On the easel...

[GKreindler]

Hey all,

I hope nobody minds, but I figured that I would start a thread for whatever's going on in my studio. Well, anything that I think is worthy of posting, that is.

I figure that if everyone's cool with it, I can show some finished pieces here, as it's taking a while for me to get my website fully updated. Additionally, I can show some in-progress shots of other things, be they commissions or for my inventory. Just know that the quality of the photos I take myself aren't even close to that of the ones I have done professionally!

Speaking of whom, I just picked these up from those photographers:


Babe Ruth, 1927, 9"x12"


Joe DiMaggio, 1933 (I think), 9"x12"


Lou Gehrig, 1936, 16"x20"

The Ruth portrait is already spoken for by a fellow board member, but if anyone is interested in the other two, feel free to drop me a line.

And as usual, comments/critiques/rotten tomatoes are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Graig

PS: Oh, and special thanks to Jimmy for allowing me to use some of his images for these bad boys!

[cwazzy]

Graig, you have an amazing gift! I can only dream of the day that I can afford to hang one of your paintings on my wall. Keep the pictures coming! I asked you this over on the PSA boards but do you have any plans for a Roy Campanella painting?

Chris

[mr2686]

Graig,

I think all three are great, but the Gehrig is beyond belief. You really captured
him. Well done.

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much for the compliments, guys! I sincerely appreciate them.

Chris, I do have some shots of Roy in mind to paint, but there's nothing in the very immediate future. I'm hoping to at least do a small 9"x12" or 11"x14" portrait soon, and I suppose I'm just looking for some free time to tackle a larger image of him. I did just find some great shots of him from the '52 World Series that have really piqued my interest...

[Jay Wolt]

Graig, fanstastic as usual.
I like the Gehrig piece the best, but all are worthy to hang on any collectors wall.

[barrysloate]

Graig- your work is sensational. Your application of light and shadows is really amazing.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Wow!

[thekingofclout]

Here are the photos of mine that Graig mentioned using for his paintings...

Gives you a great opportunity to see just how much he nails these images!

1927babe1.jpgdimaggioheadshot.jpg


More fantastic creations Brutha! Well done. BTW... I really love the way that Alexander is coming together Graig. Can't wait to see Old Pete once you're done with him.

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Hey all,

I hope nobody minds, but I figured that I would start a thread for whatever's going on in my studio. Well, anything that I think is worthy of posting, that is.

I figure that if everyone's cool with it, I can show some finished pieces here, as it's taking a while for me to get my website fully updated. Additionally, I can show some in-progress shots of other things, be they commissions or for my inventory. Just know that the quality of the photos I take myself aren't even close to that of the ones I have done professionally!

Speaking of whom, I just picked these up from those photographers:


Babe Ruth, 1927, 9"x12"


Joe DiMaggio, 1933 (I think), 9"x12"


Lou Gehrig, 1936, 11"x14"

The Ruth portrait is already spoken for by a fellow board member, but if anyone is interested in the other two, feel free to drop me a line.

And as usual, comments/critiques/rotten tomatoes are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Graig

PS: Oh, and special thanks to Jimmy for allowing me to use some of his images for these bad boys!

[mayx2]

I had the opportunity to briefly meet Graig at the national and see his paintings in person and pics don't do them justice! When you see them in person they make you just stare in awe of how beautiful and realistic they are.I know nothung about art or painting,but I can tell you Graig has been blessed with amazing skills. I hope to have a painting of Roberto Clemente done one day,God willing.Keep up the great work!

Lou

[yanks12025]

That Gehrig is great.

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much for all of the wonderful compliments, guys, as well as the support. I really couldn't be surrounded by a better bunch of fellas.

I just got this one back from the photographer's today as well:



The shot is the Great Bambino from September 7, 1921, picking out his weapon of choice in between a doubleheader against Boston. In the second game, he would hit his 52nd homer of the year, propelling the Yanks to a 7-2 victory. In winning both contests, New York found themselves a game ahead of Cleveland for first place in the AL, and a month later, would win the first of their (now) 27 World Championships.

Hope y'all enjoy!

[cwazzy]

Wow! I feel like I could crawl right in there with the Babe! Nice work, once again!

[JasonL]

or perhaps this past week, if you are on Thanksgiving hiatus?

[GKreindler]

No hiatus for me, Jason! No rest for the wicked! Or those who paint!!

I'm still working on that large Mazeroski painting, and am hoping to have a ton of it done by the end of the weekend, so I'll post it then.

For now, I've done more work to Grover. He's not done yet, but he's getting somewhat close. I have a lot of edges to soften and sharpen, and flesh out a bit more on his uniform. But, I like where it's going thus far!!





I also have these two other portraits that have about an hour or so into them (as I'm sure you can tell).





