It makes me want to learn more as well. I have to plead complete ignorance on this subject matter, so will briefly asked here...

Why is he on his knees?
Why is his face painted (like a reverse of Al Jolson?)
Why does it look like he's just posing (as opposed to actually preparing to swing?)
What is the significance of the child in the background (if any?)

Since I didn't see any of these answers above, I am hoping someone here can address. I can feel the sadness and futility, but my curiosity of the actual content is getting the better of me :o

Yeah, Graig, I think plenty of us need an explanation of what exactly this painting shows. I can't be the only one who has no idea what is being portrayed here.

Hey guys,

Sorry for the lack of an explanation.

From what I've learned in my own research or by what my client has told me, the Zulu Cannibals were a Negro League team that wasn't an official member of any formal league. Being a creature of Charlie Henry in the mid-1930s, they would done African tribal paint while they played, as well as going shirtless, barefoot, and wore little more than grass skirts. I've read that they were the same kind of attraction that the Harlem Globetrotters would later become, but were quite capable of playing some serious ball.

From what I can gather, this particular shot of "Kankol" must have been for promotional purposes, as similar ones can be seen in the broadsides depicting the team from the era. Speaking of which, those were pretty...um...telling themselves.

Check out this one:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps39618b86.jpg

And another:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psed3ceee3.jpg

And here's a photo of "Wahoo", which was used in the above:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps13a080ce.jpg

And finally, the original shot of "Kankol":

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps20389327.jpg

Who the little girl is in the back is anybody's best guess.

So, yeah, this stuff is kinda tough to approach, but so important to not forget.

Hope this helps.

Graig

Graig, I love that picture almost as much as your paining of Jackie Robinson stepping into the light. Although I find your work nostalgic and visually stunning, this painting is unfiltered and highly evocative.

Graig,
Thanks for the background info. Very interesting!

I must say that you did a terrific job of bringing that B/W image to life!
That being said, it's no surprise because you continue to amaze me with your talent. ;)

Amen.

Hey guys,

Hope everyone's keeping cool as summer winds down.

So, I got these three back from the photographer today. Actually, there were five in total, but the other two I can't show just yet.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psd5ff6e7b.jpg
Babe Ruth, 1928, 16" x 20"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps2afdf341.jpg
Ed Walsh, 1913, 14" x 20"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps79f0a98d.jpg
Kankol, 30" x 34"

I wish I had more of an idea when the Kankol image was from, but the information on the man is scarce. I do know that he was with the team between 1934 and 1949 or so, and that's a pretty large window. There doesn't seem to be anything in the photograph to give away when it was from.

Anywho, as per usual, any comments/critiques/problems/whatever are always welcome.

Thanks for checking 'em out!

Graig

As usual, great stuff Graig.
I love the Walsh. and Kankol. And Ruth. OK, all of them.

Beautiful stuff as always, and congrats as well on the glowing article in SCD.

link? Please.

Oops :o

http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com...golden-ghosts/

Thanks for the link. I like this quote from the article:

"I want the viewer to have as real of an experience with the painting as possible. Yankee Stadium needs to look like Yankee Stadium, and Babe Ruth needs to look like Babe Ruth."

I think you have achieved this Graig!!

I do have a question.....who are some of the players you would like to paint that are not "sexier" names of sports history. I am just curious as to who you would paint for yourself to hang on your wall if you had the time and opportunity.

Keep up the great work!!

A little anecdote about the Zulu Cannibals- and a sensational painting, by the way- is that since all the players wore face paint and were nearly impossible to distinguish, the team would send their best hitter up like every inning and the opposition couldn't even figure it out. Barry Halper had some ZC posters, and I heard that story back in 1999 when I was working on the collection. Thought it was pretty funny.

Craig,
I love your work.
With Conlon being your favorite photographer, the "Ruth's eyes" photo, I know you could not do because of photographic rights, but if given the chance, would that be one you would be interested in doing, or would that be more of the so-so photos of one of the greats. In your opinion. The only reason I say so-so is only because of the content of the entire photo, just a portrait style.

