Sport-Fencing Paintings

Men's Final World Cup 2011

2011-08-26T19:12:00.001-04:00

Studio Bout At Six!

2011-08-09T00:56:00.000-04:00

Detail from a new small
fencing oil painting
by Princess S. Rashid

On Saturday (8.6.10), I was disgusted with myself. I was in my studio by 6:00 pm. (Late. We had family time at the beach earlier that day. Kids have to play right?)

My main goal was to finish a small (6 x6") fencing oil painting I had been working on forever. I was sick of NOT finishing it. I had recently read a very convicting blog entry from Fresh Gloss [see my earlier post [link] , and I was on this kick about "laziness" and "making excuses". So full of angst, I went into the studio to kick some butt...MINE! I just wanted to get the damn thing done!

What caused this problem in the first place?

I realize now that I had grown bored with the piece. Maybe that's why I had abandoned it for a while. Of course, I had traveled and had family visits to add to my distractions but still those are not real excuses for not finishing the painting.

Gamblin Artist Colors
product, Neo Meglip

After our long separation, the painting felt tedious to work on. So coming back to it, I decided to try some new stuff and have some fun. I found a medium in my paint box that I hadn't tried yet called Neo Megilp by Gamblin Artist Colors [link].

According to Gamblin, "Neo Megilp is a soft gel that gives oil colors a silky feel. This is the modern copy of a medium used by Turner. It allows paint to workable for hours". Hmmm!

My little brushes

I love it. It breathed new life into the piece. The medium glossed the surface up and allowed me to be expressive with each stroke. The other thing I did was switch from the little brushes (sizes 0, 1, 2) to a larger filberts and flats.

I finished the piece by 9:50 pm! I kicked hesitation, self doubt, daydreaming and other time-wasters ASSes. Yay!

It still needs a touch or two here and there but it is mostly done!

Every little victory is one step forward.....

Curses! I've Been Hit!

2011-02-08T15:53:00.001-05:00

"Curses-I've been Hit!"
Pencil & Watercolor (Study)
c. 2011 Princess Simpson Rashid

Email me or leave a comment below if you would like to:

commission a drawing based on this image, entitled "Curses-I've Been Hit!"
purchase a giclee reproduction or poster of this exact image

See if you can find this action in the video.

New Drawings and Tournament Video

2011-02-08T15:52:00.002-05:00

On January 15, 2011, I fenced in the River City Duel till You Drop fencing tournament in Jacksonville, FL. I also got a chance to shoot some video of the other fencers. Here are some sketches made to study the fencing actions I saw.

Epee Touch at River City Duel 2011 from Princess Rashid on Vimeo.

See if you can find the actions I depict in the watercolor drawings with the actions in the video. If you wish to commission a drawing based on these sketches email me.

"The Lunge"-Sketch
c.2011 Princess Simpson Rashid
Pencil & Watercolor

"Victory"-Sketch
c.2011 Princess Simpson Rashid
Pencil & Watercolor

Silver in Cincinnati @ North American Cup! Yay!

2010-10-29T01:30:00.001-04:00

Finally, all the training is starting to come together.

Earlier this month, I traveled up to Cincinnati, OH for the North American Cup A Division II Women's Epee event. Let me say, I love Cincinnati! Great city! My results?

I earned the Silver medal and my B-rating in Epee.

Princess Rashid (me) receiving the Silver Medal at the North American Cup A
Division II Women's Epee event.

I did pretty well in my pool. I got out undefeated. That was pretty great for me actually because it usually takes me some time, one or two bouts, to get it together. Plus, when I walked into the venue that morning, I felt terrible....the beginnings of the flu. Turns out, I fence pretty well when I'm sick to my stomach. LOL!

Here's some shots of the final bout: Rashid (left) vs. Jarin-Lipschitz (right)

I score the first touch. Yay!

Rashid scores the first touch!

But throughout the bout we are neck and neck. In this next shot the score is tied and 2-2.

Score is tied 2-2.

And then she comes out with her attack. Jarin-Lipschitz penetrated my distance and scored the next touch.

Jarin-Lipschitz penetrates Rashid's distance
and scores the next touch.

Still, I'm not worried. There's still plenty of time..... In the next shot, the score is tied again at 7-7.

Scored is tied again 7-7.

The final score was 10-9 ( Jarin-Lipschitz-Rashid).

