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Definitely count me in on that proposition!!
And my commission would be only 1 Painting per year :rolleyes: |
Incredible, Graig. The Robinson painting is simply incredible. You are the Rembrant of sports art.
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Hey guys, thank you SO much for all of your kind words. It really means a lot to me that you'd take time from your day to try and assuage my fears. Lord knows I need it.
Sean, regarding the hint, well, I definitely can't give an obvious one. But let's just say that the collector has a lot of influence outside of the hobby. Andrew, if I can make a Mets hater actually like that painting, then I think I might have done something right! YES!! Scott, thank you - and man, do I hope you're right! Pete, thank you as well. I think the Matty was the start of something really special. I still can't take credit for it though - it's all Conlon!! Jacksons, your words mean a great deal, really. I just wish you would be there that night to convince me to not worry! :) Mark, you're the man. And, you're hired. Does this mean I'll have to do a painting of Tony Perez every year? Or maybe everyone from the BRM? They're definitely worse things!! David, thank you so much for that sentiment. I wish I could even wash that man's brushes. Or, wear one of his amazing hats. :) Again, you fellas are wonderful - thank you. I'll be sure to keep y'all updated with the results...and some more paintings! Weeee!! Graig |
Oh yeah Graig.....you did something right!!! No doubt about that!!
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Graig:
Very gracious and classy to acknowledge everyone like that. I really like your Big Red Machine idea. So I'll take the job of writing copy for 9 years, and we can start with Perez in "year one". Then Bench, Morgan, Rose, Foster, Concepcion, Griffey and Geronimo (in that order). For year 9, let's do a painting of Sparky (since those teams had no pitching, anyway). Sound ok? I don't know what the hell I could do to hold up my end of the bargain, but it would have to be pretty monumental ;) |
Wow
Graig,
I am with Mark(perezfan), David Atkatz, and just about everyone else. You are the Rembrandt of Sports Painting. That Jackie Robinson is Spectacular. Mark's description about your use of light is spot on. I love how Jackie appears almost in a spotlight with the whole background in the shade. Great great contrast effect. There is something very emotion provoking about the pic. That little playful smile. It's like he's thinking "I gonna have some fun with this pitcher" This is definitely on par with the Matty. I have to say it's getting harder and harder to pick my favorite as you keep cranking out these things. Maybe we need a new thread. What is your favorite Kreindler? ...Ok post your top 3 , but you can't vote for your own, if you own one. Outside of mine 1) Matty (Nuff Said) 2) Jackie Robinson (new one) 3) Joe Jackson (The detail and texture of the hands on the bat and the glove in the back pocket are just crazy good) 4) My next one whenever it comes. :D I don't think you have anything to worry about impressing that high profile guy. If he is a sports or Jackie Robinson nut, there is no way in hell he isn't going to go crazy for it. Mark |
I just realized I misspelled "Rembrandt." I don't understand it. I've seen "Nightwatch."
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Graig, your Jackie Robinson is my current home PC background image. I love it. The footprints in the sunless area of the red clay sand infield. The shadows on his baggy white uniform and Dodger Blue cap. Jackie grinning as he steps from the on deck circle into the limelight of the batter's box. Awesome. You have created a lot of stunning work, but this one really grabs me.
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Hey all,
Thanks again for all of your lovely comments, especially in regards to Rembrandt - that man was a beast. Which reminds me, David, you've actually seen Night Watch in person? If so, color me jealous. That's definitely on my list of things to see before I die. The size of that thing alone gives me nightmares!! I kinda thought that the Robinson was gonna be a cool painting (if I did it right), especially because of that play of light. I guess there really is a metaphor in there, whether subtle or not, about the integration of the sport, or even of America. They're a couple of other images that I'd love to paint of the man that echo that sentiment, especially that famous team shot of the '47 club, with Robbie being the only African American amongst the boys. It just speaks volumes. And of course, feel free to use these images on your desktop or iPhone - whatever's clever! I'm more than honored to have you guys enjoy them so much. Thankfully, no money needs to be handed to any of those parties involved. Also, here are two more I got back from the photographers today: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t_Comiskey.jpg Babe Ruth, 1918, 30" x 34" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...nway_Glove.jpg Lou Gehrig, 1938, 18" x 24" The color needs a little correcting in both of them, but I think you get the idea. Hope y'all dig 'em too! Graig |
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I've seen The Night Watch in person too, I believe in 1976. As I recall, at that time it was covered by bulletproof glass, since a short time earlier some lunatic took a knife to it and cut it up. It was extraordinary nevertheless.
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That's about right, Barry. It had recently been repaired when I saw it. Behind glass.
