Ewan McGregor

I was quite happy with this last night. Until I spotted a few flaws, some of which work, others, I'm not sure about. I think the ball needs a bit more, so I might work on that. His face is lop sided but I think that works, just about... so I'm leaving that.

Robbie Williams commission

This was a picture I was asked to do a while ago. I did modify the likeness of Robbie after I copied it, but forgot to scan it again before I gave it to the client.

BOXING DAY SOCCER SALES

Last day today for Boxing day sales. Soccer boots have 15% off regular prices, including 2008-09 models from all brands like Adidas, Nike, Puma, Diadora and many others. Mens Tracksuits and Womens apparel have up to 40% off on some items.

Sales and discounts have been applied all around North America Sports inventory, so visit us for great deals on everything soccer, including official club merchandise, soccer player equipment, goalkeeper gear and coaching equipment.

Call us for our hours during Boxing day at 604-299-1721

Manchester United wins FIFA Club World Cup

Manchester United wins FIFA Club World Cup

Wayne Rooney scored lately in the second half to lead ten man Manchester United to a 1-0 win over Ecuador's Liga de Quito in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.Manchester United was the better side throughout a good deal of the match and Rooney's goal even arrived twenty-four minutes after Nemanja Vidic was sent off for elbowing LDU Quito striker Claudio Bieler in the face.
Cristiano Ronaldo, was a constant threat for LDU Quito's and send a perfect pass to Wayne Rooney for the winning goal.
Manchester United became the first club from England to winn the Club World Cup after Liverpool's failure in 2005 when Brazil's Sao Paulo beat them 1-0.

The saga continues:Ronaldo-Real

The saga continues:Ronaldo-Real

Spanish media strikes again: Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at Manchester United for the end of this season,but in the background of the secret agreement is that Cristiano will moved to Real Madrid next summer.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that it came to the statement of one of the people who are very close to the President of Real Ramon Calderon.Bernabeu director Pedro Trapote stated after the game with Barcelona that Ronaldo’s move into the royal club is only a matter of time."If you ask me, what do we do now, in times of crisis, I would tell you that we have already signed the best player in the world," said Trapote, but his words were followed by a question he might think the Portuguese at Old Trafford. Trapote replied: "The best of the best! It is Cristiano, there is no other"“It is best to not say anything because there are some clauses that prevent us from announcing it now. For us it would be a good time, but we should not do that. But it is not bad, eh?”Manchester United already responded and strongly denied an arrangement with Real Madrid to sell Cristiano at the end of the season, BBC informed.

Halle Berry -completed

Well, this probably could technically be called the "end on the week! Finally finished another celebrity. I'm really pleased with this one, that's not to say there aren't things I wouldn't improve! I'm finding painting in the evening very difficult due to light quality. I need to get a daylight lamp -probably in the new year!

My last commission was finished on Tuesday, collected on Wednesday, client very happy with it - always my main aim. I've decided I need to charge a little more as all the prep work is taking time, especially where there are multiple people and special objects required.

CHRISTMAS SALE ITEMS THIS WEEK DEC 15TH

For the Holidays, official nike & puma national team shirts for Brasil, Portugal, Italy, England, and various others are on sale for stocking stuffers at $14.98.

We currently also have a sales sections with items at $14.98, $24.98 and $35.98. Items in the sections include nike dri fit soccer practice jerseys, official national team shorts, puma soccer sock bundles and various fun soccer supporter tshirts.

Latest Commission

Finally a picture to post. This was done for today, so I'm allowed to publish without fear of ruining the surprise. It took a few attempts to find the right arrangement for the various elements but I think I managed to strike the right balance. The bike was a bit frustrating, I kept having to move it and redraw it, and the handlebars just didn't look symmetrical. I was really pleased with the sea, especially to the right of the skateboarder.

I've one more commission to finish then it's back to the celebrities.Who knows I might get Halle Berry finished before the week is out.

2009 British Club & International Calendars In Stock for Holidays

2009 Soccer Calendars are now in stock for stocking stuffers! English Premier Club and International teams are available, such as Celtic, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Rangers. Individual players C.Ronaldo of Manchester United and David Beckham of the LA Galaxy also in stock.

Halle Berry stage one

Spent a little bit of time finishing off the outline sketch of Halle Berry. This was after I finished one of my commission pictures, for a birthday next week. I felt it was time I posted a caricature as I haven't posted any for nearly 2 weeks. Now I've got to paint it.

Not quitting yet!

I know I haven't posted for a while, I'm not quitting. Just working on 2 commissions, with a third in the pipeline! Great to have some work at last! I've started a picture of Halle Berry which I'll post once my deadlines are met and I've finished her.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or

A Dream Come True
Cristiano Ronaldo won another award, this time Ballon d'Or award, which is given by the magazine France Football.Cristiano was called as Kaka's successor on Tuesday morning and is the first Portuguese after Luis Figo(2000) to win the desirable Ballon d'Or award.
On Sunday Cristiano was introduced with the Ballon d'Or award(golden ball) on a TV ceremonial in Paris and admitted it embodied a dream come true.

