – Saint-Étienne to Chamrousse
Posted on July 18, 2014
Bonjour! Stage13 arrived in the Alps and passed through the city of Grenoble. Spectacular scenery, including the still snowy and very white, Mont Blanc. This was another hard stage with more riders abandoning or falling back. Steering a very confident course through much of the race was Alessandro De Marchio who forged ahead. Until that is, the brilliant Vincenzo Nibali burst past everyone in the final kilometres to take the win alone and in style. Vincenzo has worn the Yellow Jersey for many days and must be the favourite for Paris. Who can catch him? Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 12 – Bourg-en-Bresse to Saint-Étienne
Posted on July 18, 2014
Bonjour! Stage12 continued the theme begun on Stage 11, hot sunshine, rolling countryside and beautiful chateaux. The announcement came that Andrew Talansky joined 4 other team leaders in retirement, but the race pressed on. French fans enjoying the progress of riders Cyril Gaultier and Perrig Quemeneur who brokeaway with Simon Clarke to lead for a great section of the stage. The sprint to the line saw Peter Sagan miss out on the win yet again – just beaten by Alexander Kristoff for the Russian team Katusha. And this was a ‘quiet’ stage! Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 10 – Mulhouse to La Planche des Belles Filles
Posted on July 14, 2014
Bonjour! Stage10, was absolutely amazing. Riders toiling into the mountains through sunshine, rain and fog for over 4 hours – only to be rewarded with the near vertical climb at La Planche des Belles Filles, the killer hill! Contador sadly retired after an appalling fall. A brilliant ride by Rodriguez was outshone by Vincenzo Nibali who was first over the hill. A memorable Bastille Day! Thank goodness it’s a rest day tomorrow – we can all calm down a bit! See you on Wednesday – Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 9 – Gérardmer to Mulhouse
Posted on July 13, 2014
Bonjour! Stage 9 was another exciting day, with sunshine, showers, arduous climbs and fast descents. It was also a tale of two Tonys, namely Martin and Gallopin. The two men delighted their fans with the stage win and yellow jersey respectively. Tomorrow is Bastille Day and the Tour heads into the mountains proper. What could be better? Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 8 – Tomblaine to Gérardmer La Mauselaine
Posted on July 13, 2014
Bonjour! Stage 8 saw the first climbing section in France. Another mixed day of weather, the stage starting in good sunshine with riders looking relaxed and smiling. As the stage progressed and the land rose, down came the rain once again, putting everyone to the test. Nip and tuck all the way, there was delight for the French as Blel Kadri took the stage win. The battle for second nearly as exciting, with Nibali, Contador and Chavanel going for glory. Congratulations! Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 7 – Épernay to Nancy
Posted on July 13, 2014
Bonjour! Stage 7 is one of the longest stages on this year’s Tour but passed through some lovely towns and villages by the great river Moselle. The weather was dry at last and for the most part, the stage passed uneventfully. Then came three dramatic crashes and a photo finish – never a dull moment! The stage was won in a hair’s breadth by Matteo Trentin. Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 6 – Arras to Reims
Posted on July 10, 2014
Bonjour! Today’s stage continued through the landscapes of the First World War – somehow appropriate that there was more rain and mud. More riders retired following falls. Still, the fans came out to support with towns and villages decked out in yellow and polka dots. The yellow jersey remained with Vincenzo Nibali; and after another dash to the line, a first stage win this year for Andre Greipel. A good day’s racing! Here are my drawings:
