Race Day

The much anticipated opening race finally arrived with great excitement, walking to the circuit I had a Paul Newman moment...I remember his film as a racing driver...and the build up of excitement began to grow..the PA system throwing out announcements...the mass crowds approaching the circuit....the smell of hot dogs..the merchandise sellers...certainly sent a tingle down my spine!
When I arrived I first had to pick up my Grid pass....there was a lot of activity building up to the race, I needed to get into the pit lane to take pics of the garages and to photo the minute silence plus the drivers parade....what a srum there was for places...initially the steward wouldn't let me through....think he saw the size of my camera compared to the photographers tanks!....I then had a case of lens envy!!
Managed to get onto the grid and track. and stayed on the grid ..all the pit girls arrived first...then all the teams and cars ..film crews..etc...So many people on the grid!...I was so aware of being very careful of all around me..I did get shoved out of the way unceremoniously by a south American commentator as she was speaking live!
I think I'll feel more comfortable  on the grid as the season progresses. I took loads of great pictures, I did feel privileged to be there.When Webber arrived on the Grid the crowd went crazy..their man!
 Saw most of the race in the Ferrari Motor home, a few laps before the end rushed to parc ferme, which was directly under the Podium.
The paparazzi take no prisoners I can tell you!...still manged to get good shots from the podium.
Next time I know what to do!..
What a great opening race..2 hours after race left for the airport...23 hour journey back, after 5 days in Melbourne..good to get the longest flight out of the way!..
To sleep now and one week in studio processing all pics, staring the Australian panel.
Next race Malaysia, leave Tues 5 April....can't wait!

Aussie legends

Just had the pleasure of meeting two past masters, Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones. nice guys ..took some good pics of them to include in my paintings.I'll be posting some photos soon...or as they say here..phodos!..it's been a busy paddock during final practice, lots of activity.
Quali starts 5pm local time.

6-30 saturday morning..been upm a few hours..think my own time-zone is somewhere between london and melbourne!
Busy day yesterday, weather lousy!..20 degrees, rain, wind. A good test for the new Pirelli tyres.
 Managed to meet the Circuit Chairman Ron Walker and CEO Andrew Westacott, explained the project to them, both more than happy to take part..although they need time to think about what they will pen for my painting...everybody wants a peice of them..so five mins with them was like gold-dust!.
I must say I feel like a new boy at school, finding my way..perhaps for the teams too, with their bright newly designed uniforms, I really like the Maclaren new black number!.
I managed to speak to Mclarens PR guy Steve Cooper...he started off at Art School..now looks after Lewis Hamilton..I wonder if they talk Art together!
I've introduced myself to all the teams PR people and press officers..tried their coffees too...Virgin's Cappucino..very nice...with a biscuit too!
The Atmosphere at the circuit is certainly building..the Aussies like their Motor sports, around the circuit there are so many fun-fair type activities..lots for the paying public..didnt spot many beer tents though....very unusual for this part of the world I'm sure!
Later in the day I took more pics around the city..like the Arts district..easy to get around on the trams.they just work!..why did we get rid of them in London.
Went the Queen Victoria Market, huge covered arena..I must say ..Market crap can be found everywhere one travels..it's alive and well here!
Looking forward to qulifying today, think Button was fastest in practice with Hamilton second.

paddock

If you ever wondered what happened to Leo Sayer!?...well he can be found in the Paddock..curious!

trackbound

Thursday morning..about to go to track..such a short walk to circuit 10 mins..what a treat!
Arrived in melbourne yesterday morning(wednesday)..no sleep of course!
Shower and straight to circuit.. met the teams pr and press officers..explained the concept of the Art Project.Getting the teams principles to handwrite in their own words their unique interest in F1....Should be fun. Small paddock area..but a lovely circuit
They liked the fact that an artist is joining the F1 family..Pirelli were very excited..
As I write this I can hear the cars on the track , we are that close.
To the track now..best coffee is Ferrari Motor home...of course!..then off the to streets of Melbourne to take pics...very green city..open spaces

In my studio

I've been commissioned by Bernie Ecclestone to create 20 original works of Art.
One for each host city and circuit- season 2011
The commission will showcase the beauty and dynamism of each host city, blending the unique
world of Formula One with the cultural and architectural significance of each place.
Follow my blogs as the official artist of F1, as I enter their world and tour with them gaining a different perspective within the hallowed grounds of the Paddock .
First race now, Melbourne, I leave 21st March






















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