On the easel...

[tulsaboy]

Wow! What a beautiful painting of a seminal player in our national pastime. Thanks for doing what you do. It's really amazing to see your work.
kevin

[GKreindler]

Thank you so much for all of the super kind words, everybody!! I really appreciate all of you taking the time the make them.

Hope you're all having a nice Memorial Day weekend. I'm doing my best to get some work done while the kids are home, but since it's going to be pretty nice out here in Brooklyn, I imagine it's going to be a losing effort on my part. So I guess the main objective seems to be to not beat myself up over it!

Anywho, I thought I'd post a painting I finished a little while back, one with subject matter that I guess is a bit less common to see on the boards:


Dorothy Kamenshek, 1947, 24" x 18"

I've always had a fascination with the AAGPBL, and like so many of us, it was sparked by Penny Marshall's A League of Their Own. For those who don't know, the depicted subject matter, "Kammie", was pretty much the face of the Rockford Peaches. She was a seven-time All-Star and a two-time batting champion. I believe she is still the all-time leader in hits and total bases for the league, too. In other words, she kicked @$$.

The main issue I had with this painting was all in its beginning stages--just finding the imagery to work off of to make it happen was the biggest challenge. The AAGPBL, though obviously popular in the midwest, wasn't as well documented visually as their male counterparts. Finding un-posed shots, be it during a game or during practice, is still to this day no easy feat. I luckily have a few friends in the space who mainly collect stuff from those leagues (as well as other women's teams), and they were more than willing to share some of their pieces with me. This candid snapshot of her was probably my favorite of the entire batch. I've always loved the motif of ballplayers with children, and when you add the fact that here it's a young girl getting the autograph, it makes it even more powerful (in my eyes). And then that red of her hat and the AAGPBL jacket draped over her arm--it's a winning combination.

They're outside of the visiting team's dressing room at Beyer Stadium in Rockford, and if you look closely, you can even catch some graffiti on the gray bricks. 1947 wasn't necessarily a great year for Rockford, as they finished in 6th place, but they bounced back to win the League Championship for three straight years from '48 to '50.

As always, if y'all have any questions, comments are critiques, fire away!!

Thanks for reading and enjoy yourselves today!

Graig

[ruth-gehrig]

Breathtaking spectacular as always!!!

[frankbmd]

A graphite autograph - interesting

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Thank you so much for all of the super kind words, everybody!! I really appreciate all of you taking the time the make them.

Hope you're all having a nice Memorial Day weekend. I'm doing my best to get some work done while the kids are home, but since it's going to be pretty nice out here in Brooklyn, I imagine it's going to be a losing effort on my part. So I guess the main objective seems to be to not beat myself up over it!

Anywho, I thought I'd post a painting I finished a little while back, one with subject matter that I guess is a bit less common to see on the boards:


Dorothy Kamenshek, 1947, 24" x 18"

I've always had a fascination with the AAGPBL, and like so many of us, it was sparked by Penny Marshall's A League of Their Own. For those who don't know, the depicted subject matter, "Kammie", was pretty much the face of the Rockford Peaches. She was a seven-time All-Star and a two-time batting champion. I believe she is still the all-time leader in hits and total bases for the league, too. In other words, she kicked @$$.

The main issue I had with this painting was all in its beginning stages--just finding the imagery to work off of to make it happen was the biggest challenge. The AAGPBL, though obviously popular in the midwest, wasn't as well documented visually as their male counterparts. Finding un-posed shots, be it during a game or during practice, is still to this day no easy feat. I luckily have a few friends in the space who mainly collect stuff from those leagues (as well as other women's teams), and they were more than willing to share some of their pieces with me. This candid snapshot of her was probably my favorite of the entire batch. I've always loved the motif of ballplayers with children, and when you add the fact that here it's a young girl getting the autograph, it makes it even more powerful (in my eyes). And then that red of her hat and the AAGPBL jacket draped over her arm--it's a winning combination.

They're outside of the visiting team's dressing room at Beyer Stadium in Rockford, and if you look closely, you can even catch some graffiti on the gray bricks. 1947 wasn't necessarily a great year for Rockford, as they finished in 6th place, but they bounced back to win the League Championship for three straight years from '48 to '50.

As always, if y'all have any questions, comments are critiques, fire away!!

Thanks for reading and enjoy yourselves today!

