
Satchel Paige Delivers
2007 Oil on Paper w/ found objects and wood 36 x 85 Collection of the Negro Southern Leagues Museum |
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This work represents the first large scale painting I did in this series. Wanting the smooth surface and ‘speed’ of the museum board that I had been accustomed to while doing the small works, I chose to use printmaking paper for my surface for this oil painting. The original work is a full-size portrait over 7 feet tall so I could embed real baseballs in the painting and, simply, because I felt it was time to go larger.
Paige, after all, was a giant of the game and is the most recognizable name in black baseball. The work has an energy and playfulness to it (the balls are all marked with the names of his signature pitches), yet the expression on his face indicates he’s all business (at least when it counted).
Paige, after all, was a giant of the game and is the most recognizable name in black baseball. The work has an energy and playfulness to it (the balls are all marked with the names of his signature pitches), yet the expression on his face indicates he’s all business (at least when it counted).