Whether you think of swish as agitation or you recognise it as that hissing whistling noise as something flies by then you’ve got the essence of this painting. Or pehaps to you it means it’s all rather posh! A sweaty cyclist at the end of a stage definitely looks less than swish. Cooked quite possibly if it’s been a hot and mountainous stage.
Towards the end of Stage 12 Tour de France 2015 the sprinters were hurtling towards the finish line. Cavendish, Greipel and Kittel slip streaming each other with 300 metres to go. Their team mates have done their job and are now behind.
As the Tour de France develops the riders get used to working with each other and against each other as required. The closer the finish line is we see more agitation as the effort is harder and the lead riders are now on their own pushing hard.
This stage was actually a stage that favoured the rouleurs. The 195 km from Lannemezon to Plateau de Beille suiting riders who turn a big gear for a long time on flat terrain. Lots of whistling along as the wind catches the wheels.
The movement of the riders set off against the deep crowd. Fans wearing Tour de France jerseys, team caps and shirts enjoying the sun and the spectacle. A lovely blur of colour for the riders as they flash by.
Swish Painting:
“Swish’ was in exhibition at Greenstage Gallery during hArt 2016 with works by Ed Ball. SOLD.
It is on 80 x 60 cm primed canvas on stretchers with Winsor & Newton water-soluble oils, thinner and linseed oil, framed in white-limed wood. Available to buy in Paintings.