Graig

Graig,

As a collector of women in baseball items and the father of three girls, this image quite literally captures the very essence of why I collect what I do. Have to admit that I teared up a bit seeing this. Indescribably wonderful.

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much for the kind words, everybody!! I really appreciate them as always, especially for the women's baseball stuff. It's subject matter that I enjoy tackling, whether it's from the AAGPBL or other teams that sported women in the early 1900s.

I figured I'd show a few more of these badasses:


Jean Faut, 1949, 18" x 18"


Dorothy Maguire Chapman, 1946, 9" x 12"

The Jean Faut image was an absolute blast to paint, especially since the original photography was of such high quality. Plus, it had that great angle from below of her looking into the distance, giving it a heroic feel. For those unfamiliar with Jean, she was one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the league. Some of her more impressive stats are pitching four no-hitters (two of which were perfect games), winning two pitching Triple Crowns; winning two Player of the Year awards; winning twenty games three times; winning two championships; and is the league's all-time leader in ERA. And believe me, there are a lot more. This painting ended up going to Jean's son.

Dorothy Maguire Chapman was no slouch either, as she was an all-star catcher on two championship teams (1943 Racine Belles, 1944 Milwaukee Chicks). Known for being tough as nails, part of her story inspired a scene in A League of Their Own, but less so anything play-related. The scene where Betty Spaghetti receives a telegram bringing news of her husband's death was partially based on Dorothy's experience--she had received a phone call before a game, informing her of the death of her husband Tom in Italy. Unlike Betty Spaghetti, she actually DID play that day. Oddly enough, he was discovered to be alive months later after a dog-tag mix-up. Like the Faut painting, this was commissioned by the ballplayer's family.

The images of both players came from a large scrapbook at the Louis Pettus Archives at Winthrop University. They have a bunch of great images in their archives that I've licensed recently in the hopes of making future paintings of these great ballplayers.

Anywho, hope y'all enjoy these!! Any comments, critiques, questions and rotten tomatos are always welcome.

Oh!! And the Satchel Paige giclée officially goes live and becomes available for purchase on Monday, July 7th! If you'd like to be added to the mailing list for more updates, fill in your info here.

Thanks, as always!!

Graig

[Leon]

Those are phenomenal, Graig! So lifelike...Thanks for sharing
.

[Baseball Rarities]

I wish that I could claim this one as my own, but it belongs to a good friend who recently had it commissioned by Graig Kreindler. It is amazing how Graig is able to keep outdoing himself.

[Fandom0610]

Originally Posted by Baseball Rarities

I wish that I could claim this one as my own, but it belongs to a good friend who recently had it commissioned by Graig Kreindler. It is amazing how Graig is able to keep outdoing himself.

What I think is so amazing about Graig's paintings is his attention to detail. Look at all the creases and wrinkles on Ruth's jersey and the creases in his shoes. I cant imagine how many hours that took. Truly AMAZING

[Jay Wolt]

That Ruth looks like a color photo
Amazing job Graig

[glchen]

Originally Posted by Baseball Rarities

I wish that I could claim this one as my own, but it belongs to a good friend who recently had it commissioned by Graig Kreindler. It is amazing how Graig is able to keep outdoing himself.

Wow, that is incredible!

[GKreindler]

Maaaannn, thank you so much for all of those kind words, everybody!! I really do appreciate every single one of them.

Hopefully you're all getting ready for a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Here's one I just got back from the photographers today:


Mickey Mantle, April 18, 1952, 18" x 24"

Though I was never able to figure out who the photographer was, this shot was always super intriguing to me. Sure, it's a young Mickey and who doesn't love that, but there's a cool narrative to it. At least in my head there is. I just feel like he's caught at a really interesting time in his life.

It's Opening Day in New York, and Mickey is still fresh off of the injury that almost ended his career before it really began. The event in the World Series months prior was initially diagnosed as a torn muscle, but later identified as torn ligaments and cartilage--a torn ACL and MCL, and meniscus. Despite how serious the injury was, he wouldn't have surgery until 1953. Woof.

So as a result, he had a very slow start in March. His dad, the center of his world, was weeks away from dying. Mickey also had a new bride in Merlyn, married less than four months before the opening of the season. On the field, he was battling Bob Cerv, Jackie Jensen, and a little later, Irv Noren for regular centerfield duties, the position that had been vacated by the great DiMaggio that prior December.