Hey everyone!

Thank you so very much for the kind words. I' really glad that you guys like the work, especially the Kankol piece.

Lance, I actually had no idea about that article - thanks for sending the link! Dean had sent me those questions via email and just told me to answer them 'as if they were going to be published.' I had no idea that it was for SCD. Either way, it was a really nice piece, and I'm so grateful for all of the nice thinks that David and Brian said about my work. That was just beyond wonderful of them.

Andrew, they're a ton of players I'd love to paint for myself. For one, I think I've mentioned before that I have a love of the '36 Yankees and Giants, so I had intended to do portraits of each player from both teams. One day, I hope. But they're still so many others. Off of the top of my head (though certainly not limited to), I would kill to do paintings of Deacon White, JM Ward, Mike Kelly, 'Three Finger' Brown, Bill Dahlen, Red Ames, Johnny Kling, Russ Ford, and a crap ton more. Even then, that's just from the 19th century and the Deadball era. The list would never really end, I tell ya.

Billy, I actually would LOVE to do the Conlon Ruth eyes, or any of the '27 team from that set. The only thing is, I would want to do it larger than life-sized, so that it's something that has REAL presence. We're talking something that's around 30" x 40" or something. Or heck, maybe even larger. No one has ever expressed any interest in commissioning it, so I guess it's just up to me to actually take the time and get it done.

Thanks again, everybody. You all rule.

Graig

Yeesh, can you imagine a monster version of this looming down at you from over the fireplace? Talk about a painting that seems to follow your every move...

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...onRuthEyes.jpg

Wow, it sure would be a center of attraction, wherever you put it. How about a ceiling mural....LOL

Some of the pitchers probably thought they were that size from the mound.......Good one Lance

but I love the thought of a large "eyes" Graig creation.

You can see the camera in Babe's right eye.

I copied a mosiac of that Ruth picture. it is made up of those Topps micro cards they put out in 1991,92 & 93. the farther away you get the better it looks.

Hey everyone,

While I am on a little vacation, Dean might castrate me if I stay completely idle. So, here are two shots I got back from the photographers this week:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pse2e461fd.jpg
Louis Sockalexis, 1895, 11" x 14"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psff9c0d4c.jpg
Ty Cobb, 1913, 24" x 30"

I'm glad that the Sockalexis found a great home, as it wouldn't have gone to a bigger fan of the man. I hope the client enjoys it for years to come.

The Cobb was a lot of fun to paint too, especially since it's such a classic image of the man. I just wish that I could have locked down more information about the date - we know that it was fom Navin Field, and probably 1913, but nothing else. I actually have a time lapse video of me in action with this one, which I'll have edited and out on YouTube soonish. Hopefully it doesn't make me look too silly.

Anywho, as per usual, all of your comments, be they good or bad, are greatly appreciated.

Hope ya dig 'em!

Graig

Beautiful! Always an admirer. There is a huge billboard of that Cobb piece up the road from where I live advertising the Ty Cobb museum ion Royston GA. Can't help but look at it every time I pass.

Nice work.
Drew

Thanks so much, Drew! :)

I think I remember seeing photos of that sign, but never in person. The image is indeed iconic!

Graig

The Cobb painting is incredible!

Thanks, Big Ben! :)

Awesome, Graig!

Cobber looks like he could literally jump off the canvas. Your attention to detail of his spikes is an amazing study in of itself.

I've got to think that Rhys is the proud owner of the other beauty. ;)

Keep 'em coming. I hope you're having a good vacation!

Nice, Graig. The trees have a full set of leaves and Cobb has a full set of sleeves. That could help narrow it down.

Thanks a lot, Scott and Scott!

Rhys may or may not have been the lucky/unlucky owner of the Sockalexis. I'll never tell. ;)

Scott, I wish we could narrow it down even more. The only thing that's coming to mind is sometime after April, as it would probably be around mid-May that the trees there would be so full. And with the sleeves, it's tough to tell, especially since so many layers kept them long throughout the season, no matter how hot it got.

