It has been a big day today. I have acquired letters after my name with a successful election to the Royal Watercolour Society. The RWS have a great list of alumni, which includes Samuel Palmer, Peter De Wint and William Hunt as well as current members Peter Blake, Quentin Blake and Elizabeth Blackadder. Here are a couple of pictures I put in for selection and one which the society keeps for their archive. It feels good to contribute to such a prestigious heritage of artists and designers who love mixing water and colour pigment to make their mark.

Here's a sketchbook made inside the birds nest stadium in Beijing looking out over the skyline of an ever increasing city. I showed the original book in a lecture I gave at Bath Spa University couple of weeks ago. It is bigger than I thought. The book opened up across the entire width of the room

Every so often I am reminded what a great job I have. I received a package this week from Class 5HR, Overmonnow Primary school in Monmouth. They have made a fantastic copy of one of my books 'World Team'. Here are some brilliant pages made by individuals in the class.

Thanks to everyone who made a page in the book:

Look at the view out of the window in hawaii. I want to live there.

What a lively game in Madagascar with beautifully drawn figures.

I'd like a house near the beach in Jamaica with a palm tree to play football near.

That's a great wall to kick a ball against.

Look at the weather in Ireland. (Great goal!)

Someone has taken great care to draw all the trees in New Zealand!

That is a great building to play a game of football in front of.

What a lively street scene in Greece. I could play football there.

I love the idea that right now three people are playing football under three clouds in the Cook Islands.

Here are some spreads from my book:

Here is my new book, published by Frances Lincoln called In The Dark of the Night. It is a 'rights of passage' for a young wolf who sets out in the dark of the night, frightened but keen to discover what is at the top of the singing rock. When he has been there he is no longer frightened. Paul, the author told me it is about the first time your Dad takes you for a drink in a pub when you are 18.

I've made a decision on my exhibition next year. It will be at the Bankside Gallery next to Tate Modern in November 2009, a year from now. While Beijing will be a distant memory by then, London 2012 will be getting closer and it will be a great chance to both look back and forwards at the same time. I would like to call the show 'Citius Altius Fortius', after the Olympic motto 'Faster Higher Stronger' but not sure I will be allowed to. I think it speaks about sporting endeavor but also for the transformation of a country like China. There will be lots of news and events to tell you about between now and then, but I am likely to keep any images from the show under wraps until they go on public display. Here's a photo I took in Beijing in 1993 when they were bidding for the 2000 Olympic Games.

I am spending a great deal of time staring at a sheet of aquarelle arches 300gm/hp thanks to John Purcell Papers and not a powerbook screen. And I keep finding distractions, like World Cup qualifiers and Theo Walcott's hat-trick last night. It's an exciting, scary, difficult and rewarding time. I am also getting close to deciding on a venue for my show next year. Watch this space...

I went to the opening of the Sunday Times/Royal Watercolour Society exhibition at the Bankside gallery on Tuesday night. There are some fantastic artist's working on paper right now, none better than 72 yr old Michael Williams, who showed a hypnotic image of a water hole in Paros and 84 year old June Berry who exhibited two magical pictures of dream gardens. Just got to stick at it. Right, back to that blank sheet of paper...

I am back home now, tired but excited at the prospect of developing a bunch of drawings and ideas into finished pictures. At the risk of sounding like a Team GB prospect for 2012 the hard work starts now. I have had an amazing experience in Beijing and after watching the whole team leave the airport in their gold-nose Boeing for their press conference at Heathrow it struck me how accessible the whole games have been in contrast to a World Cup tournament.

It has been a hugely successful team performance for UK sport. Just as I am going to lock myself away in my studio, many of the athletes will begin the process of training and working to build on their individual successes here. While all the focus and attention shifts to London 2012, I will be concentrating on building a retrospective story of these unique games in Beijing.












my moment of fame - an interview on 5live 'Drive' with Peter Allen, Darren Campbell and Dom Joly outside the birds nest stadium after Usain Bolts' third world record.

