Art Donovan Autograph Signing 2011

Art Donovan Print inscribed for me

Art Donovan with Joshua and I

Art Donovan signing the original drawing

In September I posted a new drawing, the second, I had done of Hall of Fame Baltimore Colt Art Donovan. On Dec. 11th Art did an autograph signing and benefit function here on Kent Island. The original drawing is now part of a private collection. My collector wanted me get Art to autograph it for him. Art signed the drawing and inscribed the print seen above for me.

Torrey Smith Autograph Signing 2011

Torrey Smith Autographed Drawing

Torrey Smith with his drawing

Joshua and Jacob with Torrey Smith as he signs his drawing

Ravens Wide Reciever: I did this drawing of Torrey when he was a Senior at University of Maryland. This year he is a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens, and quickly becoming one of the teams superstars. In this seasons week 3 against the St. Louis Rams, Torreys first 3 receptions (74,41,18 yards) as a professional football player were touchdowns. The 74 yarder was the longest touchdown pass of Quarterback Joe Flaccos career. He was the first NFL rookie, and only the twelth player to amass three touchdown receptions in one quarter. The autograph signing was on Nov. 29th, which is also the day Joshua became a teenager!

Miss Elsie: 34 Bonadeo Cuddy Cabin 2011

Miss Elsie Drawing

At The Annapolis Power Boat Show with the Oasis Drawing in front of Miss Elsie

The Alliance Marine Booth at the Annapolis Power Boat Show featuring the Oasis Drawing in front of Miss Elsie

Miss Elsie is a custom built center console fishing boat. She was built by Larry Bonadeo of Bonadeo Boatworks in Stuart Florida. This summer I worked on Miss Elsie a few times. Alliance Marine Group whom I work for, showed her at the Annapolis Power Boat Show this fall. Joshua and I maintained five boats during the show, including Miss Elsie. Larry Bonadeo was present. This drawing was a commision by the owner of the boat.

Eric Potter 2011

The Eric Potter Drawing

The public unveil with Eric, his Mom and Dad, Joshua, Jacob, and myself

Eric inscribing the drawing for his parents

Eric and I with his parents drawing

In February of this year, I did a post entitled Potter Baseball Extravaganza. Baseball Coach and Author Jeff Potter contacted me a couple months ago to invited me to again display my drawings at another event. He also informed me that his son Eric, had just finished pitching his senior year for the Maryland Terrapins, and been signed by the Oakland A's. Coach Potter asked me to do a drawing of Eric for he and his wife Sheryl. Today was the event, and after Eric did the opening warm up with the boys, Coach Potter had me do an unveil with himself, my two sons, Sheryl and Eric. Everyone seemed pleased with the drawing, and I had Eric do an inscription on the drawing for his Mom and Dad. This was my first commission for a professional athlete, and I couldnt have done it for a finer family or young man! Good luck to Eric, and I cant wait to see him in the "Bigs".

Oasis 68' Viking Sport fishing Yacht 2011

Oasis Drawing- 22x30 BFK Rives paper

Transom

Entering Bay Bridge Marina

Release fighting Chair

I know this site is dedicated to sports figures, but since the major sports networks show hunting and fishing weekly, you may start seeing some of that here.

The Oasis is a yacht that I am associated with through my work. During Hurricane Irene, the vessel was brought into the Chesapeake Bay to ride out the storm at Bay Bridge Marina. I did some work on her then, and took photos to draw from.

Art Donovan 2011

Art Donovan Drawing

Art Donovan drawing in progress

Art Donovan Drawing in progress

Working on the drawing of Art

Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle: Art played for the Baltimore Colts during their back to back championships in 1958 and 59. He played in 5 straight Pro Bowls (54-58). Art was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

Previously in this blog (Feb. 2010), I did a Colts Hall of Fame drawing featuring four players including Art, from the 1958 Championship game, "The greatest game ever played". I was able to get that drawing autographed by all four Hall of fame players.

Last week I was discussing sports memorabilia with a new friend and admirer of my work. I told her I have what I believe is a unique autograph collection. All of my autographs are on drawings of the athletes that I actually create myself. She said she would like to see a drawing with just Art Donovan by himself. Well, DG, here it is. Hopefully someday soon I can get it autographed. Hope you like it! Thanks, Bards

Hope Solo 2011

Hope Solo Drawing

Hope Drawing in progress during the 2011 World Cup Finals

Goalkeeper for the United States Woman's National Soccer Team: Hope was the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. National Team that won the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This summer she was the starting keeper for the United States in the FIFA Woman's World Cup, held in Germany. The United States lost to Japan in a penalty shootout. Despite the loss, Hope recieved the "Golden Glove" award for the tournaments best goalkeeper. She also received the "Bronze Ball" award for overall performance, and was named to the tournaments All-Star team.

