Commonwealth Games

It's been a pretty hectic summer so far!

Here's a few photos which I took at the Commonwealth Games in my home city of Glasgow.

Angie hands over to a very proud Myrtle on the last day of the Baton Relay.  Outside Greggs.

Taking our seats before the start of the Opening Ceremony at Parkhead.

Those teacakes!

 

One minute to go!!

Kitsch-a-go-go!! John Barrowman appears out of a giant kilt. The crowd decide to just 'go with it'.  Because it's meant to all be a bit hand-knitted.

Barrowman!! And teacakes!!!!

And Nessie!!!  Made out of that great Scottish invention, the tyre....

 

 Is that Lulu?

Is THAT Lulu?

Our hearts melt.  You don't need fancy pyrotechnics.  Just Scotties.

Possibly the most exciting moment, ever.  Seeing the Scotland team waiting in the wings for their big moment to come on stage.

The crowd go bonkers.  To be fair, they went bonkers for everyone.

The comedy section of the night.  Sir Chris tries to get the lid off the baton.

Party on!

Rugby Sevens.  Always include at least two of your five a day in every crowd.

A couple get engaged....

...a man streaks with his clothes on....

...and a patriotic moment.

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of any of the road races, as they were right outside my house and I just ran out to see them without my camera, just my house keys!  However, I did see this actually happen...

SMALL BOY TRIES TO EMULATE HEROIC ATHLETES. FAILS.

The Last Leg...

I'm now (hopefully) on the last leg of work for the big consignment to London.

Here's a couple of new paintings.

The first is a night scene along the Thames of Tower Bridge - it was freezing, but the water was glittering and there was a moon shining.

Barges by Tower Bridge at Night (Oil, 10 x 10)

The next is a big contrast,  a big, bright,  expansive view out to the Hebrides from the beaches at Morar.  Quite a contrast to urban London.  However, I want my solo show to have lots of contrasts and surprises, as well as the familiar.

Heather on Rocks, Morar (Oil on linen, 20 x 20)

 All the paintings are fuelled by this.  Well, you've got to have some motivation.

 

Because there's nothing quite like a Tunnocks teacake.  

People of the world, if you've never had one, you're missing out.  I'm sure many artistic tragedies and mishaps would have been avoided if temperamental artists throughout history had just sat down with a cup of tea, cracked open a nice box of teacakes, and had a bit of a sugar rush in the afternoon.