And, I started another commission on the queue, though it only has a few hours into it as well. The image is really unstoppable, if you ask me. That Paul Thompson was some kind of photographer. I hope I can do his vision some sort of justice in the end, or at least, give the impression of what he saw in color before he pushed the shutter...





As per usual, please excuse the crummy photography. The only one that seems even remotely true to life is the Grover Cleveland. Both Grove and Thorpe are blown out. Ruth's hat and socks are definitely NOT that blue in my painting. Man, I need a new camera. or some skills.

In addition to all of this, I have some more commissions I'm hoping to start this weekend as well, but most of those canvases need to be stretched first (a Herculean task in its own right)!

Thanks for taking an interest!

Graig

[ChiefBenderForever]

As always very nice !! Congrats on all the comissions !!

[Forever Young]

Graig,
These are simply magnificent. The Ruth at the bottom is already better than everything else out there(in my opinion) with only a few hours of "work" in!
Ben

[GKreindler]

Hey all,

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their support in this thread (as well as off of it), you've all been incredibly kind. I really appreciate it more than I can possibly express.

Because of an influx of work from you guys, as well as those outside of Net54, I am now 2.5 years out on commissions. On that same token, my agent told me that he's going to be raising my prices again on the first of January, 2010. With that in mind, if anyone wants to get in on the queue before the new rates, shoot me a message!

Thanks again all!

Graig

[howard38]

Graig, I ordinarily don't respond to threads such as this but your paintings are too good to ignore. It doesn't have anything to do w/the baseball theme either. The mastery of color and shadowing/contrast is fantastic w/the Mathewson portrait being perhaps the best example (fwiw I have a degree in Art History).

Do you do anything other than baseball related work that can be viewed on the web?

Thanks,

Howard

[GKreindler]

Wow, you guys are all incredibly nice. Really.

DanC, Thank you!!

Jantz, thank you so much those kind words. I was just curious, what about the Cobb right now makes you want it the way it is? I've actually had one or two other people tell me the same thing, and that sometimes they really dig the 'unfinished' look of the paintings.

Whitehse, I don't think that we're going to be doing lithos or reproductions of the baseball stuff anytime soon, but it is possible that there will be a book or catalog available at some point. Or at least, I'm hoping so. Of course, when/if that stuff happens, I'll be sure to let you and board know. And thanks for the compliments, both from you and your wife!! I'm really glad that you guys dig the stuff.

NoizeBringer, did we get to talk at all during the National? Either way, I'm really pleased you liked the Matty painting. That one seemed to be received better than anything on our walls, which I guess can be a double-edged sword. Hopefully I can continue to make portraits that can illicit that kind of reaction!! Regarding the Negro Leagues stuff, I definitely have a lot of images in mind, including some of Satchel, Jackie, and of course, Gibson. The only problem that I run into with those is that there's so little available in terms of photo reference, and in a lot of cases, just general information, that I'm a little worried that I couldn't do the justice that those images (and men) deserve.

robedits, the compliment of 'haunting' is really friggin' awesome - thank you so much!

Howard, thanks for those awesome words, especially since you may not respond to art threads often!! I appreciate the exception . In regards to other work, there isn't much that's available on the web, as the majority of my older illustration work never made it into the digital world. I feel like right now, the only paintings in the studio are either baseball themed, or just older art school stuff (studies from life, plein air, etc.).

Again, thank you so much everybody!

[Jantz]

Graig,

I posted the comment because when I look at your Cobb painting that is exactly how my eyes would see it.

Just image if you had tickets to that very game back in 1908 and this was the view from your seat. Up steps the great Ty Cobb to take his at-bat. How much of the background or any other detail inside the stadium would anyone really notice? If I were sitting there, my entire focus and attention would be on Cobb. You might see it differently because you are an artist, but the way you have the painting now, Cobb's form being the only detailed part in the painting makes him "jump right out" of the painting.

Some may say it is unfinished, but I think you've already captured the moment in this painting.

Once again, truly amazing.

Jantz

[Lordstan]

Jantz,
Wow. Great observation.
It is interesting to compare the Wagner to the Cobb. Both shots are from the same perspective, but opposite sides of the plate.
Cobb does stand out more than Wagner, between the two. Cobb def has a more 3D effect. In the Wagner, the stands and all the detail do lessen the impact of his figure. Still, there is something to be said for seeing that stadium in all it's glory. The colors, crowd and all those little things help bring me back to that specific setting to feel what it would've been like to to be there.
I think this is a matter of taste. I certainly would be happy with the Cobb as is. Welll, maybe a little more detail to the background. Though I'm sure it will look spectacular, in all it's glory, when fully detailed.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
And Graig, we all have beheld a lot of beauty in this thread.

