“Venice Street Players” 5 feet by 6 feet, acrylic and ink on unstrethed canvas. Owned by the NBA, Orlando Magic; Amway Sports Arena.
Thinking about and watching the NCAA's Final Four during March Madness reminded me of this painting I created for the NBA, Orlando Magic; Amway Sports Arena.
As an artist, starting with a blank canvas is like a basketball player stepping onto the court. You are full of possibility. My painting "Venice Street Players" captures the raw energy and creativity of basketball games on Venice Beach's famous courts. These courts, known from "White Men Can't Jump," movie are special to me. I spent a lot of time around them when my girlfriend (now my wife) lived in Venice, California.
At first, painting felt uncertain, like the start of a basketball game where not everything clicks right away. My first strokes were experiments, similar to a team trying to find its rhythm against the the other team. There were moments when the vision for the painting felt unclear, like being on the back foot in a game.
Finding Rhythm in the Process
But as I continued, the painting began to take shape. The figures, movement, and gritty feel of the urban court came together, much like a basketball team hitting its stride mid-game. The energy of Venice Beach basketball is unique. It is “street ball” and less structured and full of individual flair. Players express themselves while working together, and that spirit is what I aimed to bring to the canvas.
Creativity and Movement
Both basketball and art rely on creativity and intuition. Overthinking can block spontaneity, whether it’s in the game or on the canvas. Often, the best moments come from trusting your instincts. It is like an unexpected pass in basketball or an unplanned burst of color in a painting.
During events like March Madness, while strategy is key, the most memorable plays happen when players unleash their creativity. My painting "Venice Street Players" tries to show this blend of athletic skill and artistic expression andd he untamed energy of street basketball meeting the freedom of art.
