Yeah, Griffey Jr is killer!!!

I also love the Snodgrass/Baker painting.

Love the Gibson and especially that Hockey Painting

Miracle on Ice must be in the Queue!

Hey all,

Hope this finds everybody getting a bit of warm weather. Things in New York are finally starting to feel pretty nice, as the last snowstorm should be behind us all. Hopefully. Fingers crossed.

Anywho, I thought I'd share what's been on the easel these past couple of months:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pscjgowovh.jpg
Napoleon Lajoie, 1902, 12" x 16"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psyxn82vt1.jpg
Branch Rickey, 1914, 12" x 16"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pswybwlnuc.jpg
Willie Mays, 1951, 18" x 24"

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pslgck4ek9.jpg
Tim Lincecum, April 12, 2009, 22" x 18"

The Lajoie was a lot of fun - I'm enjoying the hell out of painting stuff from Horner's lens. I still have Wagner and Dahlen to finish, but have plenty more in mind for the queue. They'll hopefully all make for nice business card fodder in the future.

Mays was a REAL challenge with all of the light and color stuff. It's not often that I paint anything from flash photography, but I've always loved his expression in this image. But yeah, you have a figure in the shadow, with the exception of some of the sun light on his cap, arm and knee. But that main shadow over him gets a bit blown out because of the flash. So, you have cooler temperatured colors coming from below, as well as some of the warmth of the lit ground reflecting into his jersey and face. And then you have the reflection of the sky cooling down the top plains of his head and shoulders. That is, where there isn't that blinding light. Basically it's a shitshow. But I think I got it.

The Lincecum was a nice change of pace, as I don't normally venture into modern territory all that often. But his body is an absolute freak of nature - kind of in the same way that Satchel Paige's was - so I couldn't even consider saying 'no.' Not that I would have anyway.

Hope ya dig 'em.

As per usual, if you have any questions, critiques, or comments, feel free to share!

Thanks for reading,

Graig

wow!!!!!!!! simply amazing!!!

Weird question, but if you make a mistake, like cough with the paint brush in your hand and get a smudge mark, is there a way to clean the canvas w/o ruining it? I mean, these paintings look so darn perfect! You must make a rare mistake, slip of the hand, etc. Share some "woops" stories! Cuz otherwise I'm just going to have to believe that you are a magician! :)

Awesome Graig! You've been busy...

Love looking at the beauties Graig. The hockey picture is stunning.

Thanks so much, everyone! :)

Rob, stuff like that happens all of the time. And there have certainly been instances in which I've coughed or been knocked into while trying to make a very precise mark. But I'm always able to cover it up, whether I'm just scraping the marks off and redoing the section, or just letting it dry and painting over it. Luckily, oil paint really does lend itself nicely to both of those solutions, especially in regards to scraping, which makes for some awesome textures to work on top of.

Graig

Graig any chance of another contest for us common folks to have a chance at one of your wonderful pieces?

Hey Mike,

I think it all depends on the interest. I had mentioned it a few months back but only a few people seemed to respond. If we can make it as successful as the first one in terms of involvement, then I'd love to do another.

Graig

I am in!