Sketching and drawing women’s diving today from the European championships. Using larger drawing paper A2, I drew with ink and brush, charcoal.
It’s extraordinary to watch and very hard to draw, but great to try…I put them up on the wall at the end of the day. Thought it would be good to see them together.
Detailed view
“If you are not skillful enough to sketch a man jumping out of a window in the time it takes him to fall from the fourth storey to the ground, you will never be able to produce great works.”
Cascading Green was made from Stage 7 of 2014’s Tour. It was one of the longest stages and passed through some lovely towns and villages by the river Moselle. The peloton rode past this lovely house with tumbling bougainvillea and a cascade of green on the trees lining the road.
The great race starts in Copenhagen – and the song is in my head! I am so looking forward to seeing the Tour start in Denmark – I have family connections, my grandfather being Danish born. The first stage is an individual time-trial, so here are a few images from TTs I’ve made in the past. Tadej Pogačar features here – and seems to be favourite again. Time will tell. The only thing you can predict surely, is that this race is undpredictable! Allez allez!
Tour de France 2021 – Stage 5, Pogačar waitsStart line reflections: Pinot! Pinot!Chris Froome sets outChris Froome smashes it!Brad waits for the Time TrialStart line reflections: Primož RogličStage 13 – Bernal-GomezStart line reflections-Richie PorteStart line reflections: Tadej PogačarDumoulinRohan ready to go – study.
Hello and bonjour! The last day before the start of the 108th Tour de France, and to post of some of my favourite images over the years inspired by this great race.
Stage 11, Leaving Albertville
I am amazed to admit that this will be the tenth time I have made drawings and paintings of the Tour, my first being in 2012. It was a turning point for my art (and my life) in many ways, so this will be a special race from a personal perspective too. The start of an anniversary year, in fact, so I am very excited to say the least.
The race itself promises, as ever, to be a diverse and colourful course, this year starting in Brittany, which will be lovely to see. Other highlights for me include a return to Albertville, Nîmes and Carcassonne along with a nice detour through Andorra, which will bring back memories of skiing holidays we enjoyed years ago.
Stage 15 – Carcassonne, pink rooftops and green trees
From the the point of view of the race itself, there’s a lot to look forward to. Personally, I shall have everything crossed for Mark Cavendish, one the most exciting riders for me, but also one with his unfair share of bad luck lately. He is so passionate about this race and so close to Merckx’ record, it would be phenomenal to see him succeed.
Cavendish – Head down for No.28,
Cavendish will ride alongside Julian Alaphilippe, another rider who is a joy to watch. I just love them both and I confess, Deceuninck–Quick-Step, will be a team I shall be keen to see do well.
A tribute win for Alaphilippe
La Course, the partner women’s race will take place tomorrow, following a similar route tothe men’s Stage 1 route, but the really significant news for women’s cycling is that Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme made a long-awaited confirmation that Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) will launch a women’s Tour de France in 2022. Finally!!! I can’t wait to draw it! A wonderful way to round off my anniversary year.
Lizzie takes the win! La Course 2020
So, not long to go… let’s hope for good weather, good riding, no controversies, definitely no COVID, and plenty of scenes of France itself, for many of us, it will be our only way to visit this year. Wishing the teams and the Tour, the very best! Scroll down to see some pictures to whet your appetite!
Allez! Allez!
AmigosStage 19 – HeartbreakingIncredible stretch!Les Gorges du Tarn, Stage 14Peloton comes over the hill to a field of sunflowers, All the red flags!Flags and caravansChaos on the mountains, Allez!Bora attack!Hirschi takes the top of the climb
Next, the rain! It’s lovely to draw, not so great to ride…
The last climb! Stage 17- Feel the rain!Torrential rain!Poor visibilityStart line reflections-Richie PorteStart line reflections: Primož RogličThe meeting of the shirtsWatching Le TourBeautiful blue skies and bunting! Greipel wins! All yellow for Chris! Unstoppable Wout!Kämna wins! Watercolour pen and ink, by Maxine DoddBrilliant Barguil! Chris Froome sets outStage 20 – Nibali crosses the line!A quick look back, Alexy LutsenkoSecond for Sagan; First for Van AvermaetDescending like a skier, Sagan, Stage 16FDJ, 19.1kmStage 21, Paris – On the Champs!
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:
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:
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:
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:
Breezy bend!Honey chateauWelcoming the Tour! SOLDSnaking roadRacing at the frontChattingAcross the lineAcross the lineChattingRacing at the frontWelcoming the Tour! SOLDHoney chateauBreezy bend!Snaking road
Maxine Dodd 