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Posts Tagged ‘pencil’
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
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This “pencil” piece is “The Three Ubertis.” Uberti is a gun manufacturer based in Italy. They specialize in the making of fine “Western Vintage Firearms,” and are favorites of many collectors and shooters.
Pencil on heavy-weight illustration board.
Edition of 250.
Original donated to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center 2004 Art Auction, Cody, WY–Private Collection.
Measures: 12″ x 18″
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The Three Ubertis took over 100 hours to complete over a 10 day period. Click on the first photo below to start the slideshow.
Tags: guns, pencil, Western Art
Posted in Works In Progress | No Comments »
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
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This is Hall of Famer, Ernie Stauter. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1950 to 1963. After retiring as a player, Stautner joined the Dallas Cowboys as an Assistant Coach. He helped coach the team to two Super Bowl titles in 1971 and 1977. Stautner is credited with developing some of the greatest defensive lineman in Cowboy’s history, including Randy White and Ed “Too Tall” Jones. Stautner also served as an Assistant with the Steelers, Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos.
This is a photograph of Ernie and Pittsburgh Steeler Owner, Dan Rooney the day his #70 jersey was retired. He is the only Steeler to have that honor.
Here is day one. This is an 11″ x 14″ portrait done in pencil. Here is the piece as it laid on my drawing desk. This shows my heavy-weight illustration board taped off. You can see the reference photo that I worked from along with my German Faber-Castell 4B, 6B and 8B drawing pencils, kneaded eraser and blending stick.
Here is a close-up of the first day’s work.
This is day two.
Day three.
Day four.
Day five. Here I am removing the drafting tape from the final. This gives the piece a very clean edge.
Here is the final. The dark background took hours of drawing to achieve. I used a soft stick of charcoal. I draw it in then rub the charcoal with a soft tissue. It takes several layers to get the area dark enough until I am satisfied with the results.
This is the Rooney Collector Card that I created from my original pencil drawing. All the card elements are created on my MAC computer using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The cards are printed in California in a limited edition run of only 1000.
Thanks for looking! Stay tuned, there are many more of my works in progress to come.
Denny
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Tags: ernie stautner, pencil, Steelers
Posted in Works In Progress | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Before you scroll on down to see my Steeler pieces, I want to post this commission piece requested by Art Rooney, Jr, son of Art Rooney, Sr. This one is special, to say the least. This is Hall of Famer, Art Rooney, Sr., aka “The Chief.” Recently Art Rooney Jr. has written one fantastic book about the life and times of his father and the Rooney Family. It is titled “Ruanaidh.” The strange-looking title (pronounced Ru-ah-nee) is the Gaelic word for Rooney. This is a “ten-years in-the-making” masterpiece! Many of my Steeler portraits are printed though out this 483 page book. The inside cover art is graced by several fantastic portraits that have been done of “The Chief.” In the group, there are several portraits from my predecessor, the late, great Merv Corning, a fantastic local Pittsburgh artist, Dino Guarino, the famous sports artist LeRoy Neiman and lastly Art Rooney Jr’s cousin, Kathy Rooney, (http://www.krooney.net/) who is not only laid out the whole piece, but has her great portrait of “The Chief” included as well. What an honor to have been asked to have my work appear in such fine, fine company. I am truly humbled.
This is my pencil version of Art Rooney, Jr’s father, “The Chief.” – Denny
Art Rooney, Jr. |
Here is the link to the Art Rooney, Jr. website: http://www.artrooneyjr.com/
Outside Cover |
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Inside Sleeve |
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Tags: art rooney jr, art rooney sr, pencil, Steelers
Posted in Steelers | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Dan Rooney has spent 50-plus seasons in various capacities with the family-owned Steelers. He was appointed team president in 1975. He has implemented a philosophy and management style that emphasizes open, practical and efficient management. Dan joins father Art Rooney, Sr. as the second father-son combination in the Hall of Fame. He was an integral part of one of the modern era’s most successful franchises, and has helped guide the Pittsburgh Steelers to six Super Bowls. As of 2009, Dan has taken the prestigious position as the Ambassador to Ireland. Dan’s son Art Rooney II has now taken over the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers. |
Tags: daniel m rooney, pencil, Steelers
Posted in Steelers | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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This is Troy Polamalu. To date, this is the highest profile commission that I have had to do. For some of you “Die-hard Steeler Fans,” you already know who Troy Polamalu is. For those of you who do not, Troy is one of the hardest working, most talented players to play the game of football. He just re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Troy was the 16th overall choice in the draft a few years ago. He received a five-year, $8.275 million contract. There is also a total of $3.2 million in performance incentives over the course of the contract that could push the potential value to $11.475 million! This makes him the highest paid strong safety in the entire league! In my opinion, no one deserves this more than this young man. Visually, there is no mistaking #43 on the field and no one covers a playing field like Troy, no one!
