Thanks for the compliments, Andrew! I'm sorry we're not setting up shop there this year, as I really enjoyed the experience in Cleveland. I might actually have a painting or two to drop off with clients at the show though, so you're most likely welcome to see those if they make the trip to Baltimore.

And really, if next years show is in Chicago, I couldn't see us not being there. Out of all of the cities they've had it in, Chi-town has to have one of the richest art cultures, something that my agent can't say 'no' to. He's definitely been to hundreds of art expos and conventions there over the years, and he's had nothing but wonderful things to say about it.

Graig, how about an update!

Also, by any chance, will you be 1) attending the National (Baltimore, in August) and 2) bringing any pieces w/u to the National?

Rob
:)

See my question above and his response. I am disappointed that he wont be at the national this year!

Hey Rob,

Thanks for the shout-out!

I just got these two back from the photographer. The first image is of Bob Feller after pitching a one-hitter against the Red Sox on July 31, 1946. That one measures 28" x 30".

The second image should be pretty familiar, I hope. It measures at 22" x 28".

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...One-Hitter.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...y_2_Dugout.jpg

I have another painting that should be coming back soon too, as well as a few works in progress. Aside from starting some of the commissions for board members, I have these going on - and as usual, please excuse the poor photography:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/DSCN2722.jpg

Jackie stealing home against the Phillies, July 2, 1950. It's got a long ways to go, but it's starting to get there! It's a nice size at 24" x 32", and if some of you remember, was in progress at the National last year.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/DSCN2727.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/DSCN2728.jpg

Ty Cobb batting against the White Sox on Opening Day, April 14, 1908 in Chicago's South Side Grounds. Cobb went 3-5 with a homer, but the Sox ended up with the victory. This bad boy's going to worked on a lot this week, and at 40" x 62", is quite the undertaking.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/DSCN2723.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/DSCN2724.jpg

At 30" x 70", this is Mickey Mantle during a mid September game of his rookie year. Facing Feller and the Indians on that September 16 contest, the Yanks came up on top and took over first place for good.

Regarding the National, I won't be there exhibiting this year unfortunately. However, I do know that Dean has plans to work something out for the Chicago version next year, which I think will be another wonderful opportunity. Man, I just had so much fun last year.

Though, I will actually be in attendance at the National on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but only as a spectator. I'm really hoping that I can purchase some nice photos for future paintings and basically look around a lot (I feel like I didn't really get the chance last year). I know that I already have plans to meet up with some of you again, so I'm super stoked!!! I may bring a painting or two down there, but I don't even know if it would make it past the hotel doors. I guess it all depends on what I can fit into the car, and what people actually want to see. I guess if you're dying to see something in person, let me know and we'll see if I can work it out.

This weekend, if you guys are in the Massachusetts area, I'll be giving a talk at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge on Saturday. It's their annual celebration of the National game and they've been kind enough to give me some time to make a fool of myself. So, if you want to come on by, bring some tomatoes!

Hope y'all dig it!

Graig

Graig: You are not human.

Fantastic! You are gifted

Thanks, guys.

And David, if I'm not human, why couldn't I have been made taller??

:)

Graig: Being tall is not all it's cracked up to be.
http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...tandMidget.jpg

David, which one
 

of the three is you again?
:D

PS - very nice work, Graig, as usual.

Graig,
What is it with you? Can't you just tip your cap and say thank you?
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...aedelEddie.jpg

:D

Hey all,

Just wanted to wish y'all a happy 4th, as I'll be in Stockbridge, MA for the Norman Rockwell thing.

If any of you happen to be in the area on Saturday and want to check it out, you can get more info here:

http://www.nrm.org/2010/06/play-ball...ican-festival/

I'll be going on at around 2 PM, I think.

Either way, everyone stay safe this weekend!

Graig

post the cobb pic AS SOON AS YOUR DONE. thats great! If I wasnt such a cheapskate Id buy that in a second :)

Hey guys!!

Check out this cool baseball art article from MLB.com, which I'm lucky enough to be featured in.

http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...=.jsp&c_id=mlb

What's interesting is that under the first gallery, my work comes right after Rockwell's in the pecking order. Whoa. Now that's humbling.

Also, jut got this guy back from the photographers - my father's birthday present. Always the Mantle fan, I figured it was the perfect image for him.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...NE20103225.jpg

Thanks for looking!

Graig

Your work is truly impressive. I wish I was able to afford it.

Do you have a book of your various work. I certainly would be interested in a coffee table book.

Thanks for the compliments, Magic1313!

I don't have a book of my work yet, though I know my agent has been in talks with various publishers in the hopes that we can get something going at some point. In the end, I might just need to keep painting to get as many images done as possible.

Though, when I get anymore information, you guys will definitely be some of the first to know!

Graig - congrats on your inclusion in the slideshow!