He was not yet a god. Hell, far from it. Probably still just a scared kid at this point. The day the photograph was taken, the Yankees raised their third consecutive championship banner. Joe DiMaggio gave his glove and newly retired #5 jersey to Rowan Spraker of the Hall of Fame. Gil McDougald was given his Rookie of the Year award. Yogi his MVP award. Allie Reynolds the Page One prize. Phil Rizzuto an award for his play in the '51 WS. But still, here's the kid with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and all the ability to make himself into what Stengel bragged about him to be. I guess for me, knowing all of that stuff makes the portrait seem extra special.

Annnyyywwwhhhhoooo, sorry for being all cerebral and reflective. Hope y'all dig the painting. And as usual, feel free to reach out with any comments, critiques, or questions!

Thanks for reading!

Graig

[ruth-gehrig]

Lord have mercy Man!! The backstory is amazing...sets the tone perfectly and its all captured effortlessly in your brushstrokes. Why are the paintings so more captivating than the photos they are based on?

[GKreindler]

I really appreciate that, Michael. Thank you. Even if I don’t necessarily agree, I am super thankful for your sentiments!! 😬

[Leon]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

I really appreciate that, Michael. Thank you. Even if I don’t necessarily agree, I am super thankful for your sentiments!! 😬

You're being modest. I agree with Michael.
.

[GKreindler]

Dagnabbit, Leon. Thank you, guys.

Also, might be worth mentioning that giclées of the aforementioned Satchel Paige painting are officially on sale as of this morning.







The Main Attraction is a signed and numbered time-limited edition of giclée prints which will be available for one week, starting at 8:00 AM ET on Monday, July 7th and ending at 7:59 AM ET on Monday, July 14th. The edition is limited by the number of prints sold during that period and never reprinted. In other words, after next Monday, it's gone forever.

It's printed on Hahnemühle Museum Etching 350 gsm paper, which is really high quality stuff. The company actually dates back to 1584. And "yes", you read that right.

Anywho, I figured I'd post the link here since I know a lot of folks have been interested in prints of my work, which I'm finally hoping to be able to offer, even if it's only on a limited basis.

https://store.graigkreindler.com/pro...raction-giclee

Note that a portion of the proceeds go to benefit both the Satchel Paige estate and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Really, thanks again for all of the kind words, everybody.

Graig

[GKreindler]

Hey all,

Brooklyn Editions, the folks I've teamed up with the Paige giclée, put together a little behind the scenes video of their process, which I thought might be cool to share:



Pay no attention to my gut hanging out in some these shots.

Hope everyone is keeping cool!

G

[aljurgela]

sweet stuff my friend.... sweet stuff... love the subject matter as well...

[aljurgela]

Makes me smile every day...

[aljurgela]

to me one of the most important Negro League photos in existence...

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much, Al!! I’m honored to be on your wall and in your collection…or something like that.

[Wanaselja]

Originally Posted by aljurgela

to me one of the most important Negro League photos in existence...

Can you elaborate? I recognize a few faces but don’t know the image.

[Schlesinj]

Originally Posted by Wanaselja

Can you elaborate? I recognize a few faces but don’t know the image.

I assume since it is of the Santa Clara that was probably most dominant teams?

[aljurgela]

Here are a few write ups on the team:

https://wordsabovereplacement.com/le...in-excellence/

https://sabr.org/journal/article/twi...ara-leopardos/

https://www.seamheads.com/NegroLgs/t...23.5&teamID=SC

Also, Ryan has bios on a lot of the Santa Clara players on this net54 thread:

https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=346254

[tjisonline]

The moment last night when I noticed a 2025 acquired Graig Kreindler painting in an 11 year old post. Just another case of someone getting "The Kreindler Goosebumps" and loving every moment of it.





thanks Graig for sharing your talent w/ the world.


-----------------------------

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Hey all,

Thanks so much for all of the love in this thread over the past month or so.

It's been a while since I've posted, as things have been pretty darn busy around here. I've been doing my best to finish up some older stuff that's owed to VERY patient clients (I'm looking at you, Brian and Phil), and am finally starting to see some light. So, I've been pretty lax on getting back to this thread. Over the next few weeks, that should change, as I have a good amount of stuff I'm bringing to the photographers.

Either way, I'm glad to be finally getting some of these paintings out of the studio so I can make room...for more paintings. I guess I'm feeling more and more like Sisyphus these days.