BTW, how did the final Old Pete come out?

Mark

[robedits]

GK...your work is stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. You have incredible talent. Something about those are very haunting,and beautiful at the same time.
Just great work.

[murphusa]

another artist passes aways

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/sp...ref=obituaries

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by murphusa

another artist passes aways

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/sp...ref=obituaries

Thats pretty sad as I love his paintings too!

[GKreindler]

Jurinko was an absolute giant in the field. When I first got into doing baseball related artwork, he was the one I looked up to. And I still do.

He will be missed.

[GKreindler]

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd share what's on the easel these days, for those of you who care of course!

The first couple of paintings are all commissions that are a bit overdue, especially the one of David Tyree (Sorry, Akshay). Though, there are a few of the smaller 9"x12"s that are just being done with no specific owner in mind. And none of these paintings are finished, so I got a lot to do!


David Tyree, February 3, 2008 (Super Bowl XLII)


Babe Ruth, June 25, 1920


Cincinnati Reds, October 21, 1976 (Game 4, WS)


Joe DiMaggio, Fiorello LaGuardia, Lou Gehrig, October 5, 1938 (Game 1, WS)


Willie Mays, 1954


Willie Keeler, 1912


George W. Case, July 11, 1939


Richie Ashburn, March, 1956


Babe Ruth, 1928

Anywho, excuse the photography (which is worse than usual) and (hopefully) enjoy 'em!

Graig

[Jay Wolt]

Graig, these are fantastic, thanks for sharing them with us.

[Big Dave]

Just read some of this and saw the paintings. As many others have said: "Wow"

You truly have a gift.

[whitehse]

I have been begging for lithos of this mans work for a long time now!! Graig make it happen!!! Your work is amazing!!

[GKreindler]

Wow, thanks so much, guys. The movement in the picture-plain you described was really what I was hoping for: the eyes go to Ruth first, then the umpire and catcher, and then through the background. I can't really say that it was completely planned, being that this all comes from one specific photograph and all, but I definitely tried to make the more important objects seem a bit more resolved and further refined than the others.

But by far, my favorite part to do was relate the shadow on the dirt to everything else. Having the umpire and catcher sliver into the sunlight was one of favorite parts of the photo to begin with, so I'm glad I got to play with it. Also, there were some great little details in there that I embellished a bit, like the fresh white ball in the umpire's hand, as well as some of the kicked-up dirt by Babe's feet. Overall, I'm definitely pleased with it, and hopefully the client will be as well!

And David, let it be known that I couldn't wash Rembrandt's brushes - that man was a mutant genius. But your sentiment made my heart warm. Thank you.

Graig

[Woundedduck]

Any idea if you'll start making limited edition prints available for future work?

[GKreindler]

Hey Woundedduck,

As of now, they're no plans to do any prints, lithos or giclees. If we do start thinking about doing something like that, I'll certainly let you guys know.

I will, however, run another contest on my Facebook fan page at some point in the future, with the winner taking away another free painting. I'm not sure exactly when it will happen, and how I'll run the contest, but I'm thinking that this time, the painting will be bigger than 9" x 12"...but yeah, just some food for thought!

Graig

[whitehse]

If you run another Facebook contest would there be any way to rig it so i will win?? LOL

Looking forward to the contest and seeing more of your work!! Your stuff is amazing!

[GKreindler]

Thanks again, Andrew.

I don't know if I'll be able to rig anything for the contest, but in my head, it might involve something similar to last time, and then something completely random - all for two different paintings. Yikes.

But again, still in the VERY early planning stages...

Graig

[koufax1fan]

Great artwork ! You have a real gift. Do you happen to have any Sandy Koufax pieces for sale? Thanks, Phil

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much, Phil!

I do have this Koufax from '65 that's currently at my photographer's:



My photo isn't great, but hopefully it gives you an idea. It is still available if you're interested.

Thanks,

Graig

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Thanks so much, Phil!

I do have this Koufax from '65 that's currently at my photographer's:



My photo isn't great, but hopefully it gives you an idea. It is still available if you're interested.

Thanks,

Graig

Wow, Graig! Your new Sandy is amazing!
He just pops off the canvas and it really catches him in a great somber moment.
Love the Dodger blue!

[JollyElm]

That Koufax is amazing for so many reasons, but to me what stands out is the composition. It is such an unusual 'pose' for a baseball player portrait and, once again, your efforts in that regard really breathe life into the subject. Awesome!!!

[Jay Wolt]

Graig, that Koufax is sweet. Great job!

[GehrigFan]

Dang it Graig, how come you always have to do the only players I collect (Gehrig, Ruth, DiMaggio, other Yanks of the pre-1960's era), so I'm always getting teased with art I can't afford?!

