As an artist, I’m always drawn to moments in sport that feel bigger than the frame—those split seconds where movement, emotion, and identity collide. My watercolour painting of Scott McTominay in the colours of SSC Napoli was created with exactly that intention in mind.
Finding the Moment
Rather than painting a traditional front-facing portrait, I chose to capture McTominay from behind, his arm raised in a gesture that could be celebration, instruction, or pure instinct. For me, this perspective says more than a facial expression ever could. It places the viewer in the stadium, in the atmosphere, sharing that moment with him rather than simply observing it.
The name and number—“McTominay 8”—become focal points of identity, but they also act as graphic elements within the composition. I wanted the figure to feel both specific and symbolic: one player, but also the embodiment of presence and authority in midfield.
Letting Colour Lead
Working in watercolour, I rely heavily on layering and transparency to build depth without losing light. Napoli’s blue was central to the entire piece—I wanted it to feel alive. By gradually building washes, I was able to create subtle shifts in tone that suggest the movement of fabric and the energy within the pose.
I deliberately kept the surrounding palette minimal. The neutral tones of the shorts and the untouched paper allow the blue to dominate without overwhelming the piece. In watercolour, restraint is everything—knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing where to begin.
Composition and Space
I’m particularly interested in how negative space can shape a painting. Leaving the background clean was a conscious decision to isolate the figure and emphasise the gesture. The raised arm extends into that empty space, giving the composition a sense of height and openness.
There’s also a quiet balance in placing the figure slightly off-centre. It prevents the image from feeling static and instead introduces a natural flow—your eye follows the line of the body upward, almost instinctively.
Capturing Essence Over Detail
My goal wasn’t to create a super hyper-detailed likeness, but to capture the essence of McTominay as a Napoli player—his strength, his composure, and his influence on the pitch. Watercolour is perfect for this because it embraces imperfection. The soft edges and fluid transitions reflect the unpredictability and rhythm of football itself.
Each brushstroke is intentional, but never overworked. I want the viewer to feel the movement, not just see it.
A Reflection of My Process
Including my brushes alongside the painting was a subtle way of grounding the piece in process. For me, art isn’t just about the finished image—it’s about the act of creating, the decisions made along the way, and the relationship between artist and subject.
This painting is a celebration of that journey. Through colour, composition, and gesture, I aimed to capture not just a player, but a moment that resonates beyond the pitch.