We were tied 9-9. I get the priority coin flip. I'm thinking great..."all I have to do is double". That was my plan. She comes for me, just like I knew she would....and then, I apparently have a brain F*RT. Excuse me!

I thought I had waited to make the double but a trusted spectator informed me later that I was a hair too soon with my action. Instead of doubling, there was only one light! Curses! She must have parried! Curses!!!!!!!

Oh well, there's always next time!

All in all, it was a pretty exciting day!

"Indicators"-Original Watercolor Painting

2010-10-14T00:15:00.011-04:00

The painting depicts young fencers waiting for the director/judge to tally up points. Do you see the young female fencer in the background? What is she waiting for?

This original watercolor painting is available. Contact me.

7 x 5"
Watercolor Painting
The painting will ship matted and ready to frame.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I always appreciate on blog comments as well. Thanks!

Elmo Wants To Know-"What Happened To Your Tip?"

2010-10-13T10:21:00.001-04:00

Yeah, me too Elmo! All I really know is that, I'm not an armourer...yet!

I was trying to rewire my epee blade. I broke the wire earlier by not being patient. Epee and patience...Hmmmm! I think there's a relationship....

Anyway, the day before my last tournament, I was having equipment issues. I wound up having to attempt to re-wire my brand new epee blade.

What happened? In trying to cut the tang, I broke the wire....UG!

Well, I took the weapon apart and was pretty proud of myself for having a pipe and some acetone to soak the blade in and remove the glue. Unfortunately, I left the blade in too long with tip attached...the washer in the tip dissolved.

Can you see that? Who does that? Me that's who! Well, luckily my club has a couple of decent armourers. I will pay someone and then go back to the drawing board when I have some free time... Yeah.....well probably not anytime soon.....

I have a NAC to get ready for. Later!

New Work In Progress-Collaged Fencing Images

2010-10-13T09:37:00.001-04:00

Detail- Collage of fencer by Princess S. Rashid

These are just teasers. I should be finished it in the next two weeks. If you like it's progress, stay posted...I am willing to even take a pre-order :-).

Make me an offer. Email me: prashid@theswordandbrush.com

New Club T-Shirt-Don't you want one?

2010-10-04T00:07:00.001-04:00

Check out the new club T-shirt that Tampa Fencing Academy (TFA) members are sporting. Do you want one?

On the front is the TFA logo. The back features my painting, "Abstract Epee" in full color. If you'd like one, contact Coach Boyko Krastevitch at Tampa Bay Fencing Academy.

If you would like to license one of my images for your club or tournament T-shirt or other merchandise contact me:

prashid@theswordandbrush.com

Women's Epee -First Place Medal!

2010-10-03T12:02:00.003-04:00

Well, my first tournament of the season was last Sunday in Gainsville, FL. It was the "Back To School Duel". I fenced in the Open Epee and Women's Epee event. I won the first place medal in Women's Epee. Hopefully, it is the first of the season :-)

Top four finalist in the Women's Epee Event, "Gainsville's Back to School Duel",
September, 26, 2010. Princess Rashid wins 1st place medal.

It was a LONG, long day. From Tampa, its about a 2 hour drive and the first event checkin was 8:30 am. We started pretty much on time but I felt terrible. I never slept the night before. My body just wouldn't relax..I tried tea and hot milk. It is just hard for me to sleep the night before a tourney. So I was a little sluggish in the morning for the Open Event. It was very strong event too....A-rated. (As of right now, results have not been posted..)

Well, I know I didn't win so ....but I kept my chin up. I viewed it as an excellent warm up for the Women's Epee event that was supposed to start around 1 pm. It all worked out. By getting knocked out of the Open in my second DE, I was able to take a much needed nap.

I would say the nap and staying hydrated and constantly munching on food bars and various snacks kept me going until the end..all the way to Gold. Yay!

Fellow TFA member and friend, Michela standing with me (Princess) after I recieved my prizes.

Oh! The first place winner also received a very cool dagger. Very nice!

Sport Fencing Coffee Mugs-Foil

2010-08-31T05:00:00.001-04:00

For when you are just thinking about fencing, watching a training video or reading a fencing book or blog. Stay tuned there's more to come. Suggestions are welcome!