“''It's a dream I've had since I was younger, I've always dreamed about winning it one day.”he stated for the magazine.

NIKE BRASIL, PORTUGAL, HOLLAND & CROATIA JACKETS ON SALE AT $59.98

Official Nike Jackets for Croatia, Portugal, Holland and Brasil are on now sale at $59.98 as well for the Holiday Season.

OFFICIAL NATIONAL TEAM ADIDAS TRACKSUITS NOW ON SALE FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

The New Official International tracksuits from Adidas for 2008/09 for European Champions Spain, France, Germany and Argentina are now on sale during the North America Sports Holiday Season for $124.98, while sizes are available.

NEW AS ROMA 2008/09 KAPPA HOME & AWAY JERSEYS ARRIVED

The new official & authentic 2008 2009 AS Roma jerseys by Kappa are now in stock. Home and Away jerseys in adult sizes Large, XL and XXL are available.

EXTENDED CHRISTMAS HOURS BEGIN SUNDAY DEC 21

Extended Christmas hours begin Sunday December 21 and are as follows:

Sunday December 21 - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Mon December 22 - 09:30 am to 7:00 pm
Tues December 23 - 09:30 am to 7:00 pm
Weds December 24 - 09:30 am to 4:00 pm
Thurs December 25 - Closed
BOXING DAY BLOWOUT*
*Fri December 26 - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
*Sat December 27 - 09:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sun December 28 - Closed
Mon December 29 - 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Tue December 30 - 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Wed December 31 - 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Thur January 1 - Closed
Fri January 2 - 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

CHRISTMAS SALES ARE HERE!

With the Christmas Holidays now here, North America Sports is prepared with great stocking stuffers and great soccer equipment on sale for the soccer player on your list.

Soccer Sales include:

-Thermal Bench Jackets Adidas 2007 for AC Milan, Real Madrid at $89.98
-Authentic Club & International Jerseys 2007 Season at $49.98
-Puma Soccer Socks in assorted colors
-Youth Soccer Shoes in assorted sizes for $25
-Adult Soccer Shoes in various sizes for $50
-Diadora Raingear at $25
-Tee Shirts & Odd Soccer Clothing at $14.98

The North America Sports Christmas Sale runs right to December 24, 2008. Our updated Christmas Hours are now up on NorthAmericaSports.com!

Oil painting

No caricatures today. I've been experimenting with oils over the past few days, trying palette knives on a picture of an eagle for my daughter - she likes wildlife. Struggling to stop and leave it alone, still want to fiddle and get the same effect as I can with brushes. Generally struggling to get a more refined effect, but maybe I shouldn't be with a knife, perhaps crude is the way to go. It certainly give a more spontaneous effect. This is the virtually finished effect. I need to define the beak some more but it's quite effective. Definitely a distance picture! More practice needed...

I've started a caricature of Halle Berry, need to ink up and paint. Life is so hectic at the moment with children's activities I'm struggling to get many caricatures done. I'm managing some outdoor sketching, mainly buildings. I'm also wanting to explore the oils more, but not necessarily caricatures.

David Beckham

I'm really not happy with the eyes on this one. I've been trying to keep them light as the original picture was in shadow but I think I've succeeded in making him look Demonic! I'm making no comments... I've decided to post it anyway and look for a better photo. I think I'll keep the same background though!

Liv Tyler

I had a bit of a dilemma with this one. I found a really nice one of her smiling where her teeth were showing but somehow it looked less like her than than the one I finally used where her teeth are hidden. The mischievousness was gone. I'm not really sure what I'm trying to achieve in the background, either. Other than the red carpet I had no other strong convictions about what to include and I think it shows.

Ant n Dec revisited

I decided to work up the background a bit more, I think it works better, although as I'm typing this I've spotted something which needs touching up, do I want to post it again? Hmmm....... I'll still do the touch ups though then continue with Liv Tyler, without elf ears!

"Ant n Dec"

Finally finished another picture, black and white, although I might make another attempt in colour. I'm not convinced the tiger is right, added a bit too quickly.

I still fancy doing them with the one body...

Where does the time go

No new pictures yet. I've been working on another commission - which I can't post until after Christmas. Lots of family things have been keeping me busy and away from drawing. I will try and do something for inclusion tonight. Not sure who as I'm feeling very uninspired at the moment.

Tom Cruise meets Ken Dodd

As I was drawing this it occurred to me that the humour would probably be lost on a few people. Specifically, as about 50% of the traffic to my blog is from the US, roughly 50% worth unless they have spent time in the UK,( in the 1960's and 70's). I'm showing my age here. Despite that, I had to do it.

For those who still don't understand the joke look up "Ken Dodd"and "Diddy men" on google. I did think "off to see cousin Mick" (the marmaliser) might be a good title. The reference is old, I know, but as I was thinking about settings/background all I could think of was "He's short", pantomimes, then the Diddymen... I really must get out more!