Here's a fun example:



There gets to be less and less room for my clothing, which, I guess as I work more and more in the studio, becomes more and more splattered in oil paint. Whoops.

Anywho, I'm done rambling. As per usual, comments/crits/questions are always appreciated.

Thanks!

Graig

[RayBShotz]

Originally Posted by Jay Wolt

That Ruth looks like a color photo
Amazing job Graig

Agreed!

[GKreindler]

Thank you for all of the kind words, everybody!! So very much appreciated.

Here's one I finished recently that should be arriving in my client's hands tomorrow (Monday):


Rube Waddell, (ca) 1904, 32" x 22"

I'm super glad to have this out of the studio, as it had been sitting here for quite some time. It was actually really close to completion, but because of an influx of larger canvases, somehow this one ended up getting hidden behind a few, and I lost track of it. Woof.

Anywho, it was an enjoyable one to paint, though pretty complicated. Rube himself wasn't too bad, though there were a few spots in his uniform that proved to be a bit complicated, what with all of the wrinkles and what-not. And then the fence with all of the knots! And the ground with the grass, wooden planks and dirt!!! Oh, my. Just a ton of different textures and eye-candy. But in the end, I think the painting is successful and am hoping the client agrees.

For what it's worth, I have *NO* idea where the original photograph was taken. It doesn't seem like a big league ballpark considering the fence and condition of the ground, but I'm of course not 100% on that. Also, I'm not 100% on the year either, as it's a general guess from the jersey and belt style (check out those long sleeves withOUT the button attachments). His face also seems to be a bit on the younger side, I think? But certainly, if anybody has any information they're willing to share, I'd love to hear about it!

Also, I thought I'd share a few shots of some other stuff I've been working on as of late, all of which are in varying states of completion:







The painting of Mantle is after his MONSTER home run during spring training of '51, against the Trojans at Bovard Field in southern California. It's *almost" there. Super close. Same can be said with the Earle Combs piece and the larger Ruth painting behind it (the other Ruth behind THAT needs more help). And the Warren cabinet of George Wright! Another one that's getting there. So incredibly honored to be so busy though, not matter how stressed out I might be.

Also also, here's an interview I did with PJ Kinsella and the good folks at REA a few months back:

https://collectrea.com/stories/post/...raig-kreindler

If any of y'all have comments, critiques or questions, fire away! Hope ya dig it all.

Thanks for reading,

Graig

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Rube Waddell, (ca) 1904, 32" x 22"

For what it's worth, I have *NO* idea where the original photograph was taken. It doesn't seem like a big league ballpark considering the fence and condition of the ground, but I'm of course not 100% on that. Also, I'm not 100% on the year either, as it's a general guess from the jersey and belt style (check out those long sleeves withOUT the button attachments). His face also seems to be a bit on the younger side, I think? But certainly, if anybody has any information they're willing to share, I'd love to hear about it!

The fence looks like the one in the background of T3 subjects Carrigan and Graham, who both played for Boston, and since they were in different leagues, my guess would be that would be their intersection.

[clydepepper]

I don't mean to be the one to tell you this Craig...but, I think you are getting better!!


Who wudda thunk it?

Simply AMAZIN'

[Jay Wolt]

Graig that Rube is amazing
I sure your client will stare at it everyday

[terjung]

I'm captivated by that Waddell! Outstanding work! Those pant wrinkles seem real. Once again... superlatives aren't enough!

[Kawika]

Terrific hyper-real painting, Graig. Looks like some kid tagged the fence back in 1904.

[GKreindler]

Thanks so much for all of those super kind words, everybody!!! I really appreciate the good vibes.

Definitely hoping the client likes the painting (lord knows he’s waited long enough).

Y’all rule.

Graig

[premiercardcollectors]

Incredible talent Greg


Geoff Bedine
Premier Card Collectors
Since 1977

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ruth-gehrig]

Honest to God question.....how can paintings look better and more realistic than pictures?. Every single time!!

[calvindog]

That Waddell is sick. Just incredible work.

[GKreindler]

Thank you so much for that, guys. I really appreciate the kind words. I still haven’t heard from the fella who commissioned Rube, but I do hope his reaction is similar to the ones you’ve been giving me!! 😬

Michael, I’m really happy you feel that way!!! The goal is always to get better and better, but I still keep climbing the ladder, hoping I’m gonna reach the peak…and then I realize I’m still at base camp. Kinda Sisyphusian, I guess…is that even a word?!?