So this is the last day of the Olympic Games. I have completed a full 17 days of incredible live sport in a country where anything less than number one in the medal table was not an option. The Chinese have hosted a brilliant games where Team GB have exceeded their planned medal haul. World records have been set and new stars emerged. Dreams of beating them move to London 2012 with Boris in the Birds Nest tonight. Lets hope his baton performance is better than the relay team. Then the TV crews pack up their cables and the rubbish is recycled from the stadium.


When I am home on Tuesday I will post a bunch of drawings from my time here.

The mens marathon is nearly finished in blistering heat, and I have just spotted three athletes taking a quick dip to cool down before their final lap into the stadium.

I am having some Internet problems, which is why I haven’t posted for a couple of days. Apologies. I have seen boxing, volley ball, table tennis, weightlifting more athletics and a beach volley ball final since my last post. I giggled my way through the table tennis watching the ridiculous quality of shots. I invested a lot of my teenage years down the youth club playing table tennis and thought I had a decent top spin smash, but this was just mad. Fantastic.

Then volley ball; Cuba v Serbia and Brazil v Japan. I can’t think of anything better than this. I particularly enjoyed the post match interviews.



Weightlifting, (105kg big boys), Steiner for Germany won. What a story for him. He competed for Austria in Athens and then fell out with their federation. He then married a German and started to compete for them. His wife was killed in a car crash in 2007 and he won gold here yesterday for her. On the podium he held a photo of his wife and the whole team was in tears.

It was chucking it down at the beach volleyball final so I had to resort to photography (at least that’s what I am telling Florence.) I have mixed feelings about it. It was a bit like a Radio 1 road show from the 80’s on a beach in Blackpool where the crowd is made to have fun. Make some noise for yooooooo esssssssss ayyyyyyyyy.



Outside the games I’ve had an unpleasant encounter in a toilet with a nutter (something I can only share with my closest friends), and I have seen an Iranian message of goodwill immediately stamped out by security services outside the workers stadium before the weightlifting. I have discovered Wangfujing Dajie, which is Oxford Street on EPO. I read in the newspaper that 60% of all Chinese will be urban dwellers by 2030. That is 900,000,000 people living in cities. The 4th ring road around Beijing is about as far out of London as the M25 and there is nothing but high-rise buildings in between. So not only does the population stretch out it reaches up. It is really impossible to give an impression of just how huge and densely populated Beijing is. Rush hour on the Tokyo underground is an experience but the subway here is unbelievable.

I hit an Olympic wall yesterday. I have been to two events a day for the last week, and I suddenly felt a claustrophobic need to escape. No more ‘one world one dream’ songs on every tube station, I couldn’t face another struggle to find my way round the impenetrable public bus system to each venue. To get to the beach volley ball this morning a volunteer walked with me to all four exits Dongzhimen station to find the K32 Olympic bus to the venue. After 30 mins she admitted she could not help and I jumped in a cab. In all it took me 2 hours to get across the city. I just needed a break from it all, but in Beijing there is no escape. I am constantly working out what is taking place at which venue at any moment in time. For instance the BMX final was postponed due to the rain today so I could try and scalp a ticket tomorrow. I am digging deep to complete my own Olympic marathon. I am off out again now to see some athletics. I love sport.

I am completely in awe of anyone who dedicates their life to becoming an Olympian. This weekend I have watched marathon runners, a 100m world record, a 300m steeple chase world record, 6 women jump over 5m in the triple jump in the same competition, a 10,000m race that makes anything else in the world seem unnecessary, fencing and the keirin cycle race, where man and technology work their magic together. All of it brilliant, inspiring and it just enhances my belief that sport is a means to a better life is so many different ways.



Sorry, did I go a bit Zen on you then? Here are some pictures to explain it better.








and finally spare a thought for Mr Chen who has cycled for 7 years a total of 65,000km on his bike to celebrate the Olympic Games. That is beyond the call of duty!

This is all a bit amazing now. In between gymnastics, wrestling and badminton I managed a trip to Confucius' house. He believed in finding a path to enlightenment. For Paula Radcliffe it is a blue path that leads to the National Stadium on Sunday morning. The heat is so intense, even though the start time is 7.30am it is going to be brutal.

