The Ali/Liston image at the Lewiston, Maine fight would be awesome.

This shot of Tony Demarco being knocked out by Basilio in 1955 might be my favorite of all-time:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...rypo1_1280.jpg

Another genius work by Hy Peskin.

Graig

I am a huge fan of Rockwell but I can honestly say I have never seen this boxing painting. I agree with you in that the way he sets the stage and tells the story is pretty incredible. Every character in the painting makes my mind wander to try and figure out what exactly they were thinking at that moment.
It is as if the characters come alive right there on the canvas!

those paintings are incredible!

This picture is really cool of Ruth. But it is pretty dark and hard to see detail. Ruth crossing home after his 3rd World Series homerun. And the crowd celebrating his "hat trick". Pretty neat to see the hats being thrown. Thought it may make a nice painting...

Hey everyone,

Hope you're all having a great summer, and had a very safe and fun Fourth yesterday.

I've been giving a handful of paintings to my photographers over the past week (and will continue to do so tomorrow), and here are the results of the first two:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...amura_1936.jpg
Eiji Sawamura, 1936, 20" x 32"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...87_Cabinet.jpg
Charles 'Hoss' Radbourn, 1887, 12" x 16"

The Eiji took forever to come together, as it's just ridiculously hard to get ANY good reference of this guy. MANY thanks to Robert Klevens for hooking a brutha up. And the second image, which was a fun departure, was provided by Rob Lifson and the good people at REA, so a big 'thank you' to them as well!

Also, there's some exciting stuff going on in the next few weeks, as the USPS is going to be releasing a book entitled 'Play Ball! Great Moments in Major League Baseball History,' which will be featuring 16 baseball-themed stamps that have been released over the years (some of which are from Kadir Nelson, a WONDERFUL artist). Anywho, the book will be 40 pages from what I understand, and I've been honored to have 12 of my paintings featured throughout the thing (though not on the stamps). If ya'd like to get more info, check it out here:

https://store.usps.com/store/promo/c...mo_MLBAllStars

It's a pretty big deal, as I guess the book will be available in post offices throughout the country. And though I don't get any royalties for the book or anything like that, just being able to say that one of my clients has been the United States Postal Service is quite a resume boost. Hopefully it can lead to some good things.

At the same time, I want to thank ALL of you guys on the boards for showing me so much love and support over the past few years, whether it's been through purchases, comments, critiques, or just general friendship - it means more to me than I can possibly express.

Anywho, I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these two, especially the Radbourn painting, being that it's another one of those interesting studio portraits that had always been a scary endeavor.

Thanks,

Graig

Graig that Hoss is the BOSS!! As usual, stellar work on both paintings and congrats on the book!! Keep up your wonderful art and wish you the best!
Dan

Graig that Eiji is utterly amazing.

Huge congrats on the Book! As far as sports Art is concerned you are the leader of the pack! Continued success!

Marvin

Both paintings are great but that Hoss is just freaking amazing!!

Congrats on the USPS recognition. You certainly deserve it. I hope you remember us small timers when you get huge national recognition.....and you will get huge national recognition.

+1 Graig, I love the Hoss Radbourn! :)

Also, there's some exciting stuff going on in the next few weeks, as the USPS is going to be releasing a book entitled 'Play Ball! Great Moments in Major League Baseball History,' which will be featuring 16 baseball-themed stamps that have been released over the years (some of which are from Kadir Nelson, a WONDERFUL artist). Anywho, the book will be 40 pages from what I understand, and I've been honored to have 12 of my paintings featured throughout the thing (though not on the stamps). If ya'd like to get more info, check it out here:

https://store.usps.com/store/promo/c...mo_MLBAllStars

It's a pretty big deal, as I guess the book will be available in post offices throughout the country. And though I don't get any royalties for the book or anything like that, just being able to say that one of my clients has been the United States Postal Service is quite a resume boost. Hopefully it can lead to some good things.

At the same time, I want to thank ALL of you guys on the boards for showing me so much love and support over the past few years, whether it's been through purchases, comments, critiques, or just general friendship - it means more to me than I can possibly express.


Can't tell you how proud and happy I am for you Brutha. I've been waiting five years to say this Graig... I told you so! ;)

Graig,
I just love the Sawamura. It is just so lifelike. For me it is reminiscent of the Matty in feel.
The Hoss is great as well.