Now, if I can only get Mr. Wonderful and two other folks to invest $13,000,000 into these things. Hah!

[GKreindler]

Hey all!

Hope the end of the summer has been treating y'all well. My kids are fully back in school, so I'm still adjusting to the new schedule and figuring out when I can paint, when I can go to the gym, and when I just sit on the couch and zone out for five minutes.

Things remain as busy as ever in the studio (thankfully), as I do my best to make a dent in the ol' backlog. Here's one of the latest efforts:


Babe Ruth, 1929, 40" x 36"

I've gotta be upfront here--I've *never* liked the '33 Goudey #181. I know it's iconic, and as a playing-days Babe, it's always been extra desirable. Heck, it's one of my earliest vintage card memories from those reprint books. Buuuuuuutttttt, I've just always hated the image. To me, he looks old, fat and tired. Very Jabba-esque. I guess the brown hat didn't help things, but I was already pretty down on it to begin with.

For whatever reason, when the original negative for the source image was discovered/offered up, I did a complete 180. Granted, I do still think he looks old and tired, but finally seeing him in context with everything else in the image helped a TON. I love seeing how there's hazy sunlight shining on him, something that's not even super evident until you notice the shadow of the bat on the rack. And then being able to see his teammates in the dugout, coupled with the way he's holding the bat, it just makes for something extra three-dimensional.

All of the aforementioned stuff proved to be a bit of a challenge to paint. The tendency (for me) is to try and push the values and temperature differences a little bit when I'm dealing with direct sunlight. But with this kind of sun, those differences had to be a lot more subtle. So there's less of a value separation, and fewer hard edges. The changes in temperature (especially in the face and the bat rack) are still there, but the jump between the warms and cools are less drastic. But with all that said, I think that Ruth and his cohorts really turn in space. And now I feel like I can look at that Goudey with less disgust.

If any of y'all have comments, critiques or questions, fire away! Hope ya dig it.

And as always, thanks for reading,

Graig

[MVSNYC]

Hi Graig-

Fantastic as always! I really love and appreciate your insights and "behind the scenes" discussion. Thanks so much for sharing!

We're due for another lunch in Soho!

[minibbcards]

I feel like i can reach through the computer screen and take the bat Babe is offering into my hands. I love the teammates in the background almost fading into the shadow of his greatness.

[ValKehl]

Graig, as always, your paintings look so very, very realistic!

[tulsaboy]

Graig,
I have to admit, I've always had the same opinion of that card. I think that a lot of people have a mental image of Ruth as old, fat, lazy and tired. Instead, his playing career, right up until the last couple of years, demonstrates that he was strong and fast, and known as being pretty athletic. I think that images like that card have not helped his overall image for modern generations. Your painting does bring to life that photo in a different way. He still looks old and tired, but not as bad as the card made him appear. Really neat to see your take on the image!
kevin

[robw1959]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Hey all!

Hope the end of the summer has been treating y'all well. My kids are fully back in school, so I'm still adjusting to the new schedule and figuring out when I can paint, when I can go to the gym, and when I just sit on the couch and zone out for five minutes.

Things remain as busy as ever in the studio (thankfully), as I do my best to make a dent in the ol' backlog. Here's one of the latest efforts:


Babe Ruth, 1929, 40" x 36"

I've gotta be upfront here--I've *never* liked the '33 Goudey #181. I know it's iconic, and as a playing-days Babe, it's always been extra desirable. Heck, it's one of my earliest vintage card memories from those reprint books. Buuuuuuutttttt, I've just always hated the image. To me, he looks old, fat and tired. Very Jabba-esque. I guess the brown hat didn't help things, but I was already pretty down on it to begin with.

For whatever reason, when the original negative for the source image was discovered/offered up, I did a complete 180. Granted, I do still think he looks old and tired, but finally seeing him in context with everything else in the image helped a TON. I love seeing how there's hazy sunlight shining on him, something that's not even super evident until you notice the shadow of the bat on the rack. And then being able to see his teammates in the dugout, coupled with the way he's holding the bat, it just makes for something extra three-dimensional.