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Leigh and I had the opportunity to interview Aaron Smith. He is a “gentleman’s gentleman.” We did an interview with him back in the first week of June when I was asked by the “Steeler Front Office” to draw and paint Troy’s portrait first to hang in the up-coming 75th Steeler Anniversary Show at the John Heinz History Museum. This is first of two sets of portraits that I am scheduled to do of Troy. This first piece is being drawn from one fantastic photograph that I bought from a national image source company. The photograph was taken last year at Denver’s Stadium. As I scanned through hundreds of photos of Troy, I knew the very second that I laid eyes on this shot, it was “THE” one! Those who have seen this so far say he has all the looks of a “Warrior.” I totally agree… he is the “Steel Warrior,” as Leigh calls him.
Oil Painting Measures: 18″ x 24″
Oil painting has been sold – NFL Hall Of Fame, Canton, Ohio
Pencil Measures: 10″ x 16″
Pencil study has been sold – John Heinz History Museum, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Tags: painting, pencil, Steelers, troy polamalu
Posted in Steelers | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Here are the three Russell pieces. The first being the “traditional oil” of Andy. The size is 16″ x 20″. The original was painted on Masonite. Secondly, is the “collector card” for Mr. Rooney’s collection of former “Steeler Greats.” Not only is this art used for on the collector cards, it was also enlarged to poster size for future prints. Lastly is the “pencil study” which is 12″ x 16″.
The 16th round draft choice, Andy Russell #34, began his NFL career as an outside linebacker and was one of the few “Steeler warriors” who actually stuck it out in the early days to witness and play a huge role in the formation and ultimate success of the famous “Steel Curtain” defense that led the Steelers into two consecutive Super Bowl Championships in the 1974 and 1975 seasons. That same stick-to-it-ness in football led Russell to phenomenal success in the business world when he opened and managed an investment firm, even as he was still playing football. Russell credits his successes to his talented teammates and business associates. Russell’s $1,000 per game “rookie” salary seemed like a fortune back in 1974 but he was talented and savvy enough to diversify his business talents and money in other venues that led to his business success off the field as well.
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Russell’s first stint during the early 60′s with the Steelers led to many lost games so much so that the team was referred to as “S.O.S. – Same Old Steelers.” Fans simply expected “more of the same” after years of defeat. Russell left the Steelers briefly in 1964 briefly and after a tour of duty in the military, Russell returned in 1966 and persevered with the team until the 1974 season for a “new game and new look,” the new look that led the Steelers down the path of Champions earning the team a new respect and status from its fans and the entire NFL.
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Over the course of Russell’s 12-year career as a Steeler, he made Pro Bowl selection seven times, was named the Steeler MVP in 1971, was the Steelers’ team captain for 10 years (1967-1976) and was credited with a two-time consecutive Super Bowl Championship in 1974 and 1975. “One for the thumb” had special meaning to this “true to the heart” Steeler player and fan when the Pittsburgh Steelers were led into their 5th Super Bowl Championship in 2006. In recent years, Russell authored two well-received books, A Steeler Odyssey (1998) and An Odd Steelers Journey (2002).
http://www.andyrussell.org/
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Tags: andy russell, painting, pencil, Steelers
Posted in Steelers | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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There have been numerous instances in NFL history where a very good player is overlooked because he toils for a very bad team. This, however, was not the case for Ernie Stautner.
During his 14-year career, all with the Steelers, Stautner never played for a winning team. He did, however, have no problem gaining attention for his stellar play. Undersized for a defensive lineman, Stautner was incredibly persistent and tough as nails. He would beat on a player until he would eventually wear him down.
