Live and in person, your life.
They say experience is the best teacher, I tend to agree.
As I pack my bag and head out for my third Tour de France trip I fully understand how being in the moment is key to my work. For example I’ve just finished up the concept drawings I’ve been working on from my last trip to Italy for the Giro. I was able to ride some amazing iconic cycling climbs and routes. Meet great new people and spend time in person at a very special place, Chapel Madonna del Ghisallo.
Beyond the fun, the cycling and the food what I gather is emotional imagery. A feeling for a place by standing still and drawing in that moment. There is no better connection to experience a location than to draw it. Absorb it. Drink it in. That is why each of these four concepts are so dramatically different.
It’s the emotional connection that makes the image unique and you can’t fake it as well as being there. I think it’s one of the things that sets my work apart, makes it unique.
Each of these will become digitally drawn Cycling Art Prints when I return from the Tour de France.
Stelvio – I was most struck by the vast powerful emptiness of this landscape. Beyond the well known switchbacks was the fact that you ride up that climb alone, even with your friends.
Sella Ronda – The sweeping descents and rolling curves made this day a rollercoaster ride on a bike.
Mortirollo – Steady as a climb up the Empire State Building, this daunting unforgiving, relentless pitch was hidden in a pine forest with rolling fields of grass as a pleasant disguise.
Madonna del Ghisallo – I don’t have much to say except for me, this was a day at church and I can’t wait to work on this idea more.
Look for these new Cycling Art Prints and more when I return from the Tour de France. Be sure to Follow on Social Media, and thank you for your continued support. Michael
