On the easel...

[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