"Winning on Strip 41-WF" by Fencing_Artist
See other ""Sport fencing art Mugs

Rough Days At The Club

2010-08-25T08:51:00.002-04:00

It's been difficult lately juggling everything; kids, fencing and my art business. The main thing I realize is that if I'm going to maintain a high level of competitive fencing activity then I have to start eating better. When I eat, I choose good and healthy foods but the problem occurs when I am very stressed and under pressure. This is happening more and more. I tend not to eat or sleep. I know that is normal....sort of but I'm training with kiddies....like 14-17 years old who don' t have the same pressures. Mostly they just have to focus on school and fencing......what a life.

Anyway, time for breakfast.

Looking Fencing T- Shirts?

2010-08-22T18:46:00.003-04:00

My Zazzle T-shirt store is back on track. Enjoy and thank you for your support!

My Zazzle Store: http://www.zazzle.com/fencing_artist

Thanks,

Princess

My Fencing T-shirts at Zazzle. Order today!

2010-08-17T22:00:00.003-04:00

To see the latest fencing T-shirts design, visit:
http://www.zazzle.com/fencing_artist

SOLD- "Epee Boys", Original Watercolor Painting

2010-08-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

"Epee Boys", Watercolor, 11.5 x 11.5", c. P. Rashid
SOLD

"Epee Boys" is an original watercolor painting on paper executed with watercolor crayons and tube paints. It is a depiction of two male cadet fencer at a tournament. Each fencer is waiting for the opening but only one is ready for a surprise.

Back Again, Back Again, Jiggety Jig!

2010-08-05T23:11:00.001-04:00

In the photo: The artist (Princess Rashid) on the right doing an amazingly fast parry-riposte!

Well I'm back. The 2010 United States National Fencing Championships in Atlanta, Ga was a blast. I bought a lot of gear and had some good moments fencing Div II Women's Epee.

Epee Circuit #6 Winners-Gainsville, FL

2010-03-29T09:22:00.001-04:00

On March 21, 2010, I partipated in the Mixed Open Epee event at the Gateway Circuit Epee #6, Unified Training Center (UTC) in Gainesville , FL.

[In photo: Wayne Frey (1st place), Marko Stanisic (2nd place), Princess Rashid-me (3rd place) and John McFarland (3rd place).]

I finished in 3rd place and re-earned my C-Rating in Epee. Not bad for my second tournament back since having the baby. Yay!! The results can be found on AskFred.net.

Detail Study for "Epee Bounce"

2010-02-07T01:06:00.001-05:00

This painting is going a little slower than I had hoped. Here's a study for the painting I'm working based on the photo in the previous post. I think I definitely need to put "Fencer" on his back! What do you think?

Watercolor & Pencil Study on Traditional Paper

c. 2010 P.Rashid

Epee Photo from JFC's "Duel Till You Drop" Fencing Tournament 2010

2010-01-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

This week I'll be working on paintings inspired by the sport fencing actions that took place at the Jacksonville Fencing Club (JFC) hosted annual tournament, Duel Till You Drop (DTYD) 2010 on January 16th. Here's a photo I took of an epee bout I watched.

[Photo Credit, Princess S. Rashid c. 2010]

Contact me if you are interested in commissioning a painting, drawing or etching based on this photo. Please contact me for permission to use this photo as source for your own work.

When the Fencing Over, I'm be Painting...

2010-01-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

I don't plan to lose today. But like I mentioned in an earlier post, this is my first tournament in two years...after injury and a pregnancy.....I'm fencing with a new club (Tampa Fencing Academy) and training with a new coach...

So in any case....if I stop winning...I'll whip out the ole sketchbook and start drawing and painting......like this.....I love my moleskin watercolor sketchbook!

"I'm A Fencer, So You Must Love Me!

2010-01-15T03:35:00.000-05:00

This guy's body language says it all. That's what I call presence!

Well on side note...I'm off to a fencing tournament in Jacksonville,Fl this Saturday. It's my first tourney in two years. Wish me luck!

"Three Different Kinds of Boys"-Watercolor Study

2010-01-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

The fencer, the slacker and the friend.......

Which are you?

Waiting For the Next Round!

2010-01-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

We've all been there...at a tournament without enough directors. It's hard to maintain focus, especially when you can socialize with your friends and family. But the fencers that get the medals at the end are the ones who do it best....! LOL!

Good Luck My Friend!

2010-01-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

I retooled a previous sketch. I like this one better. Those guys sitting watch their friend go off alone to do battle....well sort of...

Sassy!

2009-12-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Another sketch of a fencer waiting for pools to continue at the 2009 War of the Roses tournament in Clearwater, FL. I like the pose the girl struck. I think this gesture drawing captures a little of her sassiness!