Seriously great job, and check out the link I'm about to post on behalf of Beckett Media regarding Sports Artists...

Mark

[Lordstan]

Bout Damn Time!

First off.... WOW. HFS.
Second... What crazy SOB commissioned the gigantic 1927 Yankees team? I need to know cause that is one I'd love to see in person.
Lastly.... WOW.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Jay Wolt]

Graig, Those are awesome
My favorite is Jackie sliding into Yogi

[Scott Garner]

Wow, Graig! You really have been busy lately.
That's a terrific group of paintings.

Love King Carl!!

[perezfan]

Love 'em all, and would kill to see either the huge Mantle or the giant Yankees Team Painting in person.

But like Scott, my favorite from this new crop is probably the Carl Hubbell, with the majestic Polo Grounds backdrop.

Any chance that any from this group will be present at The National?

[thecatspajamas]

Holy crap! And here I thought you were wasting all your time with that gettin' hitched and subsequent globe-trotting business. You have been busy!

The two that are standing out to me the most are the Ed Walsh hand shot, which just really stands out in the crowd and is taking your usual insane detail to a whole other level, and the Casey Stengel. That one comes off with a hint of Norman Rockwell to me, though that may just be Stengel's natural look? I mean, the rest are great too, and even the earlier works in progress show great potential (I can't wait to see the finished 1927 Yankees team shot either, Mark. It's big, but I bet if you broke the square inch cost down to cost-per-portrait, someone is still getting a bargain!) The Berra/Robinson stood out to me too, but for some reason my eye keeps being drawn to Berra's back side, and lest anyone should get the wrong idea (my wife included), I'd rather just not talk about it...

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much for your kind words, everyone. I'm glad y'all seem excited about this stuff!

The '27 team shot is for Phil Napolitano, a fellow board member. I'm super excited to be working on it for and with him, as he's definitely the biggest '27 team fan that I know of (and a damn good friend to boot). Anywho, he commissioned it a long time ago and now I'm FINALLY getting around to it. Needless to say, it's been quite the undertaking. He's always loved that particular photo, so he's definitely taken an interest into making the painting as wonderful as possible. Through the faces on the team compared to the active rosters throughout the year, we were able to narrow the date down to about a week - June 29 to July 8. At first, it was a little tough to believe, since it looks like everyone is wearing long sleeves, and in the case of Pennock, even a jacket. However, you can certainly have chillier days in that time-span (even if they are a little more on the rare side). What I'm probably gonna do is head to the ol' microfilm files and see what the weather was like in that time span - maybe I can narrow it down even further. Phil was also very helpful in tracking down a lot of Wingler questionnaires to help find the mundane details, like eye and hair color of many of these guys. Mundane for sure. But also AWESOME.

Mark V, if you want to come by here to see it before I get it to Phil, you're certainly more than welcome to.

The Hubbell is also one of my favorites. I'm just super happy to be able to do a painting of him, being one of my absolute favorite players. The client's father was a big Giants fan and used to tell him about Hubbell all of the time, so in a way, the painting is more of a tribute to his father than anything. Either way, I'm STOKED for him to see it in the end.

Mark S, I don't have any solid plans of bringing anything to Chicago, but there's always a chance that I can. If anything, it might be on the smaller end of the painting scale. It's probably going to be tough either way, since I'll be flying in.

Lance, I think in the case of Stengel, it was ALL Conlon. He just captured this absolutely perfect expression on the Ol' Perfessor's face. It's really fun knowing the image is from Opening Day at the Polo Grounds in '38, Casey's first managing stint with Boston. So, the expression to me is, "hey, why not?" Simply hilarious.

Thanks again for taking the time to comment, everyone - I really appreciate it.

Graig

[GKreindler]

...and ya know what, here are a few more. All of 'em are in-progress.


Christy Mathewson, 1912, 9" x 12"


Ed Delahanty, 1903, 22" x 34"


Rogers Hornsby, 1929, 30" x 32"


Rube Waddell, 1902, 26" x 30"


George Case, 1939, 9" x 12"


Ernie Banks, 1957, 11" x 14"


Jim Thorpe, 1917, 11" x 14"


Fred Merkle, 1909, 11" x 14"


Nolan Ryan, 1969, 11" x 14"

Alright, I'm done for today. I promise.

Graig

[thecatspajamas]

What do you mean you're done?! Look at all those unfinished paintings!!! [sounds of whip cracking]

[PhilNap]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

Second... What crazy SOB commissioned the gigantic 1927 Yankees team? I need to know cause that is one I'd love to see in person.

Guilty!!!

[Lordstan]

Phil,
That is one Freakin' AWESOME Commission!!
Lemme see where I put your address again.. I have it here somewhere.
Cangrats,
Mark