Olympic Gold in 5th End

Olympic Gold in 5th End

The score on this end, known as a five-ender,
is so rare only once before had it occurred in the history
of the men's or women's Olympic Curling final.
It clinched the Gold Medal, final score 10-7.

A commission
of Tyler George's 2nd throw
in the winning Gold Medal Match with Sweden,
left to right, Niklas Edin, Sweden Skip, John
Schuster, USA,  John Shuster, USA Skip, John
Landsteiner, USA, Matt Hamilton, USA, on a
throw by Tyler George, USA (unseen);
from a photos by Jennifer Stannard
at the Gangneung Curling Center in
Gangneung, South Korea, on Feb. 24, 2018,
sketched often at various times since
then, final painting on Feb 25-March 1, 2019;
14" x 11" (w x h unframed), Daniel Smith, Schmincke Horadam,
and Winsor & Newton watercolors, selected for light fastness
and permanence, and Uniball waterproof fade proof ink on
140 lb. Fabriano Artistico cold press fine grain 100%
cotton extra white watercolor paper
$230 SOLD

This is the photo taken at the Olympics in Korea by Jennifer Stannard, who commissioned the painting.
 
Obviously, the NBC cameraman presented a problem. So, I researched the match, and found overhead camera shots which were helpful. I also found shots of the blocked person, USA Skip John Shuster, taken in different throws. From this collection I was able to draw John's form.
 
Jennifer Stannard is on the board of USA Curling. She writes on the USA Curling web site: "Curling has become a major aspect of my life - the sportsmanship and ability to engage body and mind while surrounded by supportive teammates, connections with people throughout the U.S. and across the world devoted to and intrigued with the sport. The 'soul' of curling resonates with so many themes in our culture - athleticism at all levels, sportsmanship (cheering for the underdog!), social connections, international competition, creativity (strategy AND bonspiels!) that to 'spread the word and spread the sport' seemed a natural. The USCA is all about that and I can bring the perspective of a curler that has participated in all club levels of the game - Love the sport, love the people, love the organization; I'm hooked!"

Photo of two Minneolas on fresh snow by my home
in Shapleigh, Maine on Feb 14, 2019

Dizzying

"These heights are dizzying."
"It's not so bad; keep climbing."
"Oh, yeh, it could be worse."
"Recall that curling team?"
"Sheesh, they thought we were stones."
"Sliding, spinning, on ice?"
"That was so dizzying."
"Yeh, this is way easy."

© 2019 Bruce McMillan