Giro, Stage 1: Racing at Home

The 101st Giro d'Italia has done something that no grand tour has done before, it has started outstide of Europe.  198 riders went to Jerusalem, Israel for three days of racing around the country before heading back to Italy for the remaining 18 stages.  So it is fitting that the first painting of the race is of the Israeli National Time Trial Champion, Guy Sagiv (Israel Cycling Academy).  Sagiv had to be super motivated to put in a great showing, but he was up against the world, including the European Champion and the World Champion in this discipline. 

Part of the reason I decided to paint this year's Giro d'Italia is that it is starting in Jerusalem and ending in Roma near the steps of the Vatican.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3157915-1-249297/PaintingRacing-at-Home-G17-1.html

Doha 2016, Eltie Women's Road Race: Cross Cultural

First let me apologize for getting things out of order.  Due to work requirements, I was unable to paint both the Men's and Women's Junior Road Races yesterday.  I hope to be able to get to them after the Men's Elite tomorrow.  Or they may get much the same treatment as they did in Richmond last year, where their races weren't even televised.  That being said, it is on to the Elite Women's Road Race.

When I first got interested in bike racing back in the early 1970's, this is an image I could never have imagined, nor do I think it could have happened.  To see an Israeli woman racing a bike professionally in an Arabic country, and for her to be leading the peloton by nearly 20 seconds, would have been inconceivable (say in your head the way the word is delivered in the movie, Princess Bride).  Paz Bash (Israel) is zipping through the feed zone.  She has just finished stuffing the ice bag from one soigneur down the back of her jersey as she is reaching for a water bottle and energy gel from another.  With both hands off of the handlebars, it is fortunate that she is on her own and not in the scrum of the peloton through the Feed Zone.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Doha%202016%20UCI%20Road%20World%20Championships/2865762-49-227958/PaintingCross%20Cultural%20Doha49-Greig-Leach.html#.WAJs2uArLIU

Richmond 2015 UCI Worlds: Making the First Move

With a long day in the saddle ahead of them, the peloton didn't exactly storm off of the line.  But there is always someone who wants to go out and look for some early glory.  After all, the break away almost never works out, but then there is that one time where it pays huge dividends.  Perhaps the Rwandan rider was looking for a chance to show his colors (I think it is Jean Bosco Insengiyumva),  The African was quickly joined in the effort by Omer Goldstein (Israel) and Jose Luis Rodriquez (Chile).  The trio would soon become a carrot for others who dreamed of a surprise victory.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  These paintings are created live while watching the races through a feed provided by the Richmond 2015 Worlds organization.  For two more days, you will be able to watch me create the works live at the Fanfest area at 5th and Marshall Streets near the finish line.  You can also purchase either the originals or one of two different sizes of prints while you are there, or later at www.richmond.com.