A GLASGOW-based artist has unveiled a new painting dedicated to the Tartan Army after Scotland supporters were named the best at Euro 2024.
Things might not have gone Scotland’s way on the pitch, but we previously told how German media outlet RTL said the Scots have officially been voted as the best supporters at the competition.
Now, artist Ashley Rawson has unveiled the latest in his “Kiss” series with a painting dedicated to those who headed to Germany to cheer on the team.
Titled The Best Fans in the World and shared exclusively with The National, it features two Scotland supporters kissing with tears running down their cheeks after their team were dumped out the competition.
Rawson said: “I had intended this to be a celebration of Scotland finally getting into the last sixteen of the Euros.
“By Scotland’s last match on Sunday though I realised the painting had to be about the Tartan Army instead.
“So this is a tribute to the thousands of fans that travelled to Germany or have followed them over the years.”
The artist previously found success with his painting Glasgow Kiss, which he says was a comment on sectarianism and features a Rangers and Celtic supporter kissing (below).
He explains it was particularly popular with couples from the city who might have found themselves on opposite sides of the rivalry.
Rawson also created The Hooligans (below), which featured two male supporters of England and Germany sharing a kiss.
Discussing his latest work for the Tartan Army, he added: “I’m a big Scotland fan and wanted to do a painting that sums up the experience we’ve all had to go through supporting the team over the years.
“I’m sure it’s been the same for England fans as well since 1966.”
The other piece in the "Kiss" series was titled Ae Fond Kiss (below) which was created for the 150th anniversary match between Scotland and England last year.
Rawson also recently hit the headlines for his portrait of the now-famous Oompa Loompa at a failed “Willy Wonka” event in Glasgow.
He has done his latest football painting as part of his voluntary position at the artist in residence at the Hampden Collection.
The plan now is to display the work at The Victoria Bar in Glasgow.