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Wow, I'm extremely jealous of you two. I've really always wanted to see that in person.
I've been to mainland Europe only once, and though plenty of time was spent in Italian museums, I'm just dying to make my way around the continent. I have a feeling France will be in the cards in a few years, but man, I'll give almost anything to see the Dutch masters in those hallowed halls... Then again, living in Brooklyn, I do have easy access to plenty of really extraordinary museums...but the grass is always greener, I suppose! G |
Hey guys,
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to the start of 2012. I think my New Years resolution is to get the majority of the unfinished paintings out of my studio (especially those that were commissioned). These two guys are the start of that process: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...7_Portrait.jpg Johnny Evers, 1907, 16" x 20" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...4_Portrait.jpg Babe Ruth, 1924, 16" x 20" I never realized how much Evers looks like Stan Laurel in that image. What a jaw that man had!! Anywho, I hope y'all dig 'em. Comments/crits/laughs/stories are ALWAYS appreciated! Graig |
Hey Graig,
I was just curious if you have ever seen this picture. It has been one of my favorites for years and I recently ran across the copy I had saved on another computer. I saw this and thought of you right away. It would make a great subject for you. I know it doesnt feature a specific player but the stadium and the plane would be a great subject. I always thought it was cool that the play in this World Series game has obviously come to a stop as this huge plane passed over head. You can see the players just watching it as it disappears as almost a tribute to the soldiers of that era. The Hall of Fame confirmed this was taken during the 1942 (no definite on the year) World Series and the colored bunting as well as the crowd would be great color splashes for you to paint. This could be the real "Bronx Bomber". http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...15468HT_AP.jpg |
I wish I owned that photo, its beautiful.
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Absolutely, Andrew. That shot's been a favorite of mine for years. And I definitely agree with you on the bunting and advert colors - it could be a lot of fun. And at a really large size? Oh man, the possibilities.
I'm pretty sure the photo is from the '43 World Series, probably the first game (though I'm not 100% on that). I seem to remember something about it being piloted by Cardinal Manager Billy Southworth's son, who was buzzing the Stadium to wish luck to his dad. Just another one on the list... |
Graig
Somehow I knew you would have this one on your radar. I didnt know who the pilot is but now, knowing this makes the photo even more special!! Hopefully we will see this one in Kreindlercolor soon!! Take care!! |
Awesome!
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I just stumbled on this thread...
Wow! Graig, you are an amazing talent! My sister was a double major in photography and painting. Can't wait to show her this thread. It seems you only do baseball, but I would love to see the finished product of this shot: |
Beautiful pieces..absolutely beautiful.
you are very gifted sir! |
Thanks a lot, guys.
Matty6, I've always loved that image too. I wouldn't mind breaking into the racing scene with my work, though in the end, I think it might take a client to commission something to get me going on it. I just feel like my mind is always in the baseball mode, and now, sometimes even football and basketball - it seems to take forever for me to branch out. I'll even be doing my first hockey piece this year too, which will be very exciting! Graig |
Hey all,
Hope everyone's been doing well so far this new year. I thought I'd post some stuff I just got back from the photographers in the past few weeks. I think it might mark my first sharing of work since December, so I figured I was off of my pace! Before I show it, I just wanted to send a HUGE 'thank you' for all of you guys on the board for giving me so much support over the past few years, whether it's been through sales, scans (especially Chris C. for the enclosed Mantle), advice or encouragement. It's really meant the world to me - probably in ways I could never really articulate. Anywho, I hope you enjoy! http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ait_Conlon.jpg Babe Ruth, 1922, 16" x 20" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ait_Conlon.jpg Hank Greenberg, 1937, 16" x 20" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._October_5.jpg Joe DiMaggio, Fiorello La Guardia & Lou Gehrig, October 5, 1938, 28" x 36" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._Panoramic.jpg Mickey Mantle, August 7, 1955, 30" x 64" Certainly, any comments or crits are ALWAYS welcomed. And, I do have plenty of stuff that's in-progress too, which I'd be glad to post if y'all are interested. Thanks again, Graig |
Once again your work is incredible but I can only imagine that Mantle and the DiMaggio/Gehrig have got to be incredible to see in person!!!
Keep up the great work as you are certainly a gifted artist!! Now get your agent going on the coffee table book/lithos/card sets/whatever so those that cannot afford an original can have some of your work as well. :D |
That Greenberg would look great next to the letter posted in the War and Sports thread. Amazing work. Do you have license to do old publication/program covers?
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Graig,
Wow. Just wow. (pardon me while I go back to stare at the DiMaggio/Gehrig in stunned silence) |
Graig I love looking at any paintings you post, great work!
