Gimnastichka (Russia Series)

This painting started life as a portrait, a based on the photo below, of the Bulgarian rhythmic gymnast Maria Gigova, three-time world champion in 1969, 1971 and 1973. I was attracted to the image because of its grace and purity and because it seemed to express something beautiful and pure in an often not so gleaming world. The bright colours and application of the paint try to convey the sheer athleticism, energy and beauty of this incredible gymnast in full flow.