What a great sport badminton is to watch. China beat Korea in a partisan home match in the University Gymnasium. Having got over my initial stress about wanting to be in every place at once I have now settled into experiencing a Chinese games. All the TV concentrates on home interest which is fine by me, because that means lots of table tennis/badminton/volley ball/basketball. And I am enjoying all the live events like crazy.

I have loads of drawings to put on line soon. I was drawing yesterday in the Lama Temple. A controversial temple in as much as it is the front for the Chinese government to show how they are protecting the culture of Tibet. It is a great place, but I had a feeling of being watched all the time I was there. I was approached by a dozen people some in uniform, some not but all waiting to see if I was going to draw something which might give them a reason to arrest me. But sadly not, I was drawing the building and the prayers and the group of hand held Olympic tours passing by.

Womens individual gym finals today and what a session it was. Becky Downing performed brilliantly to earn a 12th place in her first finals at the age of 16. I managed to get a quick word with her afterwards as she was mobbed by Chinese fans desperate for a photo. I moved around a bit, bunked in to the posh seats until I was moved on then found my way into the press box for the medal ceremony.



Beautiful weather today, just the weather for an Olympic mascot carnival complete with bubble machine!

I fulfilled a childhood ambition today. I was in the national indoor stadium for the womens final of the gymnastics. It was truly amazing, an emotionally charged morning. I cannot describe quite what it felt like watching the gymnasts perform under the most intense pressure and to such grace and perfection. Nothing can come close to this.

So while the stories of opening ceremony's being faked and empty seats at events (not new at Olympic Games btw) dominate the headlines at least the Chinese cannot be accused of discrimination.

I have the rowing on Saturday, although I am trying to change my rowing ticket for a cycling session as I failed to get a ticket to the Velodrome and I want to see the Keirin race. Late news: There is talk out here that John Darwin is to make an appearance in single sculls since his escape from prison - he was last seen in the gym on the rowing machine.

What a day... The games really began for me today. After sharing my evening meal with a rat that took refuse from the kitchen under my table last night I got up early and went to the Olympic Park for my first live stadium event in the men's team gymnastics followed by a long trip out to the canoe venue to see Dave Florence get a well earned silver.

A whole new world of possibilities opened up to me with my white and gold ticket. Free public transport in Beijing for a start. A spectators guide for all events in English, I found the schedule and venue for each event each day and I got up close to the hypnotic birds nest stadium. It just draws you in and says 'look at me, worship me'. And all around it are anti-aircraft defense sites, with blokes standing under umbrellas to protect us all.



The gymnastics was amazing, Justin Spring for USA (good name for a gymnast) was outstanding, but the Chinese again were on another level. I can't help thinking as I am watching China v Argentina in a womens' football match back in my room that the ''beautiful game can't really justify it's name when you consider it against gymnastics. Such dedication and commitment and determination has gone into producing such beauty. All the pressure of performing in the moment once every four years puts our endless penalty shoot-out failures into perspective. Gym rules, OK.

I got a few things off my chest yesterday. I feel better. Today I made a decision: no more searching for big screens. They are not there, I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU. I set out for the National Stadium early to get some info on how to get to venues. By 10.00am I got my first sight of the Birds Nest, albeit from way back as I did not have a ticket for the days events and was not allowed any closer.

Very impressive. After checking the days schedule I tried to scalp a ticket for the 10m synchronised diving with Tom Daley and Blake Aldridge. I found the tout's (all from UK) and was offered £300! No thanks... So I switched to plan B and carried on my search for one of the 26 big screens around the city. I went to Xidan, three changes on the subway and 1 hour later I discovered it had been closed as there were too many people. WHAT! I was then directed to a site next to the China Military Museum just along from the Workers gymnasium. When I got there the queue's were down the street for an Olympic 'history' exhibition and the only screen was showing a 5 day weather forecast. So, I admit defeat in the search for a screen to watch the games live. There are loads that show highlights and bite size news re-runs, but no live screens.
I calmed myself down in the nearest 5 star hotel with a beer in the reception and settled down to watch the diving. Fantastic. Not sure if Tom Daley's fame has spread to the hotel staff though.

