Kyle and Chase 2012

 Chase Drawing

 Kyle Drawing

 Working on the Kyle Drawing

 Working on the Chase Drawing

Chase in progress

Kyle in progress

Kyle and Chase are the sons of a private collector of my work. He now owns nine of my originals, including these two. He commissioned me to do these drawings for his wife for Valentines Day. Kyle and my son Jacob played together on the recreation league team that I assistant coached last season. I also attended the game, and actually shot the photo of Chase that I used for the drawing. 

Gary "Kid" Carter 1954-2012

Gary "Kid" Carter Tribute Drawing

Tribute drawing in progress

Gary's eyes in progress

Remembering Gary "Kid" Carter

Gary Carter Drawing 1986

Inscribed Gary Carter Player Card

"Stephen, Great drawing! You could probably send me the copy at Shea. Take care & God Bless. Gary Carter"

 Gary "Kid" Carter and these pictures were the very first entry on this Blog Site. Gary passed away yesterday. At the age of 57, he finally lost a battle with malignant brain tumors. Last Friday a very close personal friend of mine also passed away from malignant brain tumors. Both of these men were strong Christians and true men of God. I know where they are now, and they are both in perfect health. I look forward to seeing them again someday, as I know they will both be on my welcoming committee. It is still hard to lose heroes!

Justin Tuck, Super Bowl Champion 2012

Justin Tuck Drawing

Justin Tuck Drawing in progress

New York Giants Defensive End: Justin played his college ball at Notre Dame. The Giants chose Justin in the 2005 NFL Draft. He has been a two time Pro Bowler, two time All Pro, and has won two Super Bowls (XLII, XLVI). On Feb.5th, in Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Justin scored a first quarter safety on an intentional grounding penalty by quarterback Tom Brady.

Despite being  born in north west New Jersey, I unlike my father and all my in-laws also from north Jersey, had never become a Giants or Jets fan. My family moved to the San Francisco bay area when I was two, and I became a childhood 49ers fan. I am now a die hard Ravens fan, but have also rekindled my interest in the 49ers. This season however, just prior to the playoffs, I watched a bow hunting show featuring Justin hunting in south Texas. Like myself, Justin is quite the bow hunter and avid outdoors man. During the Super Bowl, I saw him wearing an interesting unusual custom face mask. Seemed like enough of a reason to draw him, so here it is.

Patrick Willis 2012

Patrick Willis Drawing

An hour into the drawing

About three hours into the drawing

San Francisco 49ers Inside Linebacker: Patrick played his college ball at The University of Mississippi. While in his senior year at Ole Miss, Patrick received the Butkas Award, and the Jack Lambert Award, both presented to the nations top linebacker of the year. In the 2007 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Patrick eleventh in the first round. Patrick has received Pro Bowl and All Pro honors all five years that he has been in the NFL. This year in ESPN's pre season poll, Patrick was voted the leagues best inside linebacker. They said, "Even 12 time Pro Bowler Ray Lewis, the dominant linebacker of his era, pointed to Willis as a worthy successor to his undisputed reign."

Hall of Famer Mike Singletary said, "I've coached two of the greatest linebackers, one that has already proven to be one of the greatest, and one who will prove to be," referring to Lewis and Willis.

Frank Gore 2012

Frank Gore Drawing

San Francisco 49er Running Back: Frank played his college ball at The University of Miami. He was selected by San Francisco in the 2005 NFL Draft. On Dec. 4,2011 against the St. Louis Rams, Frank became the 49ers all time leading rusher. This was his fifth season with over 1,000 yards rushing, and he has been to 3 pro bowls (06,09,11).

I finished this and posted this drawing during halftime of the NFC Championship game between the 49ers and the New York Giants. The Giants are winning 10-7. Stay Tuned!!!!!

Niners lose by an overtime field goal set up by a 49er fumble on a punt deep in their own territory.

Frank has the same birthday as Jacob, May 14.

Vernon Davis 2012

Vernon Davis Drawing

San Francisco 49ers Tight End: Vernon was drafted by the 49ers in the 2006 NFL Draft, in the first round, sixth overall. Vernon played his college ball at University of Maryland. As a Terp his teammates nicknamed his "Cyborg".

This past Sunday as mentioned in the Alex Smith post, the 49ers played the New Orleans Saints in a divisional playoff game. The 49ers won on a touchdown pass from Smith to Davis with nine seconds left on the clock. That was Vernon's second touchdown of the game. He finished that game with seven receptions for 180 yards, a playoff record for a tight end.

Not only was Vernon a Mayland Terrapin, but while there he was a studio art major. He and I also share the same Birthday, January 31st.

Local Press Jan.4 and Jan.13,2012

Jan.13 Star Democrat Photo by Doug Bishop

Jan.4 Bay Times Photo by Doug Bishop

Enlarged Photo

The Jan. 4thBay Times, and the Jan.13th Star Democrat, featured an articles about the Art Donovan event from the previous post. The bottom photograph is of Art Donovan, Joshua, and I.

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.