This was my second attempt and by far the better likeness. It's A3...see previous posts for my feelings on those. I need to do some touching up - just spotted I need to do a few bits to the eyes- and may add the title then.

NEW NIKE COMPRESSION PERFORMANCE SHIRT 2008/09 IN STOCK

New Nike Pro-Core Extreme Long Sleeve Crew shirt for wearing beneath uniforms for additional warmth and increased performance have just arrived for 2008/09. Colors available are Black and White in all adult sizes, small to XLarge.



Compression shirts also available in ash from Nike and also a mock neck style in black long sleeve. Those arrived earlier this fall and are limited in quantities and sizes.

ON SALE OFFICIAL 2007/08 JERSEYS $49.98 TO $69.98

Official English Premier, Spanish Liga, Italian Serie A and National Team soccer jerseys from 2007/08 Season in various sizes now on sale at North America Sports.

Competition

Well, didn't win anything in the competition. There's still "best in show" but, judging by how the other votes went, that's unlikely. All the winners were architectural pictures. I wasn't too impressed with the top 2 winners -intermediate and experienced. That's not to say they were bad. It's not really sour grapes either, although I was disappointed and would have liked to have won. It's just I thought there were plenty more worthy candidates, ones I would have been happy to lose to! Looking around, I think my entry was too challenging for the style of competition. The winners were fairly safe and obvious interpretations of the theme. I know for next time, do something that's a local view of Buckingham and I'll stand a better chance! Anyway, all part of the learning curve -oh no cliche alert! I must look into some other competitions and get my head down to some serious painting...

I'll be back!

Cameron Diaz

My latest offering, Cameron Diaz. I've been thinking about doing Cameron for a while and now I have. As always, things could be improved but I don't think I'll ever stop saying that. There is always room for improvement. I'm happy with the likeness in spite of my usual niggles.

Tomorrow I have to submit my painting to the art competition at Akeley Village Hall. It's just on for the weekend but it's a bit of local exposure. Let's see how I do.

I've received another commission, a colour one this time, I don't have the full details yet. I've also agreed to do a fantasy portrait as "lot" in a charity auction on 22nd November which is more exposure.

Now who should I do tomorrow?

NASL CLOSED FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

North America Sports the Soccer Shop will be closed tomorrow Tuesday November 11th, 2008 to honour Remembrance Day.

We will have regular hours again on Wednesday, November 12th 2008.

NEW ARRIVALS

Club Team Hats
Benfica, Chelsea, Bayern, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Fiorentina, Palermo, Celtic, Juventus, Barca, Arsenal, Lazio, Olympiakos.

Winter Jackets
Variuos styels from Nike, adidas, Umbro, KWay.

Hero Shirts (Player names and numbers)
We got a full assortment of all top players from World Football, including official nike & adidas numbers, as well as English Premier League numbers. Call us for information.

Team Back Packs
Manchester United, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing

Andrew and Kylie Minogue

Time to post in earnest. After a week away, another finishing off my commission and another on the competition entry, I'm finally back to my regular caricatures. It's my husband's birthday today so I did this little number for him. He likes canals!

Today I worked on the picture of Kylie, I'm not 100% happy with it so I may have to have another go. The mouth isn't to my liking. I may tweak this one first, iron out the wrinkles. I like the general layout and the tiny body though.

Cristiano Ronaldo at Unicef charity dinner

Cristiano Ronaldo at Unicef charity dinner
Cristiano Ronaldo shown he is also quite the humanitarian as well as being one of the best football players in the world.
Ronaldo joined Manchester United stars and their wives and girlfriends at Old Trafford home for the United for UNICEF gala dinner, looking hunky in a classic black tux as he posed in the arrivals area.

Income raised from the gala dinner party will aid to fund a HIV prevention scheme to educate teenaged Chinese about how to protect themselves versus HIV virus.

Cristiano Ronaldo newest NIKE commercial

Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United kit man Albert Morgan star in Nike's fresh campaign.
Nike's new video:

NEW OFFICIAL FIORENTINA 2008/09 EQUIPMENT FROM LOTTO JUST ARRIVED

New Official Fiorentina apparel from Lotto for 2008/09 has arrived. Now available at NASL is the Fiorentina Home & Away Jersey, Wind Jacket, Training Suit, Home Shorts, Training Jersey, Hats, Tuques & several other casual wear Lotto Fiorentina apparel.

New Fiorentina Apparel also includes casual wear like tshirts, jackets, beanies and sweaters.

Cristiano Ronaldo voted World Player of the Year by FIFPro

Cristiano Ronaldo voted World Player of the Year by FIFPro
Cristiano Ronaldo has received yet another award for his stunning performance in last season when he scored 42 goals and won English and European championship with Manchester United.The International Federation of Professional Footballers, FIFPro,declared that Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted the 2008 World Player of the Year.
In the survey, which involved 57,500 FIFPro’s members from 40 countries around the world Cristiano has been chosen for the award.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Player of the Year by FIFPro

Cristiano Ronaldo pointed out: “To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide, coming from over 50,000 players is amazing.“I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone involved at Manchester United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support. “Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world.”