Congrats on the book. It is some well deserved and overdue attention for you.

Best,
Mark

Graig - congratulations on having so many of your paintings in this new book. I hope the United States Postal Service realizes the significance of this inclusion!!!

Craig

Graig,

Very exciting to hear that some of your work will finally be available to us low-budget Kreindler enthusiasts :p I know you've talked before about the many ins and outs and various roadblocks to doing prints or books, so it's encouraging to see you getting a break for once. I'll definitely be picking up a copy of the book.

Oh, and the paintings are great as usual. Funny how that seems a given with any painting you post to the point that it's not the first thing I think to comment on. Where is that Sawamura set? I can't imagine difficulty in coming up with even 1 good reference for that one. Very nice!

Hey guys,

Thank you SO much for all of the warm wishes and congrats - it all really means a lot to me. I know I said it before, but I'll say it again: none of this would have been possible without you ALL. I'm truly blessed.

I'm definitely hoping that if nothing else, doing this USPS thing can lead to learning more about the whole rights and legal issues surrounding reproductions and all. While I'm still unsure as to what our plans are in terms of a specific focus, I DO know that Dean is going to be pursuing putting a book together. And I know I've been saying that for a while, but that's what he's been telling me. I think he keeps a lot of info from me until it's set in stone, as he knows I can get disappointed pretty easy. But yeah, in my eyes, I would love it if it could be somewhat in the spirit of the first Conlon book from the 1990s. Or maybe some Archie comics.

Lance, unfortunately, I never figured out exactly where the Sawamura was set. Robert and I did a lot of skull-crunching (and some Japanese translating) and we discovered that the image culled culled from the spring of '36, when the Tokyo Giants did a tour of the midwest before they started their own season a few months later. Robert could probably fill you in on some of the other details (though there really weren't many to speak of). It's actually the first time (I think) that I've done a painting and have had no clue about what ballpark it was in.

Just don't tell that to anyone. ;)

Thanks again, everyone!

Graig

Graig, will you sign my moobs at the National? In fountain pen too please so it doesn't fade over time. Thanks

Ben,

I will. If you promise to shave them this time. I'm tired of getting chest hair and day-old ice cream in my Sharpie.

Rot.

Affectionately,

Graig

Graig, both pieces are fantastic. Its neat to see Ole Hoss in color & come to life.

Hilarious! Disgusting, but hilarious :p

Can you guys please make it a PRIVATE signing? Too many children could be permanently harmed by witnessing this.
:D

Some threads you just can't unread. :eek::eek::eek::eek:

Sorry about that, everyone. Ben brings out the disgusting in me.

:o

Graig

Hey guys,

Here are a few more who came back from the photographers yesterday:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...y_April_18.jpg
Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Wally Pipp, etc., April 18, 1923, 30" x 32"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...1_Portrait.jpg
Babe Ruth, 1921, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_Portrait.jpg
Miller Huggins, 1927, 9" x 12"

A bit Yankee-heavy. Yeeeah, but that's not a bad thing, right?

Anywho, I hope ya dig 'em!

Graig

Dude,
How do you do that?
Freaking awesome again.
I really love the Huggins. Such detail and character in his face. The fabric appears real.

Is the Ruth painted in the soft focus style Dean wanted you to use, like the other Ruth you showed a while back? I have to say that this one is really endearing. There is something very warm and inviting about the softness.

Man...I have to get another one!

Best,
Mark

Graig

Looking forward to seeing your first hockey painting :)

Wow.. These are awesome. I love them all but especially the huggins

Brian, you and I both. Now that I've FINALLY secured the rights to that image, it'll be happening soon. And it'll be exciting, I assure you.

Mark, actually, that Ruth portrait was painted the plain ol' normal way. The image that was working with does have somewhat of a soft focus, and it seemed that whenever I tried to tighten up certain areas, it just never looked right. So, in this case I decided to keep everything soft and let Babe's eyes tell the story. Or something.

Ben, you're my hero.

Graig

Graig,
Beautiful as always, especially the group shot. I swear, if I could just position it right on my screen, those '23 Yanks would just march right on out onto my desk :p I wonder if their stepping in unison was intentional, or just happened to appear that way in the photograph?

