New era Everton painting provides a familiar feeling

The name may not be the catchiest thing but the Hill Dickinson Stadium certainly lived up to the hype. The closest I got to going inside was a flying visit to the club shop but I can tell from the mood of supporters that I met this past weekend that it’ll be home sweet home… especially if the three points keep coming.

Having had a such an inspiring time at the farewell to Goodison it felt right to be at the first competitive game in a new era to capture what could be a pivotal moment in the club’s history.

I was delighted to bump into some fans that I met back in May as they bid an emotional goodbye to the Grand Old lady. The atmosphere that day was one of celebration and reflection compared with a a general feeling of hope and anticipation in the lead up to playing Brighton. The players read the script and I was able to follow along by listening to BBC Five Live commentary while I finished my second painting of the day.

Not that I needed the commentary to know what was going on inside the stadium. The cheering of goals and a saved penalty were easily translated outside the ground but it was good to hear the details from Vicki Sparks and Pat Nevin, albeit a minute or two behind due to listening via a stuttering 5G signal.

I completed two paintings on the day, the first of which was a commission. At the farewell to Goodison there were four of us artists capturing the vibrant scene – Evertonian Mick McNicholas, Chelsea fan Simon Hickman, myself (Spurs) and Fulham fan Nick Hithersay. None of my artist and football fan buddies could make the weekend just gone so when toffees fan Paul – who had previously bought Nick’s Goodison painting – got in touch he kindly asked me to capture a painting which included him and his son approaching the new stadium for their first competitive game together.

That one was completed by kick off so I headed further down the road and painted another view of the arena (pictured below) and added fans so that the scene reflected the pre-match anticipation.

This has now sold too but any Evertonians who would like a permanent reminder of the Goodison Park then Farewell to Goodison prints are available.

The city made me feel as welcomed as it had on my first visit in May so I’m looking forward to having an excuse to return again one day.

Until then, thanks for reading.