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Thanks a lot, guys. You're making me blush!!
Andrew, we're working towards it, believe me! I just have to keep pumping these guys out. And of course, making sure that they're at least of the highest quality I can make them! Scotty, it's definitely within the realm of possibility that I can create an original that's somehow based on a publication cover, though at this time, there's no way to make reproductions of it for prints or anything. I guess the closest thing I've come to that sort of thing has been some of the baseball cards I've been commissioned to reproduce or interpret. Lance, believe me, you're gonna see some of the photos you scanned for me on here soon. And again, your help in that has been VERY much appreciated. Graig |
easel
Graig,
As always beautiful work my friend! Your eye for detail is just amazing. Looking forward one day to seeing the pic I sent you !! Al |
Thanks a lot, Al. Worry not, you'll probably be seeing it in the next couple of months - that Gehrig portrait is KILLER!
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Rip gary carter.... I guess it is not Graig's painting on the front page of espn..sure looks like his work though...even if it is a photo. :)
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Hey all,
Hope everyone's starting to enjoy some spring weather. In Brooklyn, it's REALLY starting to feel like baseball season is upon us. I just got this guy back from the photographers, and I thought it was an interesting one to post: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...acker_Jack.jpg My client is a big fan of the Cracker Jack set and wanted Matty to be as real as possible. It posed an interesting challenge, since as much as I can render him, the background was just going to be that stark red. Though in the end, I'm pretty happy with the results. I think it's pretty strong graphically, and although the play of red and green really messed with my eyes while I was working on it, I think I was able to pull it off. Anywho, I hope you dig it! And if not, don't be afraid to say so! Graig |
I think this painting is even more realistic than the other Matty painting you did. This literally looks like a photograph!!
Once again..unbelieveable work!! |
Phenomenal, Graig...
If it's even possible to inprove upon the card, you've done it. You've brought new depth and realism to an image we've seen many times (but probably taken for granted). Incredible and gorgeous work! |
Thanks a lot, guys. I'm thrilled that you both like this one! I gotta say, when I attempt things that are out of my comfort zone, I get a bit nervous about publicly showing them - and that's even if I feel good with the end result. But, I guess such is the life of an artist!
Thanks again, for serious. Graig |
Matty
Graig,
I think you did a spectacular job of painting the Matty Crackerjack card in Kreindlercolor! Awesome! |
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For you to "get a bit nervous about publicly showing them" is like the super model on the cover of Sports Illustrated being a bit nervous about taking off her bikini in front of someone. You, my friend, have nothing to worry about!! |
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Thanks guys, I appreciate those kind words.
I tell ya though, if I can get a Sports Illustrated model to take off her bikini in exchange for showing a painting, well, I think that might be the best trade EVER (for me). Is there a message board for that? :p |
Very nice. Art is all about the mastery of light and dark, and you definately have that gift.
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Thank you, John!
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Hey guys,
So, I'm almost done with this guy for Scott Garner, and I thought I'd share it in its current state. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...VanderMeer.jpg The shot is from my iPhone, so it might seem a bit grainy, but in terms of color and value, I think it's pretty darn true. I still have a bit to work on, including the dugout floor, and some tightening up on Johnny, but it's nearly there. This image has been so much fun to work with, mostly because of all of the reflected light bouncing around the walls and Vandy's legs. That (including that foot bathed in light) was what really excited me about the original photo. I guess I just really had a pretty strong idea of what the finished painting would look like, so from then it was just tunnel vision. I don't know if Scott could have picked a better image of the man. And for those of you keeping score, it's from his 1938 season, the same in which he threw his two consecutive no-hitters. Anywho, hope y'all dig it!! Graig |
Graig,
That is fantastic! The light and shadow control is amazing. I liken it to the Jackie coming out of the shadows. As far as the image itself, The only thing that could be better would be if he was smiling. I love the pics of them smiling, showing the joy and love of the game. As usual another masterpiece in Kreindlercolor. Mark |
I'm jealous as usual of those who are able to add one of Graig's pieces their collection. I have no doubt that this one couldn't have found a more appreciative home than Scott's collection though.
It's nice to see the original photo and its progression to painted form on this one. Thanks as always for sharing. This is one thread I am glad to see getting bumped back to the top on a regular basis! |
Graig, Awesome job...as usual!
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Thanks for those great compliments, guys. I'm really loving how Scott's painting is coming out, especially because of that light. I'm hoping that when it's done, you'll all feel the same way. And again, the fact that I had the opportunity to paint a player like Vander Meer is just beyond awesome. I really love painting the Ruths and the Gehrigs, but having some of the 'lesser-knowns' being asked for is just so damn cool.