I've included a screenshot for everyone else.

Can't say that I'm surprised, though!

P.S. - would love to see the look on your father's face when he opens that one - truly one of your best, Graig. Just awesome!

"Luck" had nothing to do with it Graig.

Oh, Jimmy...

And thanks so much for posting that screen-cap, Jacksons!

Hey all,

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be at the National on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, if anyone wants to meet up. I'm bringing down two works in progress, one of which is for a client - Ben (ForeverYoung). The paintings will probably spend most of their time in the hotel, but if anyone wants me to show 'em, let me know. Either way, I'm sure we'll all be hanging out a bit down there, so it would be wonderful to meet some other Net54ers.

PM me if you want to get in touch...

Graig

Hey all,

Here's the latest!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...8_April_14.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._April_142.jpg

The painting illustrates Ty Cobb on April 14, 1908 - Opening Day. The Tigers were in Chicago that hazy and oddly warm afternoon, and though they lost to the locals 15-8, Cobb went 3-5 - one of his hits being a homer (the depicted) into the right field bleachers, which was certainly a rarity at the South Side Park. Obviously a good start for the Georgian, he was on his way to making the $800 promised to him by owner Frank Navin if he hit over .300 for the season. That was, of course, to complement his 'outlandish' $4000 salary.

At 40" x 62", this guy was a commission, and now that I'm officially moved into my new apartment and unpacked (for the most part), I can get going on some of the other commissions from you board members - I'm sure you know who you are.

Anyways, hope you dig it. As always, any comments are welcome!

Thanks,

Graig

Looks sweet, Graig. Your paintings bring these old one-dimensional photographs to life.

Thanks for sharing, as always.

What a flat swing plane he had with that back elbow so low.

Another beauty.... really enables you to feel what it must have been like to be there. I love that backdrop with the ultra-high upper deck.

One of your very best, Graig. Thanks so much for posting.

im impressed by the bystanders and crowd. Thats the tough thing about baseball painting is inevitably you have to paint a crowd. Great job!
Now Im officially two compliments away from my free painting graig! :)

Oh, Sean. :)

Thanks for the compliments, guys.

Cobb really did seem to have a great swing. I found it interesting how his hands were so together in this image, unlike a lot of other shots we see of him, with his hands so far apart. I guess it makes sense that he hit the ball over the rightfield fence.

And man, that crowd was a b*tch. There was a lot going on there and since it was so crowded, it was a little hard to create the depth of field I was looking for. Having the stands in there definitely helped a bit, as the structure right behind Cobb's head ends up being much cooler in temperature than what's above the heads of the catcher and umpire. The former really sits back the way it should, as when objects go back in space, they tend to get a little cooler in temperature and for the most part, lighter. But anyways, that structure was absolutely crucial for this painting to have any sort of dimension whatsoever.

Hey all,

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

I took the time to take a break from commission stuff and work on some smaller portraits for the inventory, as well as to get the juices flowing in the new apartment. Or something.

These are only a few hours in each, so none of them are done. The 9" x 12" Gehrig is probably the closest to completion, though I need to get more work on the mezzanine level, as well as soften some edges and some minor details (buttons!). Apparently, this one is already spoken for.

The second is a seldom-seen Conlon shot of DiMaggio. I believe it's from '36 or '37, judging from his face. The light captured in the photograph seems a little big flat and devoid of punch, so I'm trying to exaggerate that a bit. Obviously, this 9" x 12"s not there yet, either.

The least finished is the 11" x 14" of Home Run Baker. I've always adored the image it came from and I finally thought I'd give it a shot. The man looks like a friggin' ghost. I hope I can pull it off in the end.

Anywho, questions, comments and crits are always welcomed! And as usual, excuse the sh*tty photography - one day, I'll get that right.

Thanks for checking back!

Graig

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/Gehrig-1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...DiMaggio-2.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...dler/Baker.jpg

I don't think hr baker looks like a ghost at all! You are HORRIBLE!!! BOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Mezzanine and Buttons????
 

Is the light OK in that new Studio of yours???

I prefer Leon Wolf. His attention to details is far more precise, and he doesn't come on Boards fishing for prospective buyers.

DanC

P.S Did you give Baker, Shoeless Joe's ears?

I think you miss the point that it is US that wants to see his work and request updates to his work. Also paintings in my view need to have a painterly quality not just a strick copy of a photo. The use of color, and the brush stroke make this style of painting.

But we all get to like what we like when it come to art.

Nebboy -

This is just a guess, but based on Dan C's profile picture, I believe his post was in jest.

Looks to me like he's a fan of Graig's work.

Yes, Jacksons is correct. It was in pure jest, and my avatar is that of the brilliant young painter.

DanC

What a horrible joke to play on all these fine net54 goers. You should be ashamed of yourself. I am glad that you have embraced the Graig though.

