This black and white sports art painting of a couple of Venice Beach Ca. players ended up in the Amway Sports Arena in Orlando Florida where the NBA Orlando Magic play their home games.  The painting is 5 feet by 6 feet, acrylic on canvas.

There’s something about the game of basketball that gets under your skin. The sound of the ball hitting the court, the squeak of sneakers, the rush when the ball hits the net just right. It’s not just a game—it's a whole world where players pour their heart and soul into every move, every pass, every shot. It’s about the stories behind those moves, the lives these players lead on and off the court. For me, capturing those moments in my paintings isn’t just about creating art; it’s about living through the game, breathing it in, and feeling every bit of it as if I’m right there.

Why Basketball?

I’ve always been drawn to the courts, especially the ones down at Venice Beach which is where we once lived. It’s a special place, where the game goes beyond just being a pastime. The players there aren’t just shooting hoops—they’re living a part of their lives. Some of these guys were once top players in high school or college, some even had a taste of the pros. But now, they’re here, under the California sun, still chasing that feeling, still grinding. It’s a mix of nostalgia and hope. The game doesn’t leave them, and it hasn’t left me either.

The Venice Beach Courts

Those courts have a history, and you can feel it when you’re standing there. They’re iconic, not just because of the movie “White Men Can’t Jump,” but because they’re where players with dreams and memories come to play. They’re where the past meets the present. Every dribble, every shot on those courts tells a story—stories of what could’ve been, of what was, and of what still might be. That’s what I try to capture in my paintings. The energy, the movement, the essence of a game that’s more than just a game.

Creating the Painting

The painting is simple but powerful. It’s a scene of two players, locked in that moment of tension where anything could happen. One is playing defense, the other trying to break through. It’s a moment that speaks volumes—a story told in a single frame. When I painted it, I wasn’t just thinking about what was in front of me, but everything behind it. The stories of these players, the stories of all the players who have ever stepped onto a court like this.

Living Through the Painting

For me, painting these sports figures isn’t just about the art. It’s about living through the game, through the players. It’s about channeling all those feelings—excitement, frustration, hope—into something tangible. I don’t have much of a past full of glory, and my future is just as uncertain. But when I paint these scenes, I get to live those moments. It’s like I’m right there with them, feeling what they feel, even if just for a moment.