Hola! Today’s image is taken from Stage 5 and shows something that strikes me every time I see the Mediterranean coastline – the sky and sea are such amazing blues – so intense. The race took a route through these gorgeous colours finishing on a very sharp climb which pushed even the best to their limits. Another fab day!
Still on the easel, but ready to go!
This is another foray into acrylic, which I have enjoyed using for a change. I have found them difficult in the past but have discovered that I have been using them incorrectly! I have always used a tiny amount of medium with a lot of water.
This is bad for the paint which can ‘split’. It is a polymer, so needs the medium to stretch the paint and allow it to flow. I now use plenty of medium with very little water and it works so well.*
This painting is the result of this learning, so it was great to make it!
Postscript 1/11/19 – I’m delighted to report that ‘Getting ready’ has now sold.
* Footnote: Advice on the subject of acrylic medium from Winsor & Newton:
Hola! Here’s my last sketch study from the time trial on Stage 1, this time showing Team Sky’s Michal Kwiatowski approaching the line at great speed to take the lead. His team mate Dylan van Baarle had held set a great time early on, but Kwiatowski put in a tremendous time, looking as though he would take his first stage win. It was not to be, but this moment looked great – at least for a while!
Hola! Here’s another study from the time trial on Stage 1, this one an experiment with water soluble pastels on black paper, which gives a great contrast for the colour. The rider is Victor Campenaerts (Lotto-Soudal) who charged to the line with what looked like a combination of determination and brute force to achieve his place on the podium – wonderful to see!
Hola! Here’s my next piece based on this year’s Vuelta – another from Stage 1, this time a study of Rohan Dennis waiting to start his time trial. He rode a phenomenal stage – he is a gifted time triallist, along with his team, BMC. The picture shows him calmly waiting to go, but I wanted to convey the anticipation by using strong lines – I like the contrast and feel this would work up into a bigger piece perhaps – that’s for another time but here he is… waiting.
Hola! This year’s Tour of Spain got underway in the south, with an individual time trial in the late afternoon. This first sketch shows Team Sky’s Michal Kwiatowski setting out on his ride, against the setting sun. The sun was low in the sky, bathing the city in a golden light – even the sea looked golden, so I called this, ‘Bathed in gold’
Hello! This picture taken from this year’s Vuelta a España. I was really taken with the colour of the trees and earth. It’s great to be reminded of warm sunshine on a December day. Have a great weekend 🙂
All the paintings are for sale (unless marked SOLD) and are priced at £250, (unless marked otherwise). Make a note of your favourite and press this link! Click to buy Thank you! 🙂 For full details, please visit Picture Info
Hola! Today’s image is taken from Stage 5 and shows something that strikes me every time I see the Mediterranean coastline – the sky and sea are such amazing blues – so intense. The race took a route through these gorgeous colours finishing on a very sharp climb which pushed even the best to their limits. Another fab day!
Hola! This year’s Tour of Spain got underway last weekend with a really absorbing Team Time Trial in the ancient city of Nîmes. My first image is of the team with the magical name ‘Sunweb’ – They put in a great performance, but lost out to eventual stage winners BMC. Here they are riding in afternoon sun…
Sunweb – SOLD
Hola! I’ve had time out recently which has meant that I have not been able to follow La Vuelta and the Tour of Britain day by day as I would normally. However, I have been catching up with both races and thought it would be fun to make random posts from various stages, which I’ll feature over the next week or so. Today is La Vuelta and the theme is flags, fog and passionate fans! Here are my drawings:
In case you were wondering… all the paintings are original and for sale. Prices from £150 To find out more about them and how to buy, click here or Picture Information
Hola! What a week it’s been for cyclists and fans alike! Stage 1 saw the team time-trial take place on 14 different road surfaces, an horrendous crash in Stage 2 – one of the biggest stars disqualified… the list goes on! Speaking personally, the gremlins have hit me somewhat this week… a few mechanicals, so to speak. Therefore, I’ve decided to publish the impressions I have made so far and wish you a very warm and happy weekend!
