There are certain moments in football that stay with you—not just because of what was achieved, but because of what they represent. When I created this watercolour painting of Lucy Bronze, I wasn’t just capturing a player lifting a trophy—I was trying to capture the strength, pride, and unstoppable rise of the women’s game.
Why Lucy Bronze?
Lucy Bronze is more than just one of the best right-backs in world football—she’s a symbol of consistency, excellence, and resilience. From her success in domestic leagues across Europe to her pivotal role in England’s international triumphs, she has continually set the standard.
Her contributions to the England women's national football team—especially during their historic UEFA Women's Euro 2022 victory—cemented her legacy as one of the greats. That winning mentality, that drive to push boundaries, is exactly what I wanted to translate into this piece.
The Moment Behind the Painting
I chose to depict Lucy from behind, lifting the trophy high above her head. There’s something powerful about that angle—it invites the viewer to step into the moment, to feel part of the celebration. The name “BRONZE” and the number 2 on her shirt become iconic markers, instantly recognisable to fans.
But more than that, it’s about what the image represents: a shift in the game. The women’s game is no longer in the shadows—it’s commanding attention, respect, and admiration on a global stage.
Materials and Process
This piece is primarily created using watercolour, a medium I love for its fluidity and unpredictability. It allows me to build layers gradually, giving the painting a sense of life and movement.
- Watercolour paints were used to create the soft gradients in the kit and skin tones, while still allowing for bold, striking blues to stand out.
- I used fine liners and pen work to define key details—like the lettering on the shirt and the structure of the trophy.
- Subtle pencil work helped map out the composition and add depth where needed.
You might notice the palette sitting alongside the artwork—an intentional inclusion. It’s a nod to the process itself, showing the raw, hands-on nature of creating something like this.
Capturing Power and Progress
For me, this painting is about more than technique—it’s about emotion. I wanted to show the physical strength in Lucy’s arms as she lifts the trophy, but also the symbolic weight of that moment. This is about years of hard work, of barriers being broken, of a sport growing into its full potential.
The women’s game has reached a level where moments like this inspire the next generation. And as an artist, being able to reflect that shift—to freeze it in time—is incredibly meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Creating this piece felt like documenting history in motion. Lucy Bronze represents the elite level the women’s game has reached, and painting her in this moment of triumph felt like the perfect tribute.
As mentioned in my Instagram post, I’ve now completed this watercolour painting, and there will be updates on print releases via my shop page. It’s always special knowing that others can connect with the work and bring a piece of that moment into their own space.
This isn’t just a painting of a footballer—it’s a celebration of how far the game has come, and a glimpse of how far it’s going.