I'm pretty sure that the shot was taken before game action, as the third baseman would probably be in some serious motion otherwise. In this case, he doesn't even have his cap on. But I guess that doesn't really help much anyway.

I'm stumped.

Graig

To say that the Cobb painting is awesome is an understatement. You really breathed life into a classic baseball photo. The colors and fine detail are just amazing.

Incredible, as usual, Graig. I still need to hit the lottery so I can get a Campy done. I keep trying to spin the investment angle to my wife but so far I just get a menacing glare in return. LOL

Thanks a lot for kind words, guys. This shot really is a classic, so I was thrilled to paint it. I hope the client is just as pleased when he receives the thing.

Chris, the investment angle is a good one, but I'm sorry it didn't work. Either way, you know I'm ready when you are! :)

Graig

Love the work! Truly an amazing talent! Love the color ranges used. Have you ever tried using a different medium when painting?

I haven't added my two cents in a while but have been checking the thread now and again. Fantastic work as usual Graig particularly the almost surreal Zulu and Cobb rounding third. I never noticed the apparent disinterest of the fielders in the famous Cobb photo. I assume it was a set up shot before a game?

Thanks so much for the kind words, guys!

GoCubsGo32, for the past decade or so I've only really used oils for painting. I used to try and work with acrylic, but I found it too plastic-feeling for my like. And watercolors, man, a harder medium there never was. One day, I'd like to learn more about using them, maybe in a manner similar to some of my heroes. But for now, I think it's only gonna be oils.

Howie, I think you're right about it being a pre-game thing. I had never really paid attention to those other chaps on the field before, but yeah, they're certainly not taking the action too seriously. I almost got the impression the crowd was starting to file into the bleachers anyways. I just wish I could get more info on the image, but I guess for now I'll have to be satisfied with just the year.

My photographers just finished up this last piece of Eli Manning:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psa078381f.jpg

Not super duper exciting on its own, but when it's sandwiched in between its two brothers, ya got an exciting triptych (in my opinion).

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps9c93051d.jpg

Anywho, I hope ya'll dig these too!

Thanks again for writing.

Graig

Hey all,

I just picked up these two guys from the photographers and thought I'd share 'em.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps06c67f57.jpg
Tris Speaker, 1916, 16" x 20"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps7d5d9a54.jpg
Shin Hashido, 1903, 12" x 18"

They were both a lot of fun on different levels. The Tris was an image I've always loved, as I feel like Conlon just captured that glare so perfectly. And the Hashido was just sooooo friggin' cool to learn about. It's amazing to think of how much we STILL don't know about our neighbors in the Land of the Rising Sun. Hashido just looks like such a bad@$$.

Anywho, I hope you guys enjoy 'em.

Thanks for reading!

Graig

Graig, the Hashido portrait just detonated my mind! Please excuse me while I sweep up the pieces.....

Absolutely Beautiful.

Friggin' awesome.

Graig,
Wow, a couple more home runs. Great work.

Bueno!
 

Graig,

Um....umm......well...yeah, I have nothing...no words.

I just wonder how you view the various things you see during everyday life in the city. Sunlight off of a windshield...faces of passersby...texture of brick...details? I think that you view everyday things a bit differently than we do.

Once again Greg. Just beautiful.
Drew

Thank you so much, guys. I really appreciate the kind words. :)

Curt, pretty much everything I see ends up translating into something relating to how I think about the language of painting. It really sounds flaky, I know, but it's the truth. I'm just always looking at nature and trying to see how I can disseminate those observations into my own work, as well as how I think about making art. I guess in that sense, I see things in a different way than some other people. Actually, it's hard for my brain to even get out of that mode. Having obsessions and working as an artist can be quite an interesting combination.

Thanks again for reading, everyone.

Graig

Graig,
Wow.
The Hashido dude looks like he's about to kick someone's a$$.
Once again...Incredible stuff.

Any update on the 27 Yanks?

