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“My Art Journey: Painting and Perspectives"
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My Not-So-Perfect Jump Shot: Basketball, Art, and Expression
Basketball and art share a common thread—both are forms of expression. Stepping onto the court or in front of a canvas allows for a release of creativity and emotion. However, when it comes to basketball, my expression is less about finesse and more about humor. Unlike the Golden State Warriors, I can’t claim to sink jump shots or perform smooth moves. In fact, my best jump shot resembles a frog leaping from a lily pad!
Why Dick Butkus Remains My Favorite NFL Player to Paint
This ink and acrylic painting of NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus captures the grit and power that defined his career with the Chicago Bears. Featuring a unique newsprint collage background, the artwork pays homage to one of football’s most iconic linebackers. Discover more sports-inspired paintings by visiting the collection of works available for sale.
The Game That Lasts a Lifetime: Baseball and Art
In my painting The Game, I sought to capture baseball’s magic. The 6-by-10-foot painting immerses you in the batter’s box, moments before the pitch. It’s the tension, anticipation, and fleeting seconds that make baseball so iconic, and I wanted to freeze that feeling, placing the viewer right at the heart of the action.
Trusting the Process: My Journey Through Doubt and Creativity
Sometimes when I’m in front of the canvas, I don’t have a solid plan; I just show up and let things unfold, trusting my gut even when the vision isn’t clear, which often leads me to unexpected places. I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainty in my process, realizing that while there’s pressure to be perfect, it’s more about the journey than getting it "right." The work becomes less about the end product and more about expressing what’s inside me, and though doubt and criticism will always be there, they can’t stop me from creating
The Emotional Power of Sports Art:
John Robertson’s “Timeout” basketball art is a representation of the stillness before the storm. The player, gripping the basketball, embodies the anticipation and emotion of a pause in the game. This sports art piece taps into the cultural significance of basketball, elevating the sport through artistry. As a genre, sports art has a place in the art world, connecting us to moments of triumph, identity, and skill. Robertson’s work explores the emotional impact of a game in motion, emphasizing the player’s control and intensity with each brushstroke. The painting offers a window into the personal moments of athletes, resonating with the anticipation before action. Through its vibrant colors and technical skill, “Timeout l” combines cultural meaning with artistic expression.
Turning Junk into Assemblage Art
Real life is made up of the everyday stuff.Who relates to some perfect, shiny object on a museum pedestal? We’re all just a bunch of Homer Simpsons, stumbling through life. Sometimes, you don’t have to overthink it. Art doesn’t need a thesis statement. It’s more about throwing a bunch of stuff together and seeing how it hits you in the gut. My assemblage is more than just a bunch of stuff glued together. It’s a story—a messy, imperfect one, just like life. I guess that’s why people connect with it
Magic Johnson: The Art of Teamwork on the Court
Magic Johnson wasn't just a player on the Lakers; he was the "quarterback" on the court, the maestro who made the whole operation run smoothly. Dubbed the "Point God," he eschewed individual glory for the greater good, elevating his teammates' performance. Painting Magic isn't merely about capturing his likeness; it's about immortalizing his unique style of play. He didn't just dribble past defenders or sink shots; he created opportunities for everyone around him, much like an artist carefully composing their work. Sports, like art, are about collaboration. Magic Johnson exemplifies this principle, making those around him better, just as a great piece of art enhances its surroundings. It's not about individual brilliance, but about creating a harmonious whole.
Painting Dogs: Capturing Loyalty and Spirit
Painting dogs isn’t just about getting the details right; it’s about capturing the spirit they bring into your life, and this Australian Shepherd, with his calm and loyal energy, really stood out to me. Unlike other dogs I’ve painted, he didn’t jump all over me but gently guided me, herding me through the backyard with his quiet, watchful presence. When I started the painting, I wasn’t just focused on his likeness—I wanted to capture how he made me feel: calm, protected, and always looked after.
How Two Artists See the Same Scene Differently
It's amusing how my wife and I, despite being in the same place, viewing the same landscape, always seem to have different focal points. I find myself gazing at the horizon, while she's pointing out a bird nestled in a tree. This difference is reflected in our art—her paintings are meticulously detailed, while mine focus on the broader picture. When I paint, I'm not aiming for a precise representation of what I saw. Instead, I'm capturing the emotions evoked by the scene—the colors, shapes, and lines. My wife paints what she observes, every tiny detail, while I paint my interpretation of the vast, open landscape. It's intriguing how we can both look at the same thing and arrive at entirely different perspectives. That's what I appreciate about art—there's no definitive right or wrong approach. It's about capturing what you see and how it affects you.
My Paintings at Green Bay’s Austin Straubel Airport
I was going about my day when I got a text from a client saying they had spotted a couple of my paintings at Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay, WI. It turns out, they were part of a remodeling project at the airport’s Terminal B restaurant. This was a pleasant surprise, as there’s something special about knowing your work is displayed in places where people pass through daily. To me, this whole experience highlights the unexpected ways art finds its place. You do a project, and then suddenly, it’s part of something bigger than you ever planned.
