On the easel...

[JollyElm]

Graig,
This is truly some fascinating, incredible stuff. It blows my mind how true to life you make each of the elements, with my favorites being the old jerseys and the gritty dirt. Your attention to detail is unsurpassed.

Now, the 2 big questions. I didn't see anywhere on your site where you can purchase prints of these pieces. Did I miss it, or are these works only available as paintings? If so, start selling prints to us poor folk!!!!!!!

And, as a fellow New Yorker, any chance of recreating Willie Mays' time with the New York Mets? God, I would love to see your take on that.

--elm

[GKreindler]

Sean, that's a good question. It's still on my 'to do' list. The problem is, that list is growing faster than I can paint. Originally, I wanted to have the thing done to display at our booth at this year's National in Chicago. But, we didn't end up getting one, since I didn't have much to show, so I guess the idea went to the back-burner. I REALLY hope I can to it soon, though. These deadball era images are just beyond inspiring.

Elm, thank you so much for the kind words - you make me blush!! As of now, there aren't any solid plans to do prints, though it's still something that my agent and I are looking into further. I think we're still just looking for the right opportunity - if there is one. But, if you'd like, you can keep an eye on my Facebook fanpage, as I'm hoping to run a contest soon to win a free painting (or maybe even two).

Regarding Mays, well to be honest, I had not thought of painting him as a Met. But I must say, now I'm a bit intrigued. The idea of him coming back to NY in the twilight of his career, and only a shadow of his former self, it could make for a great narrative. Do you have any specific moments or photos in mind?

Graig

[Lordstan]

Graig,
As usual the Evers painting is stellar. As you can imagine, I am still biased towards the Lou in the post above it.

BTW, I'm going to try to get to the National in Balt this time. I really hope you set up so I can see some of those big one in person. The 16x20 I have is fantastic, I can only imagine how grand they look in the bigger sizes.

Keep on painting!
Mark

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Sean, that's a good question. It's still on my 'to do' list. The problem is, that list is growing faster than I can paint. Originally, I wanted to have the thing done to display at our booth at this year's National in Chicago. But, we didn't end up getting one, since I didn't have much to show, so I guess the idea went to the back-burner. I REALLY hope I can to it soon, though. These deadball era images are just beyond inspiring.

Elm, thank you so much for the kind words - you make me blush!! As of now, there aren't any solid plans to do prints, though it's still something that my agent and I are looking into further. I think we're still just looking for the right opportunity - if there is one. But, if you'd like, you can keep an eye on my Facebook fanpage, as I'm hoping to run a contest soon to win a free painting (or maybe even two).

Regarding Mays, well to be honest, I had not thought of painting him as a Met. But I must say, now I'm a bit intrigued. The idea of him coming back to NY in the twilight of his career, and only a shadow of his former self, it could make for a great narrative. Do you have any specific moments or photos in mind?

Graig

Unfortunately, the 'best' moment that reinforces and emphasizes your point of being in the twilight of his career, etc., would be that moment in the 1973 World Series after my man Bud Harrelson was called out at the plate and Willie dropped to his knees and pleaded with the umpire to reverse his misguided call. That moment was basically the end of his career and all of us Mets fans cried that day because our team was done. The look of despair on his face is quite moving. But if you want something more positive, then a 'better' moment would be a painting of his last at-bat in that World Series (the last of his career) when he singled up the middle.

--elm

[GKreindler]

Mark, you like Gehrig?

I don't know if we'll be exhibiting in Baltimore, but as per usual, I'm very much hoping for it. I would imagine that I'll be down there either way (or at least, that's my hope). I guess it just all comes down to how much inventory stuff I can get finished in addition to the commissions. And of course, how much Dean cracks that whip (though I doubt he could do it anymore than he already does).

Elm, that shot of him pleading is pretty iconic. I've seen it from plenty different angles as well. I guess that in a way, that shot of him symbolizes the whole plight of the Metropolitans (and certainly some of their fans). There's just always the sense of almost getting there...

Which reminds me, I don't know if I ever posted this, but I did a small portrait of Mr. Kranepool for a client a while back - thought you might dig it!



Graig

[Mark70Z]

Graig,

When I typically view a painting of a sports figure there's always something that seems a bit off (Rockwell excluded). As I viewed your paintings almost all seem to jump out out at you and grab your attention. I'd love to see a Brooks Robinson painting that did that; I haven't seen one since "Thanks Brooks" was painted. Also, I haven't seen an early career Brooksie painting as well. All seem to revolve around the '70 season, for some reason

Love your work!

Regards,

Mark

[GKreindler]

Thanks for the very kind words, Mark!

Rockwell was pretty much second-to-none when it came to this kind of stuff. Actually, I would say that applied to most of his art - the man was one of the greatest visual storytellers of all-time. Whether one thinks his work is sappy or trite, they can't deny the fact that it at least evokes some sort of sentiment - something that I don't think many people can do with their work.

I've done one Brooks painting, actually. It's from almost five years ago, so I don't know if I had ever posted it on here or not.



The photo might be a little washed out, so I apologize for that. The client I did it for seemed to be very much into Baltimore teams, as I also did one of Alan Ameche's drive in the '58 Championship Game at Yankee Stadium (one of my father's least favorite moments of all-time) for him. He even said he wanted me to do one of the Bullets as well, but he never followed through with the plan. Anywho, he seemed really happy with this one when I dropped it off, so I hope he still is.

And worry not, they're definitely more Brooks paintings on the way. I just hope they're sooner than later. I would also kill to do a Frank Robinson or Jim Palmer. Ohh, and definitely Mike Cuellar. I guess the list goes ever onwards.

Graig

[Jay Wolt]

Graig Fanstastic work!. Love the Johnny Evers!

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Graig,
This is truly some fascinating, incredible stuff. It blows my mind how true to life you make each of the elements, with my favorites being the old jerseys and the gritty dirt. Your attention to detail is unsurpassed.

Now, the 2 big questions. I didn't see anywhere on your site where you can purchase prints of these pieces. Did I miss it, or are these works only available as paintings? If so, start selling prints to us poor folk!!!!!!!

And, as a fellow New Yorker, any chance of recreating Willie Mays' time with the New York Mets? God, I would love to see your take on that.

--elm

See Graig!!

I have been beating the drum for two years now to be able to buy prints of your work. I am not the only one who feels this was as noted by a number of people in this thread alone. I know I will probably never be able to purchase an original work of yours but I would love the chance to be able to be able to add a print of your work to my collection. Your work would look great framed and matted hanging on my sports room wall.

I know there are start up costs that go along with making prints of your work but I am sure you could make your money back and turn a profit by selling these prints of your work. You would sell a ton at the National alone!! Get your agent working on this project!! LOL

I just want the chance to get litho number 1 that is hand signed by you of the Matty!!

Keep up the usual great work. You are a true artist!!

Andrew