You are so talented. Amazing work! I wish I could afford at least one painting. Speechless

Graig,

Awesome work as always! I talked to Dean last week and your work is amazing. Look forward to helping where I can.

Hank

Thank you all for the kind words, especially on the Hashido. I was pretty worried as to how it would be received.

Mark, I'll get a progress shot of the '27 team shot up here soon. It's still coming along super slowly, but as long as it's moving forward, I'm not gonna complain.

Hank, I didn't know you had spoken to Dean. I hope it's not a bad thing!

Here's another I got back from the photographers today:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps63f38af8.jpg
Rube Waddell, 1902, 26" x 30"

It appears a tiny bit dark in this shot, as I'm still in the progress of making the necessary color corrections. But, the feeling is there.

Anywho, I had always thought it was a really cool image, and as I'm sure you guys know, finding action shots of Rube from any time period is not easy feat. Once I saw this one, I couldn't resist. And the fact that he's warming up at the Huntington Ave Grounds in Boston adds a really awesome flavor to it, in my opinion.

Hope y'all dig it!

Graig

Beautiful painting of Rube, Graig!!!

Thanks, Scott! :)

Good gracious, you mean it's going to get BETTER?!

Thanks a lot, Lance.

By the way, I don't know how many of you are fans of my Facebook art page, but I posted an announcement regarding a sale on these 9" x 12" and 11" x 14" paintings:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps509113a5.jpg

Dean has been bitching that I'm becoming a hoarder of these smaller guys, and is convinced they're taking up much-needed space in the studio (for larger stuff, I guess). So, I figured that for the holidays, I'd offer them up at a 15% discount for anyone who wants them. I believe the only one spoken for is the Gehringer.

Anywho, if any of y'all are interested, shoot me a message and I'll give ya the info.

Thanks,

Graig

Somehow an amazing photo of Sandy Koufax got mixed up in your paintings. ;)

Amazing!
 

This is the first time ive seen this thread. Wow, these paintings are amazing! I like the Gehrig Luckiest man picture the best but they are all great. Keep 'em coming!

Thanks a lot, guys! ;)

Graig

Graig, Do you ever make or sell prints of you artwork? Please say you do.

I would think that the buyers that purchase his original paintings wouldn't want him to sell prints. Wouldn't that devalue the original work?

Good point. Maybe it would? I'm just wishing I could get some copies of his art.

Thanks for the kind words, KWT. Unfortunately I do not sell reproductions of my work at this time. It's possible that in the future, if the right opportunity presents itself, I may consider it.

However, I'm happy to say that a book is FINALLY in the works. Like, officially. Which is weird. And awesome. But mostly weird.

Graig

Graig,

A Book!!!! That sounds great. I am now officially on your waiting list for that book.

I would purchase the book myself.

Hot dog! I'm gonna go ahead and reserve a space at the psych ward, because I have no doubt that seeing that much Kreindlercolor in one place is going to blow my mind! Seriously, I can't wait.

I'm in! :)

I'm definitely super-stoked about the whole thing. We're still in the very beginning stages of design, as my brother's in charge of that department right now (he's the graphic designer). But here's a little peak at a mock-up that we're going to be using as a launch pad:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps8f2a5eae.jpg

So far, the goal will be to have at least one painting on each page, with the panoramics taking up two. I'll have narratives for all of them, as well as the title, size, year completed, and if he/she wishes, the name of the collector who owns the piece. The book will have at least 50 images, and we're definitely hoping for more, especially since ideally, we'd love it to be an 11" x 17" coffee table thing (!!!).

Though in the end, I guess we'll see what's what when we're further along in the process.

Color me excited!

Graig

Best news I've had all day.

Awesome!
Graig, thanks for including my Vandy. I'm stoked!

You're welcome, Scott! I can't think of having the book WITHOUT the Vandy.

Graig,
First off., congratulations, it is well deserved.
Second, it's about damn time.

Can I reserve my autographed copy now?

FYI, if you are going to use my painting, feel free to use my name as well.