Actually, the fact that people actually wanna commission me is just so damn cool. Anywho, I have this one that's currently drying and waiting to be photographed, also for a board member. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...dler/photo.jpg I guess I gotta title it 'Enter Sandman' - could there be any other appropriate title? Hope you guys dig it! Graig |
That Rivera is off the charts, love how it looks on the easel
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Outstanding, my friend.
The depth is remarkable. I hope you find doing these more current players can be as rewarding as the older deadball era ones. No matter the era, to me, you breathe life into black and white or color. Great work, Graig! |
breathtaking
Graig, those are breathtaking. Great job!!
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Mariano
Hi Graig,
I love your new Mariano Rivera. You did a super job on painting this modern classic... BTW, thanks for all the kind words about you enjoying the Vandy project. To be honest, I had never considered commisioning an artist to paint a sports theme until I started following your work. I'm thoroughly convinced that you are the best sports artist on the planet! Keep up the terrific work!! :) |
Thanks again, guys.
Jacksons, it's funny because doing the more modern stuff provides a different challenge. Though I have access to color photography, I still find myself sticking to a different vision of color for the most part, still trying to breathe something different into the subject. I guess I just feel that photography really does take a lot of air out of whatever it's depicting, especially since the human eye can see and process so much more information than a camera lens. And translating that onto a 2-dimensional surface just becomes harder and harder. And to be honest, I wish I could do more modern stuff. That's part of the reason why I'm glad you're still into the Dent painting. Maybe I just won't be satisfied until I have every era covered. And covered well. Oh, and Scott, you're being too nice! Let's just say I'm the shortest sports artist on the planet. Which I think might be true. Ben? Jimmy? Danny? Phil? Yeeeah. Anywho, here are another two I got back from the photographers, though don't think I posted... http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ait_Conlon.jpg Joe DiMaggio, 1936, 16" x 20" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ait-Conlon.jpg Red Ruffing, 1936, 16" x 20" Really, thanks again everybody. Graig |
Graig,
Scott isn't being nice. He's being honest. I cannot remember seeing another artist breathe as much life into their subjects as you do. New/Old it doesn't matter. Matty, J Jackson, Babe, Gehrig, Mantle, Jackie R, Joe D, Tyree, Strawberry all incredible images. Doesn't matter what age or Sport. Even that golf one you did was crazy good. I can't wait to see your first Hockey painting. Dude..You da Man. Your height don't matter as long as you can reach the canvas! Mark |
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I would even venture to say that Graig, you might just be the Rockwell of sports artists. I think your work is that good!! |
Still in awe of the matty. This is the greatest thread ever.
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1000 thanks, guys. You seriously make me blush.
:o |
Hey Graig.
I saw this photo of Jackie Robinson and thought of you. Check it out: http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/co...ackie-robinson --elm |
Graig, this is the first time I'd ever seen your work, literally spent the morning flipping through 40+ pages just to see the work and hear from the artist.
Really great stuff man, truly. I'd love to talk to you a bit about commissioning a work in the future. |
Darren, that one's always been a favorite. I'd love to try my hands at that one!
Phikappapsi, thank you so much - glad to have you aboard!! If or when you ever want to proceed on anything, just drop me a PM or an email. Hope you continue to enjoy what you see! |
Hey guys!
Here are two more I just got back from the photographers: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_Portrait.jpg Lou Gehrig, 1927, 16" x 20" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ait_Conlon.jpg Babe Ruth, 1928, 16" x 20" The first one I had done a study for a year or so ago, so it's nice to see a finished, refined one realized. And the Ruth, well, the eyes (once again) have it. Hopefully I'll have two more to show tomorrow, both of which are for two different Net54ers - a Mo' Rivera and a Johnny Vander Meer! Hope y'all dig 'em! Graig |
Fantastic as always
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Thanks a lot, Tucker!!
Graig |
And here are the other two!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._Meer_1938.jpg Johnny Vander Meer, 1938, 20" x 28" http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...October_12.jpg Mariano Rivera, October 12, 2004, 26" x 36" Hope ya guys dig 'em! Graig |
Graig, very nice, as always! Good to see that the Vander Meer turned out so well.
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Great job on both, Graig! That Vander Meer is (IMHO) in your top 3 of all time. Such a beautiful image and rich colors. As a Reds Fan I suppose I'm biased, but I cannot imagine a better painting (or a better choice of subject by Scott!)
