Touring France by frogdot
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
In 1962, promising cyclist Alphonso Musette rode in the Tour De France. Along the way, he had the habit of visiting local cafes and eventually fell too far behind to bother continuing the race. He took up residence in a quaint inn, in a nice little Alpine village, playing tunes on a borrowed guitar to pay for room and board. As he moved from village to village, Alphonso, enjoyed the simple life as an traveling musician. In the late 90s, Monsieur Musette hit the flatlands and just recently made it to Paris to finally finish Le Tour.
***
So, I'm working on this last night, when a friend calls and says that one of the stars of the current Tour De France was disqualified for blood doping and his entire team was withdrawn. It's surprising, but not surprising. Last year, the winner was banned for similar offenses. An NBA referee accused of point-shaving and betting, The apparent next home run champ in baseball doing so with the help of steroids. Little League parents fighting and cussing out umpires and coaches because of bad calls. Sportsmanship seems to be a lost cause.
This is dedicated to those that can play without cheating.
***
Made the bicycle, guitar, chair and cask. Other stuff from all over the place.

Comments (22)
~~A W E S O M E~~ Now this guy need some Steroide ;-)
I like him! Funy!!!
love the story, love the guy and love the image.
Nicely done....great modeling on the bike, guitar and chair. I agree with you on the state of sportsmanship....Barry Bonds may hit more home runs than Hank Arron, but he will never be the Home Run King, as least in my mind anyways.
Lovely story, beautifully illustrated. Ah, those halcyon amateur days before that cad Filthy Lucre raised his mercenary head.
Outstanding !
c'est une jolie histoire, et la France a de si jolis villages :) c'est une belle representation!!!!!
Love the story and completely agree with your comments about the lack of sportsmanship and fair play. It isn't just in sports, though. Unfortunately, it is rife in academia as well, among scientists, busnessmen, etc., etc. Some people still play by the rules and some even manage to win on occasion, but usually its the cheaters who do. Sigh. I'm just glad that I've reached retirement and can stay out of the way.
CRIATIVA OBRA,FANTÁSTICA,++++++++++5
Love your post-processing. Also, I think I recognize the guitar, he borrowed it from you! Come to think of it, are you sure the hero of the story isn't you? You can really cheat big time! (Just render yourself crossing the finish line today!) To me the funniest thing is that for the Tour this year, the French invaded London. Ha, do they still think they own the place? Greater France? A bloodless invasion if you don't count the occasional road raspberries.
I always like your imagination. Lance may have inspired many into riding road bikes but you guy has me inspired to do it his way. That could be me next year, only fatter.
A classic! I'd buy a poster of this very funny work of art. You've outdone yourself.. Bravo. And yeah, I agree with you about all the sports crap Seems the only ones who don't cheat are the golfers and the surfers.
Great stuff and a nice bit of history!!!!
Wonderful image...great story....!!!!!!!!!
Great story and very well illustrated! An appealing image with a sense of fun! A great dedication too - such a shame that sport (at almost every level) is marred by those who feel they must win at any cost: a sad indictment on the human condition.
Outstanding!!
Really great little scene, excellent work.
wonderful image and story, I echo the sentiment in the dedication!
how wonderful, outstanding concept and implementation...what a great tribute! it is a sad state of affairs this world is in nowadays...definitely "sports" doesn't mean the same thing anymore...it's typical of this and every other aspect of Corporate America...do whatever it takes to make a buck...or a million bucks in the case of "athletes"...and I use the term loosely.......there's an epidemic of obesity on this continent...people are literally starving to death on other continents........we're killing our planet with our addiction to fossil fuels....yada yada yada...you get the picture...
I love what you do with props and composition in images. They're beautiful. ^_^
I think he drives downwards better!!!! Very funny render!!!
Everything but the kitchen sink... :-) Nicely done!