Thanks, guys. I hope John loves it just as much. :)

I'm looking forward to another raffle soon, too.

Hey all,

Just a quick update, the painting of Hank has been completed and was dropped off at my photographer's on Friday. I would imagine I'll have a scan to show by tomorrow or Tuesday, and then I suppose I'll close out my participation in this thread with some final words.

However, I wanted to again thank John, Bill, Lance and Leon for letting this whole thing happen, as it's been a LOT of fun. I was thrilled to paint someone who I've been meaning to do for some time, and then having a forum to get my thoughts out on the whole process became pretty meaningful. I hope in the end, John and everybody else likes the final product.

I'm definitely excited for the next raffle when the time comes. Until then, I still have a LOT of stuff that needs catching up with.

Graig

Hey all,

So, here we have the final piece.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps2e433fec.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psa29086e5.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psab37a772.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps9b651d3b.jpg

I got the scan back from the photographer's today, and after a little bit of color correcting, this is pretty close to the original. However, like I've mentioned before, no photograph - no matter how good - will ever come close to actually seeing an original work of art. Especially when it comes to oil paints, the luminosity of the medium can really only be experienced in the flesh. Or paint. Yeah.

I gotta say, I enjoyed the hell out of doing this project. I was so thrilled to be able to paint Hank Aaron finally, and the fact that I got to do so using such a killer image was an absolute boon. Not only is it just crystal clear and iconic, but all of the light-play combined with that amazing Milwaukee jersey makes for some really exciting (and bold) color.

The only thing that I wish was different doesn't really have anything to do with the painting process itself, but I wish that I knew exactly what year it came from. I'm sure that it dates from either '55 or '56, but I've never been able to lock down the specific season. Granted, knowing the day and month would be great too, but I don't need to be that exact here. Had it been an action shot, I think I really would have pushed for that a lot more.

So, I'll pick up the original from Gamma (my photographer) at some point this week and then get 'em out to John shortly there after. Hopefully he'll be willing to chime in once the painting is in hand.

If anyone has any comments or questions, I'd love to hear them!

And again, thank you ALL for participating in the raffle and keeping an eye on this thread. I sincerely hope that this can be a semi-regular thing on Net54, as long as the interest in having it continues.

Graig

Graig,
The color seems so vivid and real. What a great work of art. To be just a small part of the creation of this gem, as was everyone who participated in the raffle, makes me feel great. If it was not for everyone who participated, this great piece would not have existed.

Bill

Graig,
It really is a beauty. That photo was a great choice.
Now for the most important question. When is the next raffle?

Mark,
I hope to be posting something in the next couple of weeks. Just want to focus on John and his new addition to his collection.

Bill

Nice painting

You can really see the youthful exuberance in Aaron's face, despite the fact that he's in a relaxed pose. Graig, you captured it perfectly. Little did Hank know of the milestone he'd pass 18 years later. Love the painting!

Gorgeous! The lighting is fantastic. Congrats all around!

John
Just curious, do you have a spot all picked out for the painting????

Amazing work of art, and it was fun to follow the process.

Not yet, but I've begun planning it out. The walls are full now, so its a matter of determining what comes down.

John,
Word is Hank is on its way home. Enjoy.

Graig,
Your explanations of the process through these months have been great. You need your own reality show. "Kreindlers Krafts, of Baseball Art". I'd watch it.

John,
I know the selection process was not that easy, finding just that right photo can be a chore. When and if we have a second winner, any suggestions to them that may help them out.

Bill

I guess my only advice for the next winner would be to remember that it is your choice. Suggestions from the board can only help, but in the end choose a image that you're happy with. I couldn't imagine any of the other images I saw turning out as nice as this one did.

Nor can I, thank you John for the response.

Hank is in the house!
 

All I can say is wow. As great as the photos have looked, finally seeing the painting in person is truly a jaw dropping experience. I couldn't be happier! Graig really has a rare talent. Thanks to Billy for organizing this event!
http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...ictureid=16494

Stunning!

Awesome! Can't wait to win the next one! :-)

John,
You are more then welcome John, it truly was my pleasure. Thanx for sharing, it looks great. You answered my next question. Do They look better in person? And your answer.....WOW!
Enough said.

Billyb