Richmond 2015 UCI Worlds:

No sooner than Monika Zur (Poland) had been pulled back than another rider went on the offensive. The team most often on the attack was Australia, this time is was their rider, Katrin Garfoot, who was lighting it up.  As the laps continued to tick by the big names were starting to pay attention to the moves (or at least have one of their teammates monitor the front end of the race).

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.

Richmond 2015 UCI Worlds: Closing the Gap

The peloton was in no mood to let anyone escape although there was attack after attack.  This time it was Monika Zur (Poland) who was reeled back in by the American lead peloton.  At this point the group was headed back down Broad Street after their loop around the Monuments and the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.  I remember when the tower on the Seigel Center was built, I never thought I would see it being broadcast around the world.   VCU is where I studied to refine my art education and start the process of becoming a professional artist.

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.

Richmond 2015 UCI Worlds: Against the Clock

Day two of the UCI World Road Racing Championships kicked off with the Women's Junior Time Trial.  Unfortunately for my painting efforts, there was no video coverage of the racing.  Fortunately, I have many cycling fan friends who were able to catch images along the sides of the course.  Thanks to Chris Dunn and Facebook, I was able to paint this of Daria Pikulik of Poland.  She was one of the earlier starters and spent some time in the hot seat chairs were riders sit waiting to discover if they will hold their position on the podium as each subsequent rider finishes her ride.  I actually had the opportunity to meet this 18 year old who was delighted to see this work (she went so far as to sign the back of the painting).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  The paintings are for sale each day at the Downtown Fanfest in the Greater Richmond Convention Center at 5th and Marshall Streets in Richmond, VA.  There are originals and two different sizes of prints being offered for sale starting at $20.00 USD. Eventually, they will be available through www.richmond.com.

2014 UCI Worlds: I Did It!

With enough time in hand to celebrate his surprise victory, Michal Kwiatkowski, made a meal of it.  First clasping his face in disbelief, then swinging his arms wide in victory.  He crossed the line reaching down to kiss the Polish flag emblazoned upon his jersey.  He was chased all the way to the line, with Simon Gerrans (Australia) claiming the silver and Alejandro Valverde (Spain) grabbing bronze for the second year running.  While Kwiatkowski is new to the Worlds, Valverde has been on the podium seven times now, just never on the top step.  Just slipping into fourth place was the Danish rider, Matti Breschel, who had started the attacks that led this group to the line almost together.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/2014%20World%20Championships/2443458---202544/Painting.html#.VCi5Tc_D_IU

2014 UCI Worlds: Taking a Peek at 5 K

Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland) put in a vicious attack on the penultimate climb of the day, quickly dropping all of the top riders in the world.  Peeking behind as he passed under the 5 kilometer to go banner, I am sure he was both surprised and delighted to see no one in sight.  While he didn't have much of an advantage, the bend in the road blocked the chasers from view heartening the young man from Poland.  Kwiatkowski is having a hell of a year wearing the White Jersey in the 101st Tour de France on multiple stages and now here he is off the front of the peloton with just five kilometers to a Rainbow Jersey.  This is a small watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  You can see more art and read more about Kwiatkowski in my soon to be released, "Book de Tour."  It is available through my website as well, just look for the "Gallery" Book de Tour.