I've always thought that the Gehrig that Lordstan has was your best, and normally I would change that to say the Huggins was now your best, but there are no words to describe how good that Ruth is. WOW! The only way you can top that is to make it talk. :D

Thanks a lot, guys.

Lance, from all of the photos I've seen from Opening Day that year, it seems that both teams were marching in unison (or were trying to). I wonder if it was practiced? Or maybe it was some leftover recollections of the WWI drills from a few years prior? Or maybe the photographer happened to be at the right place at the right time?

I wish we had some footage of it!

Graig

Geez Mike!.
My pic went from #1 to #3 on your list, in one post or Graig's.

Graig,
Keep up the good work. We need more posts!

Best,
Mark

I have a question,

which subject have you painted most, babe ruth?

how many paintings have you done with ruth in them?

just curious?

Hey Travis,

Babe is definitely the winner in this category. In terms of finished pieces with Ruth as the main subject, or as part of a group, I've done 15 of the big guy. Gehrig is a bit behind, appearing in 11 finished pieces. However, in terms of unfinished ones, I have at least another 4 Ruth's and 3 Gehrigs. For the most part, there aren't many ballplayers who are close in terms of total numbers. I'm desperately trying to make it a bit of a more even fight, though!

Graig

Graig,

That's great.

Have you ever painted the same image twice or have requests for it. i.e. famous photos, babe ruth leaning on bat, cobb sliding into third, etc.?

Hey Travis,

I generally don't paint the same image twice, as I want each owner to have one-of-one pieces. However, there have been one or two times in which an original has been badly damaged, and then the painting has been recreated. Also, in one particular instance, I did have a client who wanted an image that I had already painted years before, and while I originally said 'no', the owner of the first painting caught wind of it, and REALLY wanted me to do the new one for the fella.

In all of those instances, I do make sure that if nothing else, the size of the canvas is different so as to not confuse it with the other version.

But either way, it's not something I'm a fan of doing.

Graig

Hey all,

Here's a final update before the National - which I'm excited as all heck to be going to again!!

A few overlooked ballplayers, and one legend. The color correction might not be perfect yet, but it's close!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ne_22_1939.jpg
Babe Dahlgren, June 22, 1939, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...Dugan_1926.jpg
Joe Dugan, 1926, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ehrig_1938.jpg
Lou Gehrig, 1928, 9" x 12"

Hope y'all dig 'em. Any kind of comment is always appreciated!

Graig

Horrible work.. You are the worst.

Enjoy the airport for the next few days.

:p <= Me laughing while wife looks on quizzically. Good one.

They are not all that horrible, Graig ;)

Of course they're amazing.... A quick question on the Gehrig...

Is that a famous image of Gehrig? I know some of your paintings are based on well known images, and some are far more obscure. The reason I ask is that I just picked up a cool life-size bronze bust of Lou, and it appears to match that image to a tee. Perhaps its just a similar pose, but I am thinking the sculptor may have used the same image as you did for your painting.

Thanks and great stuff!
Mark

Ben,
I think you're being a little harsh. I mean...at least he has gotten better over the years. No?

All Kidding aside, I have to say that these are really great. I can't decide which I like the best. That's saying a lot considering how partial I am to Gehrig.
Wow...Just Wow.
Really special dude!

Hey all,

Hope everyone's having a nice end to their summers. Lord knows it's been hot as all hell in New York. :cool:

Here are two more I just got back from the photographers:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...914_Conlon.jpg
Walter Johnson, 1914, 20" x 20"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._1912_Bats.jpg
Honus Wagner, 1912, 24" x 30"

These are two of my favorite images, by far. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Honus' sweater, as well as Walter's gaze in that Conlon image. A special thanks has to go out to Hank Thomas for the latter, as he provided me with the correct info on his granddad's eyes.

As per usual, all comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

Thanks,

Graig

Amazing as usual...great work!

Simply stunning wow,,,

Stunning bro. Amazing work!!

Best,

Andy

DAMN!!!! I think you might be getting better...:)

just wow.

I've exhausted all my adjectives earlier in this thread.

Thanks so much, everyone!! :)

I'm thrilled you dig these two!