I went to Maryland and witnessed Forever Young getting crabs.

DanC

Peter Griffin and Frank Baker

:D

Hey guys,

Here are completed shots of the Gehrig and Baker paintings. Additionally, I don't remember if I posted the Foxx or not, as I just had it photographed. They also need some touching up in Photoshop to make sure the colors are where they need to be.

Either way, hope y'all dig 'em!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...7_Portrait.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...Baker_1913.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...3_Portrait.jpg


Graig

I enjoyed the Mel Ott (inside joke). Great work as always Graig. The Baker came out really nice.

DanC

+1

They're all wonderful, but I especially love the Baker.

Thanks so much, Dan and Mark!

I'm pretty fond of that Baker image - I think that stare is absolutely striking. I would even say it's on par with the Conlon Mathewson image. Haunting!

Graig

Haunting is right. That Baker belongs on the wall of a mansion in a Scooby Doo cartoon. I saw it in person and I think his eyes may have shifted. Good work Graig but don't go gettin' a swelled head or I'll start hurling more tomatos.

Don't make me start that Pennock...

:o

I think he captured the unibrow perfectly. Is that really Baker or the drummer for REM?

Pennock huh? Well at least you didn't go all Julian Wera on my @$$.

Hey guys,

Here's the latest for those of you keeping score!

Jackie stealing home against Andy Seminick during the first game of a doubleheader between Brooklyn and Philadelphia on July 2, 1950.

That was a mouthful.

Hope you dig it!

Graig

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...er/Dodgers.jpg

That's a gorgeous JR. Where's the Gil McDougal you said you were working on?

Bobby Shantz in the future?

Do the Vera just for that Scooby Doo reference alone. I bet he spent all night working on that line. :-)

DanC

P.S: GK, BH was sent yesterday.

Once again, spectacular painting! Someday I have to see these in person!! I bet they look even better!

Hey all,

I figure it's been more than a month since I posted something last on here, so I thought I'd give it a whirl for those of you who are still tuned in.

I got these three 9"x12"s back from the photographers a couple of weeks ago. The Gehrig dates from '27, the DiMag from '36 and the Feller from '37. All of them originate from that master of disaster, Charles M. Conlon.

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

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6_Portrait.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...Portrait-1.jpg

I also have a bunch of larger ones in progress, but I'll have to post them later when the studio is a bit cleaner and I can actually get them onto the easel to take photos of 'em. Some of them are even commissions from fellow board members. Woot!

Oh, and if you want to keep track of any painting stuff, I regularly update my Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...GraigKreindler

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Graig

nice job again Graig. Out of a personal preference, I prefer your action ones that show more of the stadium. Nothing against your close ups but for me your strongest with the wide action shots. Looking forward to seeing the ones your working on and for gods sake make a Hal Chase! :)

I second the call for a Chase...any candidates for a good Chase picture to work from???

Thanks for your thoughts, Sean. I actually really enjoy doing those action shots the most, as like you, I love being able to see the ballpark. Man, if I could do one of those a month, I'd be super happy. Maybe I really need to start trying.

But yeah, the small ones are ultra-satisfying too. Thankfully, those images only go on the smaller panels, so in a way, I think of them like baseball cards - profile pictures, I guess. At the same time, they're not as tough to research as some of those other paintings, so they're a nice break from everything.

Regarding Chase, I've always loved this shot from '05. Though smiling, I always thought he looked kinda devilish.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...lChase1905.jpg

Graig

easel
 

incredibly beautiful work!!!
I love that you choose the master of disaster as your photographer.
I have the Conlon Paskert,Mowrey,Moeller, and L. Tannehill and they're displayed on one of my many(thankfully) office walls.

all the best,
barry

Thank you so much, Barry!!

I'd love to see shots of those Conlons, if you have them. Especially the Tannehill.

beautiful art work thanks for sharing

Thanks for the compliments, Romeo!

This one needs another day or two, but it's almost there. Commissioned by a fellow board member, this is based off of another one of Conlon's beautiful pieces. I'm pretty sure this dates back to '25.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/Gehrig-3.jpg

As usual, my photography stinks. Hope ya dig it anyways!

Graig

Graig,
Thats a KILLER chase pic! Could you paint that with a stadium surrounding?

Because of the angle, I'd probably only keep a sliver of the ballpark at the bottom of the canvas. I think the sky would just frame his head perfectly. I do have some other shots of him from a little further back though, mostly fielding first base, with much more of the ballparks showing through.

easel
 

graig,
i'd love to show you but this ole dinosaur never learned to scan( barry sloate and i are the last of this pitiful breed methinks). i surely wouldn't know how to do it now since they're on the office walls!
the tannehill is the photo behind the T206 tannehill (no L);
the paskert if the photo behind the T3 paskert cincinnati;
mowrey and moeller are just beauts.
the first i won in legendary 2009; the other 3 i won in the B&L auction late this year.
again, i do love your work!!!!!!

best,
barry

well i guess my question is have you ever painted a picture and used a different background?