Strip Sketches-"Unhooking"

2009-12-06T22:56:00.000-05:00

A young epee fencer unhooking from the machine with his mom looking on, there to support him.

Stripside Sketches-War of the Roses

2009-11-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

Recently, I attended the War of the Roses Fencing Tournament held at Countryside Recreation Center in Clearwater, FL. The event took place on Nov 14, 2009 - Nov 15, 2009. Here's some sketches I managed to do while sitting around watching the fencing.

Here are a couple of kids sitting around watching their friend go off to fight.

These two foil fencers are poised for action. Can you till which one will initiate the attack?

This guy was just standing in between strips waiting around. It was a long day. In this sketch, I was really focusing on his legs and stance.

Moving Again

2009-09-28T21:48:00.000-04:00

That's right! I moving again. My husband graduated from Naval Postgraduate School last Friday. I'm tremendously proud of him! Now we on our way to Tampa, FL. So I might be offline but rest assured I'm still working. I know I promised to devote September to Foil images but with the packing up of my studio and house, dealing with my kids and cats, and moving cross country, I need to push the new Foil images to debut in November 2009.

Rest assured, even on the road and in staying in hotels, I'm still working. I have some choice images for both the upcoming foil and saber paintings. So please stay tuned..and feel free to comment or email me with suggestions of things you would like to see.

Well on to TAMPA, FL...two kids, two cats and a husband! I am looking forward to fencing again in the Sunshine State!

Princess

SOLD-"Epee Dancers"

2009-09-02T21:55:00.000-04:00

"Let's Dance-Epee Dancers"

7.5 x 6.5" (H x W)
Watercolor on Yupo, Varnished

SOLD

Collector Location: Shaighai, China

To learn more about "Why I Paint Fencers" click on link.

"Let's Rock-Epee Fencers!"-"Original Watercolor Available on EBAY!

2009-08-17T21:01:00.000-04:00

As many of my readers know, I love competitive sport-fencing. I'm so excited about it that I'm dedicating this month of August to my favorite weapon-EPEE! Stay tuned for more paintings this month posted to EBAY.

"Let's Rock-Two Male Epee Fencers"
7 x 7"
Watercolor on Yupo Paper
Will ship varnished and matted.
Click here to BID

Please click here to the auction page where there's an opportunity for you to place your bid. This auction runs until August 27,2009. For the first couple of paintings I post, I will be offering FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the USA. If you are overseas, shipping cost will apply. PayPAL is the preferred method of payment. Contact me if you have any questions: prashid@theswordandbrush.com

To learn more about "Why I Paint Fencers" click on link.

Since my baby was born last year, I have finally been able to return to working out with some local fencers in my area (Monterey Peninusula). Whoo HOO!

Work In Progress (Stage 4)-Epee Dancers

2009-01-03T01:29:00.000-05:00

Work In Progress-Epee Dancers (Stage 3)

2008-12-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

At this stage you can see that I've worked on the the legs of the fencer on the right a little more and have begun working on his epee. I have also added more definition to the fencer on the left.

Work In Progress-Epee Dancers (Stage 2)

2008-12-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

Ok now, I'm beginning to work on the leg, specifically of the fencer on the right.

Work In Progress-Epee Dancers (Stage 1)

2008-12-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

This painting depicts two male epee fencers. The paper support is Yupo which is a synthetic paper. The cool thing about Yupo is that it's difficult to make mistakes. The paint sits on top of the paper unlike when using watercolor paper. This allows the artist to be able to lift paint off the surface and reclaim the white of the support. I particularly find this useful when painting epee fencers because the epee uniform is all white from jacket to knickers.

You can see here that I've laid in the basic background colors and most of the shadow forms of the uniforms in both fencers. At this stage, I've left the legs and shoes unfinished. Thus, its apparent that I worked on the figures from head to toe. In the next stage of the painting,I will resolve more of the legs and feet of both fencers.

SOLD-"Scorgie"-Watercolor Painting

2008-12-01T13:33:00.000-05:00

"Scorgie"

7 x 5"

Watercolor on Yupo, Varnished

SOLD-Commissioned

Location of Collector: Great Britain

This was a really fun piece to do. The Yupo paper handled wonderfully. The client commissioned the piece for a gift for her coach.

"Scorgie"-Work In Progress

2008-12-01T13:01:00.000-05:00