All of the aforementioned stuff proved to be a bit of a challenge to paint. The tendency (for me) is to try and push the values and temperature differences a little bit when I'm dealing with direct sunlight. But with this kind of sun, those differences had to be a lot more subtle. So there's less of a value separation, and fewer hard edges. The changes in temperature (especially in the face and the bat rack) are still there, but the jump between the warms and cools are less drastic. But with all that said, I think that Ruth and his cohorts really turn in space. And now I feel like I can look at that Goudey with less disgust.

If any of y'all have comments, critiques or questions, fire away! Hope ya dig it.

And as always, thanks for reading,

Graig

Hey, Graig. I love what you did with this one, and cannot even fathom what it would take to get every detail right, even down to each blade of grass. I've used toothpicks to do lettering and such, but your detail is off the charts. And how you can get the colors just right is extremely special too.

Have you ever gone off the script, so to speak, by just adding your own touches to the original? For example, I have done acrylic paintings of a few vintage cards from my own collection - those I consider to be iconic - but with a bit of a twist to them. The result can be fun. Here's one I did in July on a 20" X 16" canvas. I detailed his face by using the artwork involved in the #149 card, which is supposed to be a blowup of the original photo used on card #144.

[brianp-beme]

Being that Robert Redford has just passed away, is there any way we might get a closer look at the painting with him in his "The Natural" uniform that is partially obscured behind other paintings in this photo?

Brian

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Also, I thought I'd share a few shots of some other stuff I've been working on as of late, all of which are in varying states of completion:




Graig

[vansaad]

Beautiful work, Graig! I, too, have never been a fan of the Goudey dugout Babe. But this painting is fantastic.

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Hey all!

Hope the end of the summer has been treating y'all well. My kids are fully back in school, so I'm still adjusting to the new schedule and figuring out when I can paint, when I can go to the gym, and when I just sit on the couch and zone out for five minutes.

Things remain as busy as ever in the studio (thankfully), as I do my best to make a dent in the ol' backlog. Here's one of the latest efforts:


Babe Ruth, 1929, 40" x 36"

I've gotta be upfront here--I've *never* liked the '33 Goudey #181. I know it's iconic, and as a playing-days Babe, it's always been extra desirable. Heck, it's one of my earliest vintage card memories from those reprint books. Buuuuuuutttttt, I've just always hated the image. To me, he looks old, fat and tired. Very Jabba-esque. I guess the brown hat didn't help things, but I was already pretty down on it to begin with.

For whatever reason, when the original negative for the source image was discovered/offered up, I did a complete 180. Granted, I do still think he looks old and tired, but finally seeing him in context with everything else in the image helped a TON. I love seeing how there's hazy sunlight shining on him, something that's not even super evident until you notice the shadow of the bat on the rack. And then being able to see his teammates in the dugout, coupled with the way he's holding the bat, it just makes for something extra three-dimensional.

All of the aforementioned stuff proved to be a bit of a challenge to paint. The tendency (for me) is to try and push the values and temperature differences a little bit when I'm dealing with direct sunlight. But with this kind of sun, those differences had to be a lot more subtle. So there's less of a value separation, and fewer hard edges. The changes in temperature (especially in the face and the bat rack) are still there, but the jump between the warms and cools are less drastic. But with all that said, I think that Ruth and his cohorts really turn in space. And now I feel like I can look at that Goudey with less disgust.

If any of y'all have comments, critiques or questions, fire away! Hope ya dig it.

And as always, thanks for reading,

Graig

[Arazi4442]

What an unbelievable treat scrolling through this post - don't know how I missed it in the past.

Truly, thank you for sharing, Graig!

[CobbSpikedMe]

Saw one of your earlier works at the REA offices today. It was Teddy Ballgame coming home after a homer. Stunning work in person. I love your color studies skills. See it up close was fantastic.

Anyway, just wanted to mention it.

Andy



.

[GKreindler]

Thank you so much for all of those wonderfully kind words, everybody!! You're all being super kind.

A super cool rendition, Rob! I actually *do* like seeing those little personal touches in paintings, but for whatever reason, I just can't bring myself to do them. I think I'm just so anal about keeping everything historically accurate that I'd never want to change anything that's clearly there, ya know? In the beginning of my career, I did do a few paintings that had the client placed into them, which at the time, I was somewhat okay doing. Now, I look back at those paintings and it's ALL I see. Ugh, and I really don't like it. But again, that's just me!

