Kreindleritis

[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

[Lordstan]

Mike,
Dream away buddy. You'll have to pry the Alston and Stengel from my cold dead hands.

Graig,
It really is a beauty.
I am pretty sure your illness is incurable, but not fatal. Though the presence of a wife seems to slow down it's progression.


I wanted to say to everyone that the paintings don't cost as much as I expected, so if you're interested give Graig a shout. Both he and his manager are cool guys who are very reasonable and willing to help. I think many on the board, who have already obtained a painting, would echo these sentiments.

Best to all,
Mark

[Leon]

My commendations go out to Graig for his fine work. If I ever were to get a sports type painting I can't imagine I would want it done by anyone else other than yourself. As someone who appreciates "realism", your work is simply amazing.

Mark- You are the author of one of the best posts/threads I have seen on the board. Thanks for sharing!!

[Lordstan]

Leon,
Thanks for the kind words.
I can only strive to post with the same eloquence as David/Kawika. He is my post composition hero.

One day Graig's paintings will be thought of in the same way as Nieman and others of his ilk. The talent is undeniable.

Best,
Mark

[GKreindler]

Hey all,

A couple of people have contacted me (and apparently some other board members) to ask about the pricing and processes of the commissions we take on. So, I thought I'd try to lay down some info in case anyone else was interested.

Regarding prices, well they only relate to sizes right now, not at all with complexity or player. With that in mind, we have basically three tiers of possible sizes. On the small end, these are the set numbers:

9" x 12"s are $2400
11" x 14"s are $2600
12" x 16"s are $2800
16" x 20"s (the size of Lordstan's Gehrig) are $3000

Once you get to 18" x 24", you're in the medium sized range of prices. Those paintings end up being $8.50 a square inch. So, an 18" x 24" would cost $3672, or a 22" x 30" would cost $5610. Jacksons Matty painting, at 26" x 36" would be $7956.

The larger size range starts at 30" x 40", and those end up being $8.00 a square inch. So, a 30" x 40" would be $9600, or a 38" x 52" would be $15808.

Right now, the wait time that Dean (my agent) has been telling people has been about two years. Depending on the size and/or complexity of the piece, it might be done sooner, as I seem to be able to knock out the simple portraits in less time.

Regarding payment, our policy is a 1/3 non-refundable deposit down, the next 1/3 for when I'm about halfway done with the painting, and the last 1/3 upon completion. Also, there would be an extra charge for crating and shipping, unless of course you were able to come pick the painting up from either Bronxville, NY or Brooklyn, NY. I'm not exactly sure how much that part of it costs in the end, but since Dean uses practically bomb-proof packaging, I'm pretty sure it runs in the range of the mid-hundreds. Either way, I can certainly get you a better idea if need be.

Now, Dean is really flexible with payment schedules if they are so desired. In other words, he's often taken a small deposit of a couple of hundred dollars just to reserve a spot in the queue. Or, sometimes he allows the payments to be broken up into monthly installments. I guess whatever your situation is, he's more than happy to make it work. Additionally, as a point of interest, Dean raises these prices about twice a year (he just raised them about a month ago), so sending in an initial deposit locks you in on that rate for that particular painting. To learn more about all of that stuff, it's definitely worth contacting Dean.

Speaking of contacting, well, if you have any further questions for me, feel free to throw a private message my way, or email me at gkreindler@gmail.com. Or, if you want to go straight to Dean, he can be reached at 914.779.7979 or through baseball@objects-images.com.

Thanks so much for the interest in my work, guys - it's very much appreciated.

Graig

[Lordstan]

Just as an FYI, The shipping on my painting was $120. Considering the tank it came in, I have no problem with the cost.

I also wanted to say, in regard to purchasing a painting, Graig's manager Dean is a really good guy who was very flexible with me payment wise. His flexibility allowed me to be able to afford the picture.

Mark

[CW]

Congratulations, Mark -- that is a fantastic work of art! Thanks for sharing
an insight into the obsession.

I also like how Dean actually put a handle on the crate to make it easier
for the UPS guy to carry it.