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