Here are my drawings:
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
Hello! What a summer of cycling it’s been! Some amazing moments in France and Italy, now we’re heading for the last Grand Tour of this year, La Vuelta a España, which explores the dramatic country of Spain. I’ve followed this event for two years, so it will be interesting to see how the race goes; the developing story of Froome versus Quintana should be fascinating not to mention the emerging stars building on their achievements in France. There should be much to enjoy. To get into the mood, I’ve selected a few highlights from 2013 and 2014 for you. Here are my drawings:
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 for Picture Information
Hola! This is a last post to round up this year’s wonderful Vuelta a Espana. Riding through the beautiful region of Galicia. In the end, Contador was victorious and Froome took a fantastic second place – an amazing achievement after both men sustained dreadful injuries only a few weeks ago. Time for little rest! Hasta luego! Here are my drawings:
Hola! After the rest day, the last part of La Vuelta a Espana moves into Galicia where the crosswinds and high-kick roads continue to characterise this great race. Today’s course began on the coast and then turned inland working through towns and villages. The breakaway was led by Daniel Teklehaimanot of MTN-Qhubeka, the first African team to enter the race but in the end it was a sprinter’s stage with a great win for John Degenkolb. Here are my drawings:
Hola! The third day in the mountains. Better weather than yesterday revealed the mountains in their glory, not to mention a great stage for Contador and Froome, battling it out uphill, while Cancellara showed how to handle a descent! Here are my drawings:
Hola! The second of three days in the northern mountain ranges. Beautiful course through with amazing camber to the roads, made worse by the mist and rain. Incredible stage. Here are my drawings:
Hola! Up to the top of Spain and the wonderful landscapes of the Picos – but very tough climbing for the riders! Again, they amaze with their tenacity. From a British fan’s perspective this was a great day for Team Sky, who have gradually made their way up the standings. Chris Froome pulled out all the stops and is now in third place overall, but the red jersey remains firmly with the brilliant Contador. Here are my drawings:
Hola! Still playing catch up so I’ve combined highlights from Stage 12 and Stage 13, with your forgiveness! Stage 12 was a sprinters’ stage, riding long circuits of the terracotta city of Logroño, which was won by John Degenkolb, whereas Stage 13 set out into the hills again riding through beautiful green fields that reminded me of Yorkshire in July! A terrific climb at the last, with a win for Navarro. Here are my drawings:
Hola! So good to be back after some unforeseen interruptions and technical hitches I’ve had the past few days. The peloton definitely left me behind, you might say! Stage 11 took a searing course through the Navarro mountains. Hot and steep, the riders hauled their way to the top. Sadly, there was another crash for Quintana and his Vuelta finally came to an end, but for Spanish fans there was great delight as the stage was won by Fabio Aru. Gruelling but terrific! Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 10 saw an elaborate start to the second time trial, weaving through the terracotta walls of the monastery. From there, the course travelled through the province of Zaragossa to Borja in sunshine. Quintana began his first day in red well but suffered a dreadful crash on a bend. He recovered well enough to complete but lost his red jersey to the amazing Contador, riding so well after the appalling injury he sustained in the Tour. You just wouldn’t know it to look at him- amazing! Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 9 was a climbing stage through the hills of Aragon. The surprise was the transformation in the weather – the rain poured! Team Sky began well but Lampre Merida’s Winner Anacona led from the front and took the win, but a great battle behind for the red jersey. Contador was close but Quintana took that prize. Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 8 was the longest stage so far and left Andalucia for La Mancha. Long, straight roads through rolling plains meant crosswinds and speedier teams were ready to take advantage. Sky performed really well all day but the sprint to the finish saw a great battle with Nacer Bouhanni pounding through to victory! Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 7 was another stage in Andalucia and what a stage it was. Long and bumpy course past fields of olive trees growing from red earth. The stage was ridden fast with strong breakaways and a peloton in hot pursuit. However, this pace caused several riders to fall – even as the peloton approached the winning line. A great win for Team Cannondale by Alessandro De Marchi who crossed the line solo. Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 6 continued through the heat of Andalucia. Something in the back of my mind thinks that this area is known as ‘the frying pan of Spain’. I’m sure someone can confirm this – certainly it must feel like it to the 198 riders who have survived so far. A long stage on the flat, passing arid, golden fields – even a dust plume – only to be rewarded with the nastiest climb right at the end in La Zubia. However, fans were rewarded with a phenomenal finish and a great win for Valverde. Astonishing stuff! Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 5 was a slower stage for the most part, travelling a meandering course inland to Ronda. All looked hot but relaxed and the stage progressed without incident until a sudden change of wind brought about a break from team Tinkoff Saxo. Then it all kicked off with a phenomenal sprint finish and a second win for John Degenkolb. As we say in the UK – ‘Phew, what a scorcher!’ Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 4 saw the course continue inland, starting flat but with two climbs. The weather was ridiculously hot again, calling into question the safety of the event by some riders. In spite of this, the cyclists performed brilliantly with astonishingly fast descents that took my breath away! A burst to the finish saw the win for John Degenkolb. Great racing. Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 3 began on the coast of Cadiz and wove a course inland that saw the first climbs of this year’s race. Travelling through sizzling countryside in sweltering temperatures, riders ground uphill and flew down at breakneck speed. A hard day all round! Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 2 was a stage for the sprinters, being mostly flat.The course travelled across the extreme south of the country, passing through industrial zones and salt flats. It was hot and windy. There was a crazed dash for the line with a fantastic win for French FDJ team rider Nacer Bouhanni, one of cycling’s exciting new sprinters. Here are my drawings:
Hola! So good to be back to cycling for the last Grand Tour of the season, which takes us round beautiful Spain. Stage 1 took the form of a team time trial around the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera – a lovely evening stage showing all the teams to great advantage. and whetting the appetites of fans for three weeks of great racing. Here are my drawings:
Hello! Thinking about the start of the Tour of Spain which gets underway later today, I’ve been making a few doodles and drawings in anticipation. Just quick thoughts really but here they are anyway!
