Combing the elements of my classical portrait training with a slightly more impressionistic style, I feel that I have taken a wonderful land mark (the Club House at the Augusta National) and evoked a sense of movement and life into one of the oldest concrete houses built in the South. There are not many more recognizable landmarks in American golf than the Old Manor House in Augusta.
I have been working on this painting sporadically for over two years, unsure as to where I was going until the last few weeks. When I lack inspiration, I feel as if I am Ray Charles in a dart throwing contest; but after this past Masters week, I had found a renewed sense of inspiration and finished the painting in about 2 days. The secret is to keep throwing the darts and eventually you’ll hit something, just don't give up…
Bobby’s Dream, showcases the great Bobby Jones swinging away in an old abandoned field that was once the Fruitland Nurseries. Slowly the painting fades from unkempt sandy soil into the lush green oasis of what is now the number one fairway at the Augusta National. The beautiful Mackenzie bunkers and green are framed by magnificent pine trees and a beautiful Augusta sky.
What drove me to start this painting was the aspect of showcasing what Bobby Jones must have seen while standing on the undeveloped canvas that would shortly become his masterpiece. The course, both immaculate and legendary, would not have come to fruition had it not been for “Bobby’s Dream.”
Number 16 (Redbud) is one of my favorite holes at the Augusta National! I spent most of my first Masters Tournament sitting almost in the sand trap guarding the back of the green… I loved the view, the shade, and the fact that I could eat all the BBQ and club sandwiches that I could carry in my arms – you see, there was a small food stand not too far away, and it was never crowed. That is very important to a 12 year old kid!
This water color sketch is actually the second water color I have ever attempted (no one will see the first). I have just recently wanted to learn how to use watercolor, that is, ever since I found the work of Frank Frazetta.
Growing up reading Conan comics, I soon fell in love with his art and style. I never knew who had actually painted the images that so vividly inspired my childhood imagination until many years later… After reacquainting myself with his art and researching how he goes about painting – I was blown away by his sketches and especially his watercolors. I have been in somewhat of a trance ever since. The movement of Frazetta’s figures is so powerful and strong, I just couldn’t see how that would translate through his “Mickey Mouse” watercolor set (You have to see it for yourself - he used a set of cheap kids Mickey Mouse watercolors!). The way he used his preliminary watercolor sketches, to solidify his vision, before he started his final painting in oils, was truly astounding. I had to try it for myself!
Having painted the Augusta National many times in oil, I have found a fresh, new way to do my preliminary sketches, well, new to me at least. Instead of using only my pencil or pen to sketch out the beginning of my paintings, I now get to use color – and I love it!