Made lots of drawings this afternoon around Xidan district. I am thinking about how/whether to publish them. I may keep them for later rather than show everything now. Here's a sketchbook taster made on a bridge over-looking the second ring road around the city. Tomorrow I am up early to go to the gymnastics and the canoing.

Today has been a day of cycling and rain. All Internet connection has been down. I planned to spend my first Sunday in Beijing in Tiantan Park drawing the Temple of Heaven and all the tai-qi and ball-room dancing you could wish for, but instead there was rain and rain. It cleared briefly for the start of the Women’s road race and congratulations to Nicky Cooke for Britain’s first gold. I was on the first bend to cheer her on then spent the afternoon drawing from the side of the second ring-road intersection (as you do) until the clouds opened again. I watched the crowds cheering the cyclists from the side of the road, mostly volunteers in blue and white 'Beijing 2008' shirts who handed in their flags as soon as the cyclists had gone to a group leader who packed them into his car and drove off to the next photo opportunity. To be honest while there has been a ground swell of nationalist feeling since the spectacular opening ceremony on Friday night, the actual Olympic events seem to be a bit of a side-show to the average bloke on the street.



I decided to try and find some information about Olympic venues, and public screens for the USA v China basketball match.With a volunteer station at every street corner, usually next to the security x-ray machines, it should be easy. ‘Hello how can I help you?’ ‘Hello, can you tell me where I can go to see China v USA on a big screen tonight?’ ‘Oh yes big screens, no sorry I do not help.’ ‘OK can you tell me where the cycling time trial start is?’ ‘Cycling time trial, sorry I cannot tell you but you can go to a book shop.’ ‘So how do I get from here to the rowing centre?’ ‘Sorry let me make a phone call and I will tell you later, please wait…’ If you have a ticket to an event and want to know how get there, no problem, but anything else and it is difficult. I discovered the marathon route by spotting the blue line on the road. I think it goes through the park, but I am not walking 26 miles to find out. I gave it one more go: ‘How do I get to an Olympic shop where I can buy a programme or schedule of events?’ ‘Olympic shops are everywhere, please try and have a nice day, thank you.’ I have not found any official shops, schedules or big screens yet other than those on the side of department stores. China Daily tells us 1 billion people will watch the USA v China today, well I watched it from my hotel bedroom because of the rain and because I couoldn't find any where else to watch it! Beijing is a big place - I know they are there somewhere. I have seen all the pictures on tv to prove it.

I'll start again tomorrow at the Olympic Green to see if I can find out more there. Meanwhile here are some pics to keep me going. I particularly like the cake seller in her shop-booth on the phone, completely oblivious to everything else around her.

she's a bit young for the marathon this year, but 2012 you never know

after the struggle yesterday to find my way out of Tianamen square I went out to see my first event - no ticket required, but more queuing and waiting. Until the road race came along. A great moment, my first live event. Can't wait for the rest.

Ok,I am going to try and sum up the last 36 hours. After a great evening exploring Beijing on the day before the opening ceremony I have then spent too many hours to mention converting my sportsworld voucher into tickets.

But having done that I began looking for the perfect place to watch the opening ceremony. With China's ability to take security seriously I couldn't get within 5km of the stadium without a ticket, (even standing in front of a tank didn't work.)

So I made a start on my sketchbook...

and eventually made my way to Qianmen Square where I got trapped waiting for the ceremony to begin. Without a big screen to view it I ended up watching the parade in this lovely restaurant...

then went out and waited some more...
...for the fireworks.

24 hours traveling - Bath to Beijing and I have finally got here. Tired, excited, nervous and hot after a great ride into the city on the airport express followed by a tube ride and a stifling walk to my hostel, my only thoughts are I have no idea how anyone will be able to run a marathon here. More later, I have to sleep now....

On Weds 6th August I am flying out to China for the Olympic Games. To actually be in Beijing when the eyes of the world are watching and to have the opportunity to draw and paint my way through the games first hand is a real privilege. I am planning to make daily posts on 'Vinderama' throughout the games, meanwhile here is a card I have made in preparation for the trip. You can go to my web site and download it for free.