I never really thought I’d end up as a sports artist, but life has a way of throwing unexpected pitches. Back when I was painting musicians for a nightclub in Santa Monica, I wasn’t exactly thinking about sports. My focus was on the energy of music, the vibe of the club, and the big, bold portraits that we hung in the windows. Then, on a whim, I added a few baseball paintings. And that’s where everything changed.
It wasn’t planned, and I didn’t expect much from it. But one day, someone from Fox Sports happened to drive by, saw my baseball art, and reached out. That led to a whole different chapter in my career—one I couldn’t have imagined.
A Surprising Call from Fox Sports
I’ll never forget the moment I got that call from Fox Sports. It was one of those out-of-the-blue moments. They asked if I’d be interested in creating sports art for an NBA commercial. I wasn’t sure at first, but I figured, why not? So, I jumped at the opportunity. What started as a small gig turned into seven large basketball paintings for the commercial. That gig kept the ball rolling for a year.
Looking back, I can see how those paintings became the beginning of my journey into sports art. It’s funny how things unfold.
From Paint to Stadiums
That NBA commercial opened up a lot of doors. Soon after, a sports agent saw my work and hired me to create paintings for the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Suddenly, my art was in arenas and stadiums like those of the Minnesota Vikings, the Atlanta Braves, and the Golden State Warriors. I never imagined my work would be displayed in such iconic places.
Each piece of art told a story—not just about the athletes but also about the raw emotion and energy that sports bring out in people. That’s what I’ve always tried to capture in my work. It’s about more than just the game; it’s about the memories, the moments, and the connection people feel when they watch their favorite teams and players.
The Art Itself: Raw, Imperfect, and Full of Energy
One thing I love about the paintings I’ve created for stadiums and arenas is their raw, unpolished feel. I paint on large, unstretched canvases, and they’re meant to feel a little rugged, a little rough around the edges. That’s part of what makes them unique.
These pieces aren’t just for decoration; they’re meant to evoke something. I like the idea that the imperfections in the canvas—the seams, the rough edges—are part of the story. Some clients choose to stretch and frame them, but for me, there’s something special about leaving them just as they are, kind of like the energy of sports itself.
A Journey I Didn’t Expect
My career as a sports artist wasn’t something I saw coming. I went from painting musicians in a small nightclub to creating art for major sports teams and arenas. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m grateful for every unexpected twist along the way.
Sports art isn’t just about capturing athletes or moments in a game; it’s about telling a story. It’s about the memories people hold onto, the excitement they feel, and the energy that sports bring into their lives. That’s what I’ve always tried to do with my work, and I’m looking forward to where it takes me next.
