These classic paintings were executed with a contemporary sense of design, dramatic lighting, passionate color to emphasize the essence of each sport. Some illustrate the competitive determination of athletes as they move through time and space, and others are more conceptual. There is a certain joy working on large scale pieces, caressing them with various tools, beginning with broad loose strokes, contrasting simple spaces with areas that are complex, and then rendering details of the subject. Canvas is the preferred medium because it is so malleable. All eleven 2'x3' paintings in this collection began by sanding four coats of gesso. A graphite drawing was laid down for design, placement, and value. Transparent washes of acrylic were added and then more opaque colors applied. Some details were drawn with colored pencil and the finished work sealed with several clear coats of matte varnish.
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