Lovely to be in Mallorca again… the colours and light are so special, I’m channeling my inner Dufy here! 
Happy days…
vacation
Good to be back
Hello! It’s been a while since I posted, for a few reasons but chief among them was a much-desired and needed spell of R and R, with good dollop of sunshine and sea! Back to work now but here are a few sketches made while away… just as a reminder! Have a wonderful weekend! Here are my drawings:
Tumbling greys…
Yachts
The Bougainvillea Villa – SOLD
Enjoying the sea!
View to the mountain
Hula-hula sunshades
Pretty blue bike at the Bougainvillea Villa
The Hula-hula sunshade
Pretty blue bike at the Bougainvillea Villa… again
Tuesday snoozin’
In case you were wondering… all the paintings are original and for sale. To find out more about them and how to buy, click here or Picture Information
ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT MAXINE DODD
Tour de France 2014: Stage 19 – Maubourguet Pays du Val d’Adour to Bergerac
Bonjour! Stage19 saw the beginning of the route home to Paris. The course travelled through the area of the Dordogne in pouring, pouring rain. So much rain! The visibility was so bad and the roads so slippery an accident felt more than likely to happen. It did, right at the last and it was a big one. Leading through most of the stage was TJ Slagter, but it was Ramunas Navardauskas from Lithuania who navigated past the carnage to take the stage win, brilliantly holding his lead against the chasing pack. Here are my drawings:
TJ Slagter et les parapluies
Awful crash
SOLD – Where are they?
Tour de France 2014: Stage 18 – Pau to Hautacam
Bonjour! Stage18 was the third and final day in the Pyrenees. It was a decisive stage, with King of the Mountains and Green Jersey, not to mention Yellow, really set for this year. All they have to do is stay in the saddle until Sunday and all will be well! Nibali crossed the line with quiet authority after another incredible performance. Here are my drawings:
SOLD – Taking the bend
Astana push on
He’s the one, Nibali
Tour de France 2014: Stage 17 – Saint-Gaudens to Saint-Lary Pla d’Adet
Bonjour! Stage17 saw the second day in the Pyrenees. Another hard stage with great climbs and descents. The race lead passed through several hands over the course of the stage, including a great spell by Kiriyenka of team Sky. Romain Bardet handled the descents with alarming grace but the win came again for Rafal Majka, King of the Mountains. Yellow jersey stays on the back of the amazing Nibali. Here are my drawings:
King of the Mountains coming through
SOLD – Haring round the bend!
Flying down
Grim determination
Adjusting the seat
Bardet goes for it!
Tour de France 2014: Stage 16 – Carcassonne to Bagnères-de-Luchon
Bonjour! Stage16 was the first day in the Pyrenees. The sun shone, the road rose high and the riders descended at breakneck speeds. Australian rider, Mick Rogers won his first stage after ten years of taking part in the Tour. Absolutely brilliant, he so deserved it and even crossed the winning line with a bow. Ripper! Here are my drawings:
SOLD – Mick Rogers, winner Stage 16
SOLD – Peloton, steady climb
Looking back
Team Astana descend
Welcome to the Pyrenees
Tour de France 2014: Stage 15 – Tallard to Nîmes
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:
Back in the sun
Poor visibility
Splash! SOLD
Coming through town
SOLD – A very steep hill
Astonishing race to the finish!
Tour de France 2014: Stage 14 – Grenoble to Risoul
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:
Storm brewing in the Alps
Looking from above
Heading for Col du Lautaret
Descent: Col du Izoard
AG2R running for the last hill
Wind in his coat tails, Rafal Majka
Tour de France 2014: Stage 13 – Saint-Étienne to Chamrousse
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:
Early breakaway to the mountains
Nibali
Up the mountain to Grenoble
Head down for the descent
Maxine Dodd 