Doug Creek 2011

Doug Creek Autographed Drawing

Doug and Joshua at the Cal Ripken 12U State Tournament

Doug autographing my drawing

Retired Major League Left Handed Pitcher: Doug played professional baseball for fifteen years, and had a nine year major league career. Doug pitched in the MLB for the Cardinals, Giants, Cubs, Devil Rays, Tigers, Blue Jays, and Tigers. He also pitched one year on Japan for the Hanshin Tigers. Doug now retired lives in Maryland and instructs youth baseball. On his web site, he says, "I am from the old school and a firm believer in work ethic and commitment. If you desire to be your very best, I invite you to my facility and watch how little rascals become fine young men."

This weekend, Joshua is playing in the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth 12U State Tournament in La Plata, Maryand. Doug was the special guest speaker at the opening ceremony held last night. I enjoyed speaking to him last night and today at the baseball complex.

Rod Langway 2011

Rod Langway Drawing

Retired NHL Defenseman: Rod played in the NHL from 1977-1993. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadians in 1977, and won the Stanley Cup with them in the 78-79 season. Montreal traded him to the Washington Capitals for the 82-83 season. He remained there for 11 years, and was the Captain for all 11 years. Nicknamed "The Secretary of Defense", Rod won the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the NHL top Defenseman in back to back seasons (82 and 83). Rod was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002.

I have written before about my Pop and I going to Capitals games at the old Capital Center. Rod was one of our favorite players. "Hard working, never complaining, defense first, physical play and willing to get into a scrap or two." Rod was one of the last two players to not wear a helmet after the NHL made them mandatory. There was a "Grandfather Clause" that allowed him to do so.

The Kent Island Bay Times June 15,2011

The Bay Times Featuring Jacob and I

Jacob with "Precious Flower" at the Garden Show opening reception

In the last post, I featured the May show at KIFA. This month was the Garden show. Jacob got an honorable mention from Judge Sally Clark. The Bay Times featured both of us in the Arts section today.

Kent Island Federation of Arts 48th Annual Open Judged show 2011

1958 NFL Championship Drawing

Mates for Life Goose Drawing (Third place Amateur division)

Sunrise mallards Drawing

In May, I finally joined the Kent Island Federation of Arts. I entered these three pieces into the 48th Annual Open Judged Show. I was entered in the Amateur division, and my Mates for Life Goose drawing received third place from the judge Tilghman Hemsley. The Judges statement on the drawing was, "This piece is a beautiful study of nature and the artist is inventive and curious."

Cliff Lee 2011

Cliff Lee Drawing

Philadelphia Left Handed Pitcher: Cliff has pitched for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and is now with the Philadelphia Phillies for the second time. Cliff won the 2008 Cy Young Award with the Indians. He pitched in game 1 and 5 of the 2009 World Series for the Phillies, despite the team losing to the New York Yankees. He pitched in game 1 and 5 of the 2010 World Series for the Texas Rangers, despite the team losing to the San Francisco Giants.

I did this drawing to donate a print to the Berkshire Baseball Club in Pennsylvania. They contacted me after the Potter Baseball Extravaganza in February.

Al Bumbry, Mike Bielecki 2011

Al Bumbry Autographed Drawing

Al with Joshua

Al signing my drawing in the dugout

Baltimore Orioles Retired Outfielder: Al played 13 of his 14 years in the big leagues with the Orioles. He was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1973. He played with the Orioles in two World Series, including 1983 when they were Champions.

Mike Bielecki Autographed Drawing (His 1985 Rookie Card)

Mike with my drawing of his 1985 Rookie card

Mike Bielecki signing my drawing

Retired MLB Pitcher: Mike played for 5 teams over his 14 year MLB career. He pitched for the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series. He pitched for the Braves three separate times. Mike pitched an inning for the Angels in the Cal Ripken Jr.s' 2131 game where Cal broke Lou Gehrigs' record for consecutive games.

