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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Steeler Digest
Denny’s artwork and painting of former Pittsburgh Steeler, Andy Russell’s new book makes the latest issue of the Steeler Digest. In the article, Andy discusses his newest book titled “Beyond The Goalpost,” a tribute to his history-making relationship with the Steelers and their fans throughout his career. What an honor to share his legacy through his art!

Steeler Digest article featuring Andy Russell's book

Visit the Steeler Digest website.



Monday, June 14th, 2010
L.C. Greenwood
L.C. Greenwood was part of the four Super Bowl teams from the 1970’s. He was also one of the original Steel Curtain members. L. C. was a 10th-round draft choice out of Arkansas AM&N in 1969 and became a starter in 1971 when he led the team in QB sacks with 8-1/2, the first of four times he accomplished this feat. He was second on the Steelers career sack list with 73-1/2. He was exceptionally quick and at 6′ 6-1/2″ was very difficult to block and with DT Joe Greene and LB Jam Ham formed an impregnable left side of the Steel Curtain. L. C. was a great big game player in Supper Bowl IX against Minnesota where he knocked down three of Fran Tarkenton’s passes. In Super Bowl X, he sacked Roger Staubach three times. Greenwood was named to the 1970’s NFL Team of Decade and was voted to more all NFL teams in the 1970’s than any other DE. L. C. was named to the Pro Bowl 6 times, a member of the 75th Silver Anniversary Super Bow Team, spent 13 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 16 times.

L.C. was often seen sitting along the Steeler bench with the infamous towel over his head. But the thing that really made L.C. as a stand out other than his shear tenacity on the field was his Steeler gold shoes! You could pick him out anywhere on the playing field. By the NFL rules, a player cannot wear anything other than the team issued shoes. L.C. told me, back in the day, Nike paid the fines so he could wear those famous shoes.

This is a commission piece that I did for Art Rooney, Jr., owner of the Steelers. Here is a photograph at the luncheon that Mr. Rooney had for L.C. and I. It was at the famous Piccolina’s Italian Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Mr. Rooney unveiled my new portraits of L.C. and Donnie Shell.

Mr. Rooney, Denny Karchner and L.C. Greenwood

The painting was made into a collector card which is a limited edition of 1000.

L.C. Greenwood

The painting is traditional oils on Museum-grade Ampersand, Gessobord Masonite. The overall size is 16″ x 20″.

This piece is SOLD.



Friday, February 26th, 2010

Awhile back I have the extreme privilege of meeting a fellow artist, Charles Ott. He creates some of the tightest pen and inks I have ever seen. Charles is from Pittsburgh. His subjects are the famous structures and landscapes of the “Burgh.” Charles just approached me about featuring my artwork on his website “Steel City Artist Illustrations.” Please check it out and while your there, do yourself a favor and check his work. You won’t be sorry!

A “big thanks” Charles!

Denny

Steel City Artist



Monday, October 19th, 2009
Beyond the Goalpost

View the painting writeup »

In October 2009, Denny had the privilege of creating all the cover graphics for former Pittsburgh Steeler, Andy Russell’s new book titled Beyond The Goalpost. Denny’s oil painting of Andy was featured along with a photograph of Three Rivers Stadium taken by photographer, David B. King from Washington D.C. The foreword was written by the famous Hall of Fame member, running back and former Pittsburgh Steeler, Franco Harris.

The back cover features this famous photograph of Former Steeler Linebackers, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Andy Russell. This photograph was taken to showcase what is still an NFL Record. These three linebackers went to 24 Pro Bowls!

Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Andy Russell

This is Andy’s third book. The inside front cover flap reads in his own words:

Andy has always been attracted to athletic challenge, adventure and possibly even danger. In this book Andy tries to understand what it was that drove him as a young child, and to recall who were his mentors and especially ask himself why he was so driven to pursue what many would consider dangerous sporting activities – for example: professional football, mountain climbing, wilderness canoeing, cave exploring, and scuba diving.

In some ways this book could be considered a biography as Andy tries to tell his children, grandchildren, dear friends and the Steelers Nation (fans/readers) how he thinks about life, how lucky he has been, and what a positive influence they have all been. If one can write his legacy this book would be his attempt to understand himself.

Andy explains how football has been such a primary force in his life and he has included many stories about the Steelers amazing transformation from a consistent loser in the 60’s to the incredibly successful 70’s. Football also provided Andy with the opportunity to travel around the world five years in a row, giving football clinics, making motivational speeches and personal appearances. During those trips he and his partner Sam Zacharias pursued their investment business, finding investors on the other side of our planet. Andy describes how he feels forever blessed to have had such an opportunity, all brought about by his football experience.

Andy Russell

Beyond The Goalpost is preceded by A Steeler Odyssey published in 1998 and followed by An Odd Steeler Journey three years later.



Monday, October 19th, 2009

Denny has been invited to show two of his pieces of artwork for the 2009 Annual Alumni Show at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Denny’s two pieces of art are the original oil painting of former Pittsburgh Steeler, Andy Russell and a pencil study of Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Steeler, “Bullet” Bill Dudley. Both pieces are on loan by Art Rooney, Jr., owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

View Andy Russel artwork »

View Bill Dudley artowrk »

The dates of the show will be from October 5th through November 27th, 2009 and the reception will be held on Friday, November 20th in the evening.

AIP Logo



Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Thank you for visiting us. I hope you enjoy my newly redesigned website. We have taken great care to showcase all of my work. Please take a look around and let us know what you think!

Be sure to register on my blog to keep up with new additions, tutorials, and general news. It’s free, easy and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Humbly yours,
Denny Karchner




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