Kreindleritis

[Oldtix]

If lovin' that is wrong, I don't wanna be right...

Incredible. Congrats...

[Lordstan]

Thanks Rick.

[timzcardz]

Fra-gee-lay, hmmm, it must be Italian.



I think that I'm at stage 3 and holding . . . for now!

[jacksons]

Great post, Mark.

As the owner of that Matty, I know how you feel.

You're missing the Waiting Stage, which can be exhausting, as Graig has a list longer now than 2+ years. While you wait, you have to endure second-guessing (did I pick the right photo to do?), and watch as he endlessly posts completed pieces that test your patience even further.

Though I have yet to make it through the Waiting Stage completely, as I have not received a commissioned work yet (almost 1 year wait on #1), I know that once that crazy wooden box arrives from Dean, it will be well worth it.

Enjoy that Gehrig - it's a beauty!

[Lordstan]

Tim,
That is Italian. After all, his agent is Dean Lombardo!

Jacksons,
I think the waiting phase is part of stage 4.
I should've broken it up into 3 sub phases:
First is the joy of actually making the order after carefully picking your photo.
Second is the dreaded waiting, which you summarized perfectly.
Third is the euphoric stage that lulls you into a sense of comfort.

What are you getting done?

Mark

[whitehse]

I am also at stage 3 only because finances will not allow me to proceed to any higher stage.. Thats why I have been begging for lithos or posters to satisfy me until I win the lottery!!

[mr2686]

Mark, my friend, that is a beautiful Gehrig. As for the framing, I don't feel there is a right or wrong, it just depends on you. If you want to frame it, go to a good framer and work with them to determine a frame that will complement that great painting and not detract. I think if it was me that I'd leave it unframed.
As for finishing up your basement, I would be willing to fly out at my own expense to help you finish it up. My only fee would be your signed Alston and Stengel Sport magazines...and maybe one of the Mantles!

[GKreindler]

Wow, I don't quite know what to say! I'm glad you were so pleased with the painting, Mark. Whether you decide to get anymore or not, I sincerely hope this one brings you enough joy for a lifetime.

Regarding the framing, well, it's really a personal choice. I really like how they look unframed myself, with the smooth gallery wrap of the linen and all. For whatever reason, it just always feels more like a piece of art to me, if that makes any sense. And honestly, there's something very appealing to me to see the raw linen show through on the sides.

But, that doesn't mean that it wouldn't look beautiful in the right frame. If you decided to go with one, usually simple, deep cherry-wood looks great. Of course, Dean could probably steer you in a good direction, too.

And worry not jacksons, your painting is actually going to be getting some good easel time over the next few weeks (probably starting the week after next), so expect some progress shots. Man, I hate being behind.

For the record, those wooden crates are ridiculous. Dean definitely knows how to pack 'em - they're probably bomb-proof like David said all those months back.

Thanks again for the really kind, thoughtful post, Mark. I like the idea of being an illness (I think). I can only hope that it's communicable, but not fatal.

Graig