I have stated before how almost nothing is ever created in a vacuum. This painting of Jackie Robinson, entitled "April 15th, 1947" is proof of that belief. Originally entered into a grant competition for art related to baseball, sponsored by the National Pastime Museum my proposal did not win the grant competition. However my concept so intrigued the judges that I was asked to complete the painting for the museum's private collection. It is a depiction of Jackie Robinson as a Brooklyn Dodger emerging from the Ebbets Field dugout on that day in mid April. He is about to become the first African American to step onto a major league baseball field for the first time in the 20th century. As he runs onto the field and out of the shadows of the grandstand and into the light of the day, the country along with Jackie Robinson also begins to emerge from the shadows and darkness of racism and inequality. The number 42 on his back is clearly depicted. On this day it is just another baseball uniform number but one day it will represent the ideas of equality and opportunity and will be worn by every major league official on April 15th. It will also serve as a reminder of this man's struggle and sacrifice as he paved the way for others to have the opportunity to play in the major leagues. By the way this struggle continues as women vie for the chance to play in the major leagues.
The painting itself was a challenge for many reasons. The only reference I used was photos taken of me in this pose and some photos of Jackie. Knowledgable friends helped with determining the exact type of numerals used by the Dodgers in 1947. I finished the painting and shipped it off in late May. Not long after I received an email from the museum's director stating that the consensus was that the skin tones were too light and requested that I darken the tones. The painting was shipped back to me and using reference supplied by the museum I began to darken the tones. I knew the museum was correct in their assessment and tentatively I began to rework the painting. Several times I thought I had the painting correct and sent jpegs of the "completed" work to the museum and each time I was told that there was something not quite right. They even sent a link to another artist who had done paintings of Jackie Robinson (ouch!) At each step I worried that the painting, after countless hours of work would be ruined. I showed friends my work and engaged neighbors at Western Avenue Studios to critique and comment. The museum was honest and dedicated to making this piece accurate. My friends, whether looking at my iPhone or the actual art were honest and freely gave their time to help me. Finally this Wednesday I worked on the piece determined to finish it. However, as often happens in these situations it is very easy to lose the connection to the painting and almost mechanically follow the instruction and advice given. However at some point in the afternoon on Wednesday I had several fellow artists critique the work and the answer was that it was done. Don't touch it any more. Words I wanted to hear. A jpeg was sent off to the museum and I anxiously waited for an answer. And waited. Finally on Thursday I read the email I had been hoping to see. The painting was "great" and much appreciation was expressed for my diligence and perseverance!
The most important aspect of this event was the realization that I had been pushed to go beyond my comfort zone. I had created a painting that is probably the best I have ever done. I had done this not alone but with so much help from many sources. People 3000 miles away and people I rub elbows with contributed to the success of this painting. When I look at this painting I am gratified at the result. I am also reminded that I am not alone in this work. And I am not alone in this world. That is a very, very good feeling.
The painting itself was a challenge for many reasons. The only reference I used was photos taken of me in this pose and some photos of Jackie. Knowledgable friends helped with determining the exact type of numerals used by the Dodgers in 1947. I finished the painting and shipped it off in late May. Not long after I received an email from the museum's director stating that the consensus was that the skin tones were too light and requested that I darken the tones. The painting was shipped back to me and using reference supplied by the museum I began to darken the tones. I knew the museum was correct in their assessment and tentatively I began to rework the painting. Several times I thought I had the painting correct and sent jpegs of the "completed" work to the museum and each time I was told that there was something not quite right. They even sent a link to another artist who had done paintings of Jackie Robinson (ouch!) At each step I worried that the painting, after countless hours of work would be ruined. I showed friends my work and engaged neighbors at Western Avenue Studios to critique and comment. The museum was honest and dedicated to making this piece accurate. My friends, whether looking at my iPhone or the actual art were honest and freely gave their time to help me. Finally this Wednesday I worked on the piece determined to finish it. However, as often happens in these situations it is very easy to lose the connection to the painting and almost mechanically follow the instruction and advice given. However at some point in the afternoon on Wednesday I had several fellow artists critique the work and the answer was that it was done. Don't touch it any more. Words I wanted to hear. A jpeg was sent off to the museum and I anxiously waited for an answer. And waited. Finally on Thursday I read the email I had been hoping to see. The painting was "great" and much appreciation was expressed for my diligence and perseverance!
The most important aspect of this event was the realization that I had been pushed to go beyond my comfort zone. I had created a painting that is probably the best I have ever done. I had done this not alone but with so much help from many sources. People 3000 miles away and people I rub elbows with contributed to the success of this painting. When I look at this painting I am gratified at the result. I am also reminded that I am not alone in this work. And I am not alone in this world. That is a very, very good feeling.
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