On Thursday April 21,2011 a freind of mine Gus Kaplanges who owns the Bay Bridge Batting Academy, hosted three spring break mini camps at Love Pt. Park where Joshua plays baseball, and I serve as Equipment Manager for his league.The guest Coaches were former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Al Bumbry, Baltimore native and former MLB pitcher Mike Bielecki, and Catching Coach from the Baltimore Baseball Club Rick Straub. Joshua and I arrived at Love Pt. Park at 8 am., and lined the field for the days events. We were joined shortly by Gus and the rest of the coaches. Joshua participated in the catching camp, and I with a few other guest coaches assisted the younger boys lead by Al Bumbry. After the clinics and an autograph session, Gus invited Joshua and I to lunch with Mike Bielecki. I sat for over an hour listening to Mike answer my questions about the big leagues. He told stories about pitching to Tony Pena, and playing for Bobby Cox. Between assisting Al in the clinic, and having lunch with Mike, it was like an MLB fantasy day for me!

Fourth Presbyterian Art Show

Dhani Jones Drawing

Mates for Life Drawing

My display at the Fourth Spring Festival

(my picture and bio, and drawings by Jacob and Joshua under my drawings)

Mom with the Dhani drawing

Mom and I at the Fourth Spring Festival

On April 9th, Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda Md. hosted its first Spring Festival to glorify God by bringing the community together in fellowship. An art show by people associated with the church was one of the attractions. My mom asked me to be a part. The first piece I chose to enter was my Mates for Life picture of geese. It is a larger piece and represents where I live. The other piece I entered was Dhani Jones. One of my Moms' good friends and fellow Deacons at Fourth is Dhani Jones mother. Dhani attended Fourth in his youth and relatives in addition to Mrs. Jones still attend there, and I met them at the show.

Matt Birk 2011

Matt Birk Drawing

Matt Birk Drawing in progress

Center for the Baltimore Ravens: Matt was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 NFL Draft. He has been to six Pro Bowls. He also started the HIKE Foundation for at risk children.

Potter Baseball Extravaganza Feb.13,2011

Coach Potter and I at the Extravaganza

Bardsley Sports Art set up at ISA

Jacob on the ISA turf in a players clinic

On Feb. 13,2011 Baseball Writer and Coach Jeff Potter held a Baseball Extravaganza at the Indoor Sports Arena of Stevensville. The day included clinics for players and coaches. Coach Potter did a book signing. Guest speakers included a running trainer, the head of an umpires association, and a former Orioles pitcher. Player clinics were run by Coach Potter, The 2011 Potter Tour players and coaches, The Orioles Advocates 60+ Team, and myself and fellow coaches from Kent Island Youth Baseball and Softball Club.

Coach Potter also asked me to be an exhibitor with my baseball drawings. Pictured above is the presentation wall that I built and table that I set up. The computer had a slide show of my other drawings and photos of athletes signing my drawings. This was the first public showing for Bardsley Sports Art, and I had a great day! A special thanks to Coach Potter for including me!!!!

www.potterbaseball.com

Steve Largent and Jim Zorn 2011

Steve Largent and Jim Zorn Drawing (autographed and inscribed by Steve)

Drawing in progress while the cat stays warm under the drawing light!

Jim Zorn is a retired NFL quarterback, and current quarterback coach: A left handed thrower, Jim was considered one of the most prolific scrambling quarterbacks of his time. He joined the expansion Seattle Seahawks in 1976 and played the first seven and a half seasons of his career there. That same year, he was named the AFC rookie of the year. He retired from playing in 1987. He spent two years as the head coach for the Washington Redskins, and this past season was Joe Flaccos' quarterback coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

Steve Largent is a retired NFL wide receiver: Steve was drafted in the 1976 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. After four pre season games, they were going to cut him, but got an eighth round draft pick for him from the expansion Seattle Seahawks. OOOPS! Steve spent 13 seasons with them, and when he retired, he had been to seven Pro Bowls. He also held the NFL record for most receptions (819), most receiving yards (13,089), most receiving touchdowns (100), and had the then current streak of 177 consecutive games with a reception. Steve was a U.S. Congressmen from 1994-2002, and was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1995.

In 2008, NFL Films voted Largent and Zorn as the number ten pass catch combination of all time. They were also the first two players inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor.

My father is friends with someone who works on Capital Hill with Steve Largent, and had him autograph and put his Hall of Fame inscription on my drawing.