Incredible Mo as well... very powerful image. Congrats on creating two more masterpieces! :cool: |
Graig -
So many great images of Mo over the years, this one you have breathed life into - simply beautiful - the light and depth are remarkable. I have many great memories of Rivera, going back to 1995, watching him blowing away Jay Buhner on high fastballs with that deceptive heat and fluid motion. Here's hoping his career does not end on the warning track at Kaufmann Stadium. Praying he is able to come back next year and close it out in style. Great work, pal! |
Whoops, I've been neglecting this thread for a little bit. Thank you ALL for such nice words about the last two. I'm really happy with both of them, and I'm certainly hoping the clients feel the same way.
And in regards to Mo, jacksons, as soon as you mentioned Buhner, all I could conjure up were his titanic homers off of the Yankees. I still can't get over how good those mid-late '90s Seattle teams were. They used to give me nightmares. Here are two more I just got back from the photographers: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r_Portrait.jpg Smoky Joe Wood, 1909, 16" x 20 http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...e-Hitter-1.jpg Bob Feller, July 31, 1946, 28" x 30" The Feller is actually an oldie, but I had to change a few colors on the billboard, as I discovered they were wrong after the fact. I hate when that happens!! Smoky Joe was an interesting painting to try and tackle indeed. I think in the end, what I was going for was a painting that showed what Horner saw in his viewfinder before he snapped the shot. So, in other words, Wood needs to be breathing and that beautiful north light has to be hitting his flesh and jersey just right. I hope I was successful. Anywho, I hope y'all dig 'em! Graig |
Graig love what you did w/ the Joe Wood, you really brought him to life
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Graig,
Smoky Joe looks AWESOME!! :) |
Graig,
WOW! You never cease to amaze. The last few have been great. There is something so majestic and regal in that Wood. It looks like an old master style painting. I mean that wholeheartedly as a compliment. Keep up the great work. Mark |
only being on this forum for a year, could you catch me up on a few questions i have.
how long does it take for you to make a painting, on average? About how many do you do a year? what % of your paintings are baseball related? have you done other sports? have you ever done a painting of a boxer? |
I'll third this. Your Smoky Joe Wood portrait is incredible!
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Thanks a lot for taking the time to comment, guys, I really appreciate it. And of course, your kind words are also really wonderful.
Jay, I couldn't have done it without ya! Scott, I'm glad you like it so much. Did you receive Vandy yet? If so, what's the verdict? Mark, that's quite a compliment. That's definitely the kind of effect I was going for. Or, trying to go for. I think in this case, the pose really helped - it has such a classic feel to it. Ben, thank you so much! Travis, time it takes to do these paintings vary from piece to piece. The smaller 16" x 20" player portraits only take a few weeks, though the larger, more detailed images usually take a month or in some cases, many. It all depends on how complicated of an image it is as it relates to research, elbow grease and anything else you can think of. Right now, I'd say that I'm consistently averaging about 20 paintings of varying sizes per year - though it's probably even more than that. 99% of the paintings I seem to do are sports related, with about 95% of them being baseball related. I've done a few football pieces here and there, as well as a golf painting, but I have yet to tackle boxing. Hopefully I will soon! Thanks again, everybody. Graig |
Graig,
What an amazing talent you have...years from now, when I can afford it, you'll be hearing from me! |
Thank you, Andrew!! I appreciate it. And if you do get something, should I assume it'll be of a certain New York/California/Houston/Texas pitcher?
Graig |
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sent you a PM as well. Andrew |
boxing is a good challenge because if it is an "in the ring" action painting, the muscle tenseness, striation, face contortions would be awesome because two guys fighting for their lives, lots of stuff going on.
i am a joe louis fan, that would be my first choice. |
That Joe Wood painting is incredible! One of my favorites. I always love the action shot at a ballpark in the 40s/50s with all of the colorful advertising around the park.
But, that Joe Wood is just so lifelike. The string on his jersey looks so real to me I can't stop staring at it. Wonderful work! I would love to add a piece to my collection some day. Great Job Graig. |
Thank you so much, guys!!
Believe me, boxing would definitely be something I'd LOVE to paint. I just think I need more of an education with the sport before I can really pick something that would resonate. They're some great photographers from the 50s that took exceptional shots for Sports Illustrated - maybe they'd be good to start looking at. Either way, I don't know if I'd ever be able to paint something as good as this: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ge-bellows.jpg Bellows never fails. And then there's this guy: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...arpshooter.jpg God, I LOVE Rockwell. NO one told a story like him. Look at that staging! That narrative! That emotion!! The warm, red note on the blonde's flower!! What a monster he was. Boxing has such a rich, painted tradition. One day I'll crack it. Graig |
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