That’s How Winning is Done

A powerful celebration of resilience, determination and the fighter within us all

Some artworks capture a moment from a much-loved film. Others represent something far more personal, connecting with us on a level that goes well beyond the screen. With That’s How Winning is Done, Mark Davies delivers a powerful and uplifting new addition to his Lost in Hollywood collection, inspired by the legendary Rocky movies and the enduring message that, no matter what life throws at us, we must never give up.

When Mark first launched Lost in Hollywood in 2016, one of the standout pieces was Balboa, an evocative and emotionally charged portrayal of the iconic boxer with his fist raised triumphantly towards the sky. Created using Mark’s distinctive abstract technique, the image is formed from countless intricate, smoke-like strokes that combine to create a recognisable human form. Interwoven with flashes of light that interact with the layers and shapes, the figure appears almost fluid, as though caught in a moment of movement and raw emotion.

It was a very different approach from Mark’s highly detailed, cinematic scene artworks, but one that opened the door to an equally compelling collection of pieces. Balboa became the starting point for a gritty series inspired by the Rocky films, and these artworks have continued to resonate with collectors.

What makes this series particularly special is that its appeal extends far beyond fans of the movies. The themes of perseverance, courage and refusing to surrender are universal. We all face challenges, and we all understand what it means to keep pushing forward when the odds are stacked against us.

With his latest release, Mark brings that message into sharp focus.

More than a movie moment…

That’s How Winning is Done is a deeply personal piece for Mark, inspired by his brother, Chris, whom he describes as the strongest person he knows.

Chris represents everything that lies at the heart of this artwork: the determination to keep going, the courage to take life's punches and the strength to get back up again. For Mark, he is the greatest fighter he knows, someone who continues to face whatever life brings his way and remains undefeated.

It is this personal connection that gives the artwork such emotional weight. While its inspiration lies in the world of Rocky, its message belongs to all of us.

The composition captures the full figure, standing in the moment of triumph, having risen from the ground in an act of pure defiance and celebration. There is a sense of release and achievement, as though every setback, every struggle and every difficult step along the way has led to this one defining moment.

Unlike the bold, striking palette of Balboa, Mark has chosen softer colourways for this latest piece. The decision reflects the more personal and positive narrative at its heart, allowing the emotion to take centre stage. Dramatic, warm lighting interacts with the figure, enhancing the sense of movement and giving the image an almost tangible energy.

The result is an artwork that feels uplifting without losing the grit and determination that define the Rocky legacy.

Because this isn't simply about winning a fight in the ring. It's about everything that happens before that moment — the setbacks, the sacrifices, the doubts and the determination to keep going when giving up might seem the easier option.

Every champion was once a contender…

There is a reason the Rocky films continue to inspire generation after generation. Beneath the boxing gloves and the famous training montages lies a message that applies to every aspect of life: success isn't always measured by the outcome, but by the courage and commitment it takes to keep fighting.

Mark hopes that That’s How Winning is Done will inspire people to recognise their own strength, whether they are still fighting through a difficult chapter or looking back on a battle they have already overcome.

Sometimes, we need a reminder to keep going. At other times, we need to acknowledge just how far we've come.

And sometimes, we need to recognise that even when things haven't worked out as we'd hoped, there is still victory in having given everything we had.

As Mark's personal inspiration makes clear, true strength cannot simply be acquired or handed to us. It comes from within, shaped by our experiences and revealed in the moments when life tests us most.

You don't have to be a boxer to understand that feeling. You don't even have to be a fan of Rocky. You simply have to know what it means to face a challenge and find the strength to carry on.

Every champion was a contender who refused to give up.

At Westover Gallery, we love the way Mark's latest artwork takes an iconic cinematic inspiration and transforms it into something so personal and universally meaningful. That’s How Winning is Done is a celebration of resilience, an acknowledgement of the battles we fight and a reminder that sometimes the greatest victory is simply refusing to be beaten.

Whatever your fight may be, we hope this piece gives you a little extra strength to keep moving forward — or a moment to recognise the fight you've already won.

That’s How Winning is Done — Mark Davies, from his Lost in Hollywood collection, celebrating the fighter in all of us.