NYCVelo Stage 6 + 7

I managed to grab a few moments to get back to work on some painting and finally started making the changes needed on this painting - basically it was lacking some b*lls...

I'm a Gawker Artist!

Yay - I have been accepted to the list of Gawker artists which mean you will see my work displayed on a number of Gawker owned websites and blogs. Clicking on that banner image will take you to a short Gawker bio about me and a link to my website.

This will be some great exposure for me. I'll be looking into becoming a Gawker host too and exhibit other artists work on my Velopaint homepage in order to 'pay it forward'...

In other news I am having an incredibly busy start to 2008 and am entrenched in illustration projects for commercial clients and having little time to touch a brush. I do hope to finish off two pieces in the next 2 weeks or so.

Eddie Mundy 1924-2008

Eddie was the first person most people met when going to the Addiscombe Cycling Club Wednesday night socials, he was there every week amongst his life long friends. I am sad to say that on Wednesday 9th Eddie collapsed whilst at the club and passed away the following morning.

Eddie welcomed me to the club in 1999 and over the coming years he wowed me with his generosity and commitment. I remember accepting a lift home after an evening club time trial and fearing for my life in his temperamental old van as he regaled me with tales of his time spent at and under the sea in WW2. Then whilst a few of us young ones were preparing for our first 12 hour time trials, inspired by Eddie, he was there to make sure all our preparations went smoothly and offer advice on nutrition including various teas, bizarre sandwiches and rice pudding with peaches in our bottles. Eddie was there at the roadside at 5:30am to wave us off, to hand us food every hour and encourage us until we finished. Eddie reminded us that it’s not about winning; it’s about trying your best and having fun.

In 1952 Eddie set his second UK National 24 Hour TT Record with a distance of 467.52 miles. With his tandem partner, Stan Harvey, he also claimed numerous distance TT records across the UK.

Today we can all see video of Merckx and Coppi and dream of the romantic days of cycling when men wrapped tires across their chests and wore scratchy woolen jerseys. I am so glad to have been friends with Eddie Mundy and to have been able to experience those glorious days through his presence.

Bayridge Cargo Sketches

Living on Bayridge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean/Hudson River/East River? I have become strangely fascinated by these huge floating hulks that quietly plow the waters. If only Staten Island wasn't ruining the view! The first two images were drawn with ink and a wonderful tool called the 'Walnut drawing stick' and the third is a watercolor which I hope to do more of.

Sketches of Bermuda

Just a few of the drawings made whilst in Bermuda. I made a point of using a different drawing material/implement each time just for fun. My wife and I had a great time in the warmth just relaxing and getting away from her pressures of work and PHD and enjoying some alone time before we become a trio in March.