Meet the artist Peter Spens whose job is to paint beach volleyball

Peter Spens: Painting the 2024 Paris Olympics

British painter Peter Spens, a self-proclaimed “troglodyte” with brushes and oil paints, brings a unique perspective to capturing the beach volleyball action at the 2024 Olympic Games. While photographers focus on specific moments, Spens creates a collage of emotions with his art, aiming to bring back the spirits of the event.

Commissioned by the International Volleyball Federation for his third Summer Olympic Games, Spens works from a unique vantage point overlooking the beach volleyball court against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Despite the technological advancements in photography, Spens believes in the value of painting as a way to express his perceptions and connect with the world outside oneself.

As the Olympic Games progress, Spens captures the fervor and excitement of the event through his artwork, focusing on individual faces and small details that embody the spirit of teamwork and competition. While his paintings may not precisely replicate reality, they serve as emotional captures of the essence of the games.

Despite his traditional approach to art, Spens remains confident in the value of painting and drawing as mindful and restorative activities that connect individuals to the world around them. His message to the world is simple: put down your phone, pick up a sketchbook, and experience the beauty of the world through art.