Taking photos during the Olympic Games is all very well, but immortalizing these precious moments through painting is even better... In any case, this was the mission given to British painter Peter Spens by the International Volleyball Federation for the beach volleyball matches at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Installed at the top of the stands, facing the Eiffel Tower, the British painter immortalizes these unique moments on canvas, in his own way.
Peter Spens is no novice. Already present at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, this time he brings his talent to the heart of Paris. " It's going to take me 14 days to finish this painting," he confides, well aware of the challenge presented by the exceptional site of the Eiffel Tower. Spectators, corners of the stadium, greenery and even the Place du Trocadéro in the background of the Eiffel Tower find their place in his paintings, where every detail counts.
A scene captured from a unique angle, that of Peter Spens, who, inspired by masters such as Turner and Monet and armed with his brushes and panama hat, carefully observes what's happening on the sand and around the stadium. Since the age of 16, he has been painting urban and sports landscapes around the world, cultivating a passion for the sport he loves to depict. " Today, I'm lucky enough to paint in the birthplace of Impressionism," he tells SkiActu. He even dreams of painting the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026, adding a new page to his impressive career.
Meanwhile, the artist continues his meticulous work in Paris, capturing the energy of the crowd and the beauty of the site. His ambition? To finish this monumental painting in time for August 10, the penultimate day of the competitions (and the last day of the beach volleyball events). Another way of experiencing the Olympic Games, turning every moment into an unforgettable memory. Can't wait to see the final result!