Barry, I've always loved that Tannehill shot. It depicts him after casually tossing the ball, right? Conlon was so amazing at capturing shots like that. Even though I love the game action shots and all, seeing the guys casually tossing before a game is really cool. It's as much a part of a game as any image could be.

Sean, I have indeed. The only problem with this image is that because of the angle of the photograph, as well as the direction of the sunlight, it would be very hard to place any deadball era ballpark in the background that wouldn't sit pretty low to the bottom of the canvas. It would probably be best to find another Chase shot if you wanted to see more of the ballpark backdrop. Then again, I could just extend his body down to the knees, and you could see more that way...

cool! well there ya go! Looking forward to seeing that chase! lol

:D

graig
 

you are correct. it is that casual tannehill.
i've been drawn to it for the same reasons you elucidate.

keep up the great work.

best,
barry

Please tell me you won this one and are going to paint it. I was the under bidder and had I won I was going to give it to you and insist you paint it :)

Attachment 29308

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Great Pic...
 

Have a look at this pic Graig...I know you're a Yankee fan ( not your fault ),this shoould be your next "on the easel" project...
http://cgi.ebay.com/MICKEY-MANTLE-WH...item5d2ca5ab08

Heres another good one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/MICKEY-MANTLE-CA...item5d2cb2290e

Sean, that Speaker shot would be cool indeed. I have a feeling I would drive myself absolutely bonkers trying to get all of the right colors and what not for that painting. I wonder if it's still around?

Brandon, both of those shots are wonderful. The only problem is, that particular seller isn't so great. He/she gets all of those photos from Internet screen-shots, and every single one I've ordered from them has been beyond pixelated. I do, however, have a nice scan of the first one from a Marvin Newman book...

yeah I was wondering that myself. What a cool painting to have. I bet it would be difficult to get that picture right paiting a painting. Thought it was pretty surreal :)

Just wanted to say that your work is amazing. Hopefully one day I may be able to afford one of them! They are so realistic!!!

Thank you so much for those compliments, Darren!! I'm really glad you dig the work.

And Sean, surreal indeed. I have a feeling that one day, some random commission will require me to do something like this, and I can picture myself combing the country to see if the painting still exists. And I'd probably love every single second of it.

you can do it! we're all counting on ya :)

Hey guys,

Thought I'd start this bad-boy up again, as I just got a bunch of paintings back from the photographers.

The majority of them are on the smaller side, as I've been working a lot on these smaller guys when I take breaks from the large canvases. I guess because they're a little less involved, they are a bit quicker to get done.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9_Portrait.jpg
Honus Wagner, 1909

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ait_Conlon.jpg
Charlie Gehringer, 1925

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...925_Conlon.jpg
Lefty Grove, 1925

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...berry_1987.jpg
Darryl Strawberry, 1987

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...g_Thompson.jpg
Babe Ruth, 1922

I have about five more that need to be photographed in the next week too, so I'll post those when they come back into the studio. Also, I have a ton of in-progress stuff that I can post if anyone's interested.

And if not, that's cool too.

Hope y'all enjoy!

Graig

PS: Oh, and if you want to follow what I'm doing a little more closely, become a fan on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/GraigKreindler

I think you're getting better at this Graig, if that's even possible.

That Strawberry is absolutely breathtaking!

Hell yeah I want to see more!

Great work, Graig. Love the way the background pops on the Ruth.

Thanks a lot, guys!!!

I'll have to take some photos of the in-progress stuff tomorrow, as my camera seems to be a little bit on the fritz. Being that I'm so bad with it to begin with, maybe I should just cut my losses and throw it into the street...

Graig

If I could paint like you I would throw my camera away:D

I would cut my ear off and check into a mental institution. Do it! I dare you!

Oh....
 

and nice Ruth BTW..:)

Ben my son is a professional photographer and takes pictures for pro teams. It is amazing what he can do with a camera just like Graig does with his brush. I was just trying to compliment his work.

This was directed to Graig..not you...not sure what happened..must have hit quote vs post. Sorry for the confusion :). Just giving Graiger the grief he deserves for being my friend.

Congratulations on your Ruth, Ben - I'm jealous.

I still can't get over that Strawberry. It's insane - it may even be on par with the Mathewson Graig did. ;)

I've logged into Net54 more in one week than I ever have, just to look at that Strawberry painting again.

I'm not trying to embarrass you, Graig!

Those mid-80s Mets jerseys really pop on the canvas though - love to see one of Orosco kneeling on the mound, flinging his glove into the air, or of Knight trotting home at the end of Game 6.