Graig

Those are just crazy man!
How is it possible that you're getting better?
Johnson's stare is out of this world.
Holy crap! Is it me or does Wagner's sweater actually look furry?

Dude. I agree with terjung. I have run out of new adjectives.
Very very special!
Keep up the great work.

Mark

I'm not saying those paintings are lifelike, but I just had a nice conversation with the Walter Johnson...he says hi by the way. :D

Beautiful paintings. Anybody would be proud to hang them.

Freaking awesome as always. Great realism. I love them. Congrats Graig...

Graig, they are fantastic, then again all your work is.
Was great spending time with you at the National a few weeks ago.

The pics just keep getting better and better. You have an amazing talent.

Walter is exceptional and I love the Honus Wagner!

Graig,
I hope you kept good notes on your color mix for "WaJo Blue" because once Johnson fans get a look at that piercing gaze, I think you're going to be doing a lot more "Big Train" portraits!

I think the detail in Johnson's uniform and Wagner's sweater are particularly striking in these. I'm pretty sure that my computer monitor is not 3-D, but I swear those W's on Johnson's uniforms are raised, and can almost feel the fuzzy texture of Wagner's sweater. Nicely done!

Graig - Your talent and attention to detail are spectacular. I feel privileged to now own the two gems below. Thank you.

Your newest fan,

Scott

Graig - I should add that I had never before purchased any type of sports art (I collect game used bats primarily), but I find your art so compelling that I made the leap. Thanks for bringing our childhood heros to life.

Scott

Nice job, Scott! What a great pair of Graig's paintings to own!

Scott,
Congrats on the paintings. I have always thought that Mays was one of his best. So realistic. He really breathed some life into that one.
I don't know how he does it.

Best,
Mark

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...99/Johnson.jpg

Same pose, but with a striking difference on the eye color. Other comparisons aside, looks like the SMR cover artist should have consulted with Hank too!

Graig's is still my favorite, but this one showing up so close to his own unveiling just begged for a comparison.

Hey everyone,

I'm sorry about the delay in responding to everyone. Dean's had me chained to the easel for the past week or so, and it's been tough to form enough cohesive sentences to actually put down a proper reply. I only feel like I'm starting to come up for air now. Though of course, I have to get back to it to finish up more stuff.

But seriously, thank you ALL for your wonderful comments and support. I'm so incredibly thrilled that you all continue to dig what I do, and even take time out of your day to write anything about it. I really appreciate it more than I can adequately articulate.

Scott, thank you so much for the purchase! I certainly hope you enjoy the paintings when you have them in hand. I'm kinda glad that someone got the Mays and the Mantle together, especially since they're pretty much linked forever. I suppose a portrait of Duke is in order too at some point, though I still find it hard to believe that I haven't done one. Regardless, I might as well get all of the NY centerfielders in there.

The Mantle is just about done, though it's waiting for a glaze or two, final varnish and then to be photographed. But here's a sneak peak at the (almost) end results:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ntle1955-2.jpg

It's not super color-corrected, but you'll probably get the idea. Either way, when they're both in your possession, I hope you love 'em.

Lance, is that the most recent SMR? I hadn't seen that painting yet. It looks like it's an Arthur K. Miller? I guess that Johnson image resonated with a lot of artists, as I know Ron Stark did a version of it too, though I have trouble finding a nice screengrab of it.

Anywho, thanks again for everything guys. I'll try to keep it all coming!

Graig

It is indeed an Arthur Miller painting, and is on the cover of the latest SMR (October 2012). Oddly enough, the credits read: "Cover Photo Arthur Miller" which threw me for a second when I was writing the above post or I would have included his name then. I guess they just don't change their template when the cover features a painting rather than a photograph.

Graig:

Thanks for the peak at the almost completed Mantle. It looks fantastic! I look forward to having Mickey and Willie together looking good when Mickey is fully completed done (no rush). Dean was a pleasure to deal with.

Keep up the great work.

Best,

Scott

Scott, I'm glad Dean was good to deal with. He's a silly man. But more importantly, I'm thrilled that you're getting both of them. I'm really loving the Mantle, so it'll be sad to see it leave the studio! Do you have any ideas as to how you're gonna display them?