Though Stautner never won any championships with the Steelers, he made enough of an impact to be selected Pro Bowl 9 times and be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969, his first year of eligibility.
A native of Bavaria, Stautner emigrated to Albany, N.Y. at the age of three. He later served in the Marines before embarking on a career as a professional football player.
Throughout his playing career, which spanned 14 years, Stautner played in nine Pro Bowls and missed just six games. He remains the only player in Steelers franchise history to have his jersey number retired and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1969.
Though Stautner never won any championships with the Steelers, he made enough of an impact to be selected Pro Bowl 9 times and be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969, his first year of eligibility.
A native of Bavaria, Stautner emigrated to Albany, N.Y. at the age of three. He later served in the Marines before embarking on a career as a professional football player.
Throughout his playing career, which spanned 14 years, Stautner played in nine Pro Bowls and missed just six games. He remains the only player in Steelers franchise history to have his jersey number retired and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1969.
Drafted out of Boston College in the third-round in 1950, Stautner was a member of the Steelers long before their dominance in the 1970s. Though he played at just 6 feet 1 inch, 230 pounds, Stautner retired as the NFL leader in safeties and ranked third in fumble recoveries. While undersized for his position, Stautner was known around the league for his blue collar work ethic and non-stop energy.
“Ernie’s physical and relentless style of play helped the Steelers earn a reputation for being one of the NFL’s toughest teams in the 1950s,” Rooney said. “He was undersized for his position, but his strength and power were among his greatest assets.”
After retiring as a player, Stautner joined the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant coach. He helped coach the team to two Super Bowl titles in 1971 and 1977. Stautner is credited with developing some of the greatest defensive lineman in Cowboy’s history, including Randy White and Ed “Too Tall” Jones. Stautner also served as an assistant with the Steelers, Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos.
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Tags: ernie stautner, pencil, Steelers
Posted in Steelers | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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My next player portrait is NFL Hall of Famer, “Bullet” Bill Dudley. Bill played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1942, 1945 and 1946. Bill served in the Army in 1943 and 1944. Believe or not, Bill Dudley is still with us! He is in his nineties! Mr. Rooney said that he still as “sharp as a tack.” The portrait is a graphite measuring 11″ x 16″.
The Hall of Fame supplied me with a high-res photograph of the official “Hall of Fame” ring which I photoshopped Bill’s name and his position on to it. Bill Dudley was a “Hall of Fame” Halfback, but he played many positions on the defense and as a kick returner.
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Tags: bill dudley, pencil, Steelers
Posted in Steelers | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
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This is a “pencil” of Black Bear, Chief. Black Bear was an important chief of the Northern Arapahoe. The reference photo used was taken by Frank A. Rinehart in 1899.
Reference photos made available by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, WY.
Pencil on heavy-weight illustration board.
Edition of 250.
Original is available. $600.00
Inquire today about purchasing the original. Call 307-899-2052 or email info@karchnerwesternart.com
Measures: 8″ x 10.5″ |
Tags: native american, pencil, Western Art
Posted in Western Art, Western Pencil Illustrations | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
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Plenty Coups was a Crow chief and visionary leader. He allied Crow with the whites when the war for the West was being fought, because the Sioux and Cheyenne (who were opposing white settlement of the area) were the traditional enemies of the Crow. Plenty Coups had also had a vision when he was very young that non-Native people would ultimately take control of his homeland (Montana), so he always felt that cooperation would benefit his people much more than opposition.
One of his famous quotes is: “Education is your greatest weapon. With education you are the white man’s equal, without education you are his victim and so shall remain all of your lives. Study, learn, help one another always. Remember there is only poverty and misery in idleness and dreams – but in work there is self respect and independence.”
He very much wanted the Crow to continue as a people and their customs and spiritual beliefs to carry on. His efforts on their behalf ensured that this happened.
He was the principal chief of the Mountain Crows, or the Apsáalooke, of the Crow Nation.
Photographic reference was provided by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, portrait reference photograph taken by Edward S. Curtis.
Pencil on heavy-weight illustration board.
Edition of 250.
Original available. $3,000
Inquire today about purchasing the original. Call 307-899-2052 or email info@karchnerwesternart.com
Measures: 12″ x 18″ |
Tags: native american, pencil, Western Art
Posted in Western Art, Western Pencil Illustrations | No Comments »
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