Brian, here's the Redford piece you mentioned:


Roy Hobbs, 1939 (Robert Redford, 1983), 20" x 16"

The client who commissioned it actually came by the studio the other day to see it in person (it'll ship out in a few weeks), and he was sad about Robert's passing. But, I do know that hes going to be using the painting in some sort of 50th anniversary celebration of the movie, so I'm curious to see what he has in mind.

The image itself I thought was pretty cool. Aside from Redford being handsome, I just love that back-lighting, especially as it illuminates Robert's strawberry blonde hair. It's also pretty cool to have the War Memorial Stadium stands in the background. Overall, it was just a fun one!

Andrew! Cool that you saw that one. I had forgotten that it was there until I went into the room last winter--it was a nice surprise. It's interesting seeing it now though, as there are things that I would have handled differently, had the painting still been in my possession. I guess that's not a bad thing though, as it shows that I'm growing. Or something. I think.

Graig

[GKreindler]

Hey all,


Thought I’d share another one I got back from the photographers recently:


Mickey Mantle, March 26, 1951, 20” x 28”

I’ve been a fan of this image for such a long time. Well, the photograph it’s based on, I mean. The quality of light is exactly the kind of thing that I get off on, and adding to that, a smiling Mickey Mantle about to enter his rookie season—I just think it’s super special.

The story behind this particular game has been eloquently described in Jane Leavy’s book The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood. For those who haven’t read that one, it’s VERY much worth the effort, especially since we think we know everything there is to know about the man. Jane certainly proved me wrong when I first read it all those years ago.

Anywho, you can read a bit about the game here:

https://thegloryofbaseball.blogspot....ickey.html?m=1

And believe me, this chapter is so incredible in Jane’s book. The whole notion that this game was, according to Justin Dedeaux (the USC batboy who was sitting with Mantle that day), "the day the whole world opened up" is the chef's kiss.

Painting the image proved to be a bit of a challenge, as it was tough to find much information on Bovard Field in terms of color, but my guesses are all based on pertinent research. Admittedly, the one I’m a bit iffy on is the outfield wall. In a color photograph from the mid-‘70s, that same wall was that deep maroon color associated with USC. And since that color has been synonymous with the college since time began, I thought it wouldn’t have been a stretch to say that it could have been that color in 1951. The newspapers of the day made no mention of it, but if I ever find out that my guess was incorrect, the painting is going to a client who lives close by and’ll let me fix it. 😊

But man, that sun light! And those late afternoon shadows!! All of that reflected light!!! And the palm trees!!!! Everything a painter could want.

Hope y’all dig it, and as usual, feel free to reach out with questions, comments and critiques.

Thanks for reading!!

Graig

[Leon]

Great arwork and thanks for sharing the story, Graig.
Someday you might be working on it again...

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Hey all,


Thought I’d share another one I got back from the photographers recently:


Mickey Mantle, March 26, 1951, 20” x 28”

I’ve been a fan of this image for such a long time. Well, the photograph it’s based on, I mean. The quality of light is exactly the kind of thing that I get off on, and adding to that, a smiling Mickey Mantle about to enter his rookie season—I just think it’s super special.

The story behind this particular game has been eloquently described in Jane Leavy’s book The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood. For those who haven’t read that one, it’s VERY much worth the effort, especially since we think we know everything there is to know about the man. Jane certainly proved me wrong when I first read it all those years ago.

Anywho, you can read a bit about the game here:

https://thegloryofbaseball.blogspot....ickey.html?m=1

And believe me, this chapter is so incredible in Jane’s book. The whole notion that this game was, according to Justin Dedeaux (the USC batboy who was sitting with Mantle that day), "the day the whole world opened up" is the chef's kiss.

Painting the image proved to be a bit of a challenge, as it was tough to find much information on Bovard Field in terms of color, but my guesses are all based on pertinent research. Admittedly, the one I’m a bit iffy on is the outfield wall. In a color photograph from the mid-‘70s, that same wall was that deep maroon color associated with USC. And since that color has been synonymous with the college since time began, I thought it wouldn’t have been a stretch to say that it could have been that color in 1951. The newspapers of the day made no mention of it, but if I ever find out that my guess was incorrect, the painting is going to a client who lives close by and’ll let me fix it. 😊

But man, that sun light! And those late afternoon shadows!! All of that reflected light!!! And the palm trees!!!! Everything a painter could want.

Hope y’all dig it, and as usual, feel free to reach out with questions, comments and critiques.

Thanks for reading!!

Graig