Emotional Impact of Art at the Santa Paula Art Museum
She grabbed my arm, her eyes fixed on my painting, Blunt Force Trauma. "What were you thinking when you created this?" she asked, as if I held the key to its meaning. I offered a cautious explanation, speaking of pain and power, but uncertain if she sought something deeper. Before I could continue, she interrupted, her grip tightening. "Oh, I know!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with understanding. "It's like the world crushes people sometimes, right?" She didn't just hear my words; she truly saw them in the artwork. As the museum closed, I reflected on how our conversation had cracked open a code. That's the magic of art—you never know how it will affect someone until it does. It pulls you into unexpected conversations, bridging gaps, and sparking connections in ways you never thought possible.
Creating an Aaron Rodgers Painting for a Packer Fan
A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, who also happens to be a season ticket holder, commissioned a custom Aaron Rodgers painting to express their deep-seated love for both the quarterback and the team. This personalized artwork, which now adorns their townhome, serves as a tangible representation of their unwavering loyalty and passion for the Packers. The painting has transformed the stairway into a personal tribute, a place where the fan can relive their favorite moments and celebrate their lifelong connection to the team.
Blending Nature and Art
Living where the city meets the countryside, I’ve found endless inspiration in the farm fields around me. These fields aren’t just patches of land; they’re living, breathing canvases that change with the seasons. What I love most about these landscapes is their emotional depth. Each field tells a story of hope, despair, plenty, and want. It’s a constant cycle of change, much like life itself. Expressionism is at the core of my work. I strive to capture the essence of these landscapes with passion and intensity. Each painting is a celebration of the beauty around us, a testament to the power of nature-inspired art.
Brushstrokes and Basketballs: The Art Behind the Perfect Shot
In this painting, I aimed to freeze the precise moment when everything hangs in the balance—the second before a basketball player makes that crucial shot. The vibrant turquoise background contrasts sharply with the warm colors of the basketball, drawing attention to the center of the action. Dashes and splatters mirror the chaotic, unpredictable nature of both basketball and art. This piece isn’t just about the game itself, but about seizing a moment. Whether on the court or in the studio, every decision holds weight. The gripping hand represents control, determination, and the willingness to take a risk, knowing that growth comes from every attempt—whether you succeed or not.
Art as Life: How My Work Reveals My Personal Story
This collection isn't a chronological overview of my career, but rather a personal biography told through individual pieces. Each work represents a different chapter of my life, and some of them have never been seen before. They’ve been hidden away in my studio, waiting for their moment to be revealed
Painting the Neighborhood: Life-Sized Portrait of My Studio Neighbor
In my studio area, there’s always something happening. Whether it’s Luis, the tattoo artist who works nearby, or the mix of other businesses in our eclectic industrial space, the environment is always inspiring. Since moving here eight years ago, I’ve made it a habit to paint life-sized portraits of my neighbors, a project that started as a way to connect with the community. The neighborhood has changed over time, but the sense of connection through art remains strong.
The Beauty of Imperfection in Art: Why Perfection is an Illusion
The relentless pursuit of perfection can stifle creativity and innovation, trapping artists in self-imposed limitations and preventing them from taking risks, exploring new techniques, and fully expressing themselves. Instead of chasing an unattainable ideal, artists should find fulfillment by embracing the beauty of imperfection, where every brushstroke, note, or word becomes a unique expression of vision and emotion. By letting go of perfection, they free themselves from self-doubt and anxiety, allowing joy, exploration, and self-discovery to flourish. It is within these imperfections that true artistry emerges, touching hearts, inspiring minds, and leaving a lasting impact.
The Power of Art: Reflecting on Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Art has this incredible way of getting under your skin, pulling you in, making you think, feel, and question what you thought you knew—just like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a force for women's rights and equality who challenged the status quo; painting her was not only about capturing her legacy but also about understanding how art itself can be a powerful tool for change
Processing September 11th Through Art: The Story of ‘Falling Man
The abstract painting "Falling Man" was created in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Inspired by the shock and helplessness felt that day, the artist worked through the night to express their emotions on canvas. Measuring 4x8 feet and executed in acrylic, the painting captures the chaos and confusion of the attacks. "Falling Man" was later exhibited as part of "Abstract Los Angeles: Four Generations," showcasing the raw emotional power of abstract art in response to tragedy.
Sandy Koufax: Painting a Legend Beyond the Stats
Sandy Koufax represents something bigger than baseball. Sure, his stats are incredible—three Cy Youngs, four no-hitters, a perfect game—but what’s always stood out to me is how he played through pain. In 1965, when he refused to pitch during the World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur, it was a moment that transcended sports. Koufax was a man of few words, but his actions on the field spoke volumes, and he never sought out the spotlight. I try to reflect that in my work.