He describes himself as a “troglodyte” among photographers armed with expensive cameras and long lenses. While they capture beach volleyball at the 2024 Olympic Games, his approach is distinctly different.

“It’s a collage of moments,” says Peter Spens, a 63-year-old British painter. Unlike photography, which captures a single moment, “the painting brings back the spirit of the event.”

This is Spens’ third Summer Olympics, commissioned by the International Volleyball Federation to create a painting. While photographers can produce hundreds or even thousands of images over several days, Spens will create just one—his painting.

“We’re so used to seeing phone images, with everyone taking thousands of pictures daily,” he notes. Instead, he focuses on reality and expresses his impressions through his brush.

Spens is working at one of the most iconic locations of the Olympics, with a view of the beach volleyball court against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. His easel is positioned at the highest row of the stands, offering a spectacular view of the game and Paris’ famous landmark—a challenge he relishes.

“It’s a much more potent symbol of Paris than any of my previous works,” he says.

On a recent day, a large red umbrella shielded the painting from the sun, more than it protected the artist himself. The heat prompted him to paint in his socks, with a thermos of tea, a bottle of water, and a Panama hat within reach.

For nearly a week, Spens has been absorbed in his work from dawn till dusk, taking only a short lunch break. Despite his dedication, only the silhouettes of spectators, players, and the Eiffel Tower are visible on the canvas so far. The final details will emerge as the Olympic Games reach their climax.

“I am not anxious, I am excited,” he says, smiling about the work still to come.

As Spens captures the shifting crowd of hundreds each day, he focuses on individual faces and the small details around them. He likely knows the venue better than anyone, but his painting isn’t meant to precisely replicate reality. Instead, it captures the emotional essence of the Olympics, filled with the fervor and excitement of teams striving for victory.

Spens’ first Olympic beach volleyball painting was created in London, followed by Rio. He missed the Tokyo Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic. Over the years, his appreciation for beach volleyball and its teamwork has deepened.

“I’m seeing the best players in the world,” he says. Although he considers himself old-fashioned, he remains confident in the value of his work amidst advancing technology and artificial intelligence.

“My message would be to put your phone on silent and in your pocket, and take out your sketchbook and crayons,” he advises. “Painting and drawing are mindful, restorative activities that connect you with the world outside yourself.”