Lance, that sort of thing happens a lot, from what I've seen. Even in larger books and publications of that nature. If there's a painted cover, chances are, it'll probably still be called a 'photo'. And it happens in real life too, as I've had a lot of people call my paintings drawings. Which is totally fine and all, but still is a bit jarring to hear the first time.

Graig, I am really pleased and encouraged to hear how much you are loving the mantle and looking forward to seeing it in final form. I am still thinking through how I am going to display the mantle and the mays. Willie and mickey will certainly be together, though!

Best regards,

Scott

Those W's are amazing! The comments were so focused on his gaze that I thought I was the only one noticing the patches on the sleeves. And the same goes for the "NY" emblem on Mays' hat, its like you can see the 3D depth in a 2D drawing. Can't stop staring!

Thanks a lot, Rob! :)

Graig

Hey all,

So, I got these back (or at least, scans of them) from the photographers today, and I thought I'd share the motley crew.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...2_Portrait.jpg
Ty Cobb, 1912, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...hacht_1936.jpg
Al Schacht, 1936, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...trait_Left.jpg
Mickey Mantle, May 14, 1955, 9" x 12"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...way_Dugout.jpg
Mickey Mantle, 1956, 16" x 20"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ltren_1903.jpg
George Van Haltren, 1903, 20" x 20"

The George Van Haltren is a new favorite of mine I think, and it's going to my brother as a wedding present. Honestly, how can you deny that mustache?

So, regardless, feel free to throw any comments my way. I hope you enjoy 'em!

Graig

Never mind Georgie's 'stache, that jersey is amazing! I can even see the fuzz on its contours. Although I frequently look through this thread and am extremely impressed w/your body of work I only comment on the few that really leap out at me. This is one, your Matty portrait was another and I believe an action shot of Babe Ruth w/the Braves (did I imagine that one?).

Have you ever considered painting historical scenes? Old time battles for instance. You'd be a natural.

Howard
One time art historian

Just went through the thread and the Ruth painting I had in mind was the November 1934 one of the Babe in a HR derby. The non-Yankee uniform threw me off. A fantastic piece in any case.

Graig, That GVH is fantastic.
And that's a helluva wedding present, sure beats a toaster

Amazing, Graig. As usual.

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful replies, everyone. I REALLY appreciate all of your kind words.

Howard, I've considered historical paintings from time to time, but when it comes down to it, I just don't know if my heart is in it. I mean, it sounds kinda fluffy and all, but I feel like there's something intangible added to this stuff because I love the history of the game so much. When I'm able to approach the easel to do this stuff, I just get super excited. I think if I were to do anything historical and non-sports related, I'd have to have that same feeling in order to not lose my mind. I only think that because I know that when I'm not painting something I have a profound connection with, it can just be torture.

Jay, I hope he feels the same. Otherwise, he won't be my brother anymore. :)

David, thanks so much for your comment. I think you'll enjoy some of the next few updates I'll be doing, as a lot of them will be some of the regulars from the '27 Yanks - and none of the really sexy names, either. I'm tickled pink that they're some people out there who want paintings of Bob Meusel, Herb Pennock, Urban Shocker and Bob Shawkey. Thank god for them.

Graig

Craig- Any thoughts of doing a book like the two Jurinko books that have come out? I would jump at the chance!

Who is Jurinko? Who is Craig?

Ben,
I believe its like the 1981 fleer Craig Nettles (C) a mis print! But a corrected version was put out and it turned into Graig!;);) Now as for Jurinko now thats a different story!:D:D

Graig, tell him to send it to me and I'll be happy to ship him a toaster & a blender ;)

Graig,
That Van Haltren is another in a long line of very special paintings.
My knowledge of the times is such that believe life was pretty hard for people back then. Your painting really shows the wear and tear on his 37yo face. I wonder if he looked this good in real life.
The mustache and jersey again really show remarkable realism.
Fantastic.
Mark

Graig- Please excuse the "C" not first typo and won't be my last.

The books I mentioned featured Andy Jurinko's paintings. The first came out a few years ago SOUL OF THE GAME featuring his paintings of American League players of the 1950s. A second book just came out this summer GOLDEN BOYS featuring his National League paintings of the same era.

Sadly I believe Mr. Jurinko passed in 2011.

HAHAH.. nice. :)