Mark.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Thanks, Mark! I'm not exactly sure whether the Gehrig will be in there, but it's definitely on the list of contenders.

Don't send congrats yet - save 'em for if and when this thing actually comes to fruition. I'm super stoked for it, but since it's still so early in the process, I can't get too excited yet.

But all of my phalanges are crossed. :)

Graig

That Vander Meer just gets better everytime I look at it. Just a beautiful portrayal, and a perfectly composed image.

I know it's not up for vote, but sure hope that Jackie Robinson with the "shadowy background" makes it into the Book as well :)

Graig,
Count me in as well for a copy of your book. Your work continues to amaze me. I love to see your latest work that you post on twitter and share it often with my friends. The last friend said "that's a painting?" Please do list me as the collector of 1939 Gehrig pose if it makes the book.
Jamie

Thanks so much for the kind words, guys.

Mark, it's definitely in contention. Hopefully it'll find it's way in there one way or another. I'm definitely happy that Vandy will make the cut - I still think it's such a cool image.

Jamie, thanks for the permission. Whenever we figure out exactly which ones we want to use, I'm sure we'll be sending out a lot of emails about the whole venture, asking for permission and what-not, and detailing what the whole process entails. Or at least, I would imagine that's what will happen.

But regardless, I am thrilled you still like your painting. And thank you for continuing to share my work with your friends!

Graig

I agree with Mark on the Jackie Robinson as well.
That has to be one of your most awe-inspiring paintings, Graig...

Aww, thanks Scott. I liked it a lot too, so I'm hoping it gets in there. I know we'll have at least one Jackie image in there, but a horizontal might work a little better design-wise. Or we might be able to get them both to work. I guess it remains to be seen.

I still wonder whether the stuff I'm finishing up over the next few months will make it, too. Hopefully I can get the '27 Yanks painting done for that.

Graig

So step on it !!!

:o

Hey all,

Just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday. Hope you're all keeping warm.

And, thanks for all of the love and support this year (as well as those prior)!

Graig

Thanks Graig! Happy holidays my friend!
Scott

Right back at you half pint.

Half Pint!
Ben,
I think Graig is worth at least a full pint!(Black and Tan preferred)
Mark

Hey all,

Hope this post finds everyone well and warm.

Things in New York have been pretty up and down in terms of the weather, and as a result, pretty much everyone I know has had some sort of cold over the past two weeks, myself included. As silly as a statement it may be, I absolutely hate being sick.

However, I have been able to get back to work over the past few days, which has made me much happier! I've got a lot of stuff going on right now (both on the easel and off), so I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed with the workload - my photographers are gonna be pretty darn busy over the next few months.

Here are some portrait scans I got back from them today:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps236b7068.jpg
Hank Greenberg, 1933, 16" x 20"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psd99be3f8.jpg
Fred Merkle, 1908, 11" x 14"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pscf5b8c27.jpg
Bob Shawkey, 1926, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psd037c36a.jpg
George Case, July 11, 1939, 9" x 12"

I enjoyed painting them all, but I think I got a kick out of Merkle the most. I had always wanted to paint the man, and finding an image like that from 1908 (from Chicago, no less) was just what I was hoping for. What a face he had!

I have some more portraits going out in the next few weeks too, so they'll be more where they came from. Also, I have a couple of commissions from the board that I'm FINALLY getting photographed, so I'm sure Dean will be in touch with those fellas soon, too.

Anywho, hope you enjoy 'em. And feel free to comment/critique/share/whatever.

Graig

Hey all,

I forgot that I hadn't posted one of my favorites of the new bunch:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps93d8cd33.jpg
Cy Young, 1909, 20" x 16"

I enjoyed the hell out of painting this one. Young's eyes tell the entire story - what stories they had to tell! Adding some emphasis on the wrinkles and playing with the contrast of his face against the back wall of the dugout hopefully gives it the glow I had hoped it would have.

Anywho, again, any thoughts or crits are always appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

Graig

Great stuff! The Merkle and Young are especially fantastic.

That Cy Young is great!!