cincysportsart.com -- LeBron James

		Well, after about 2 years or more of painting with acrylics, I'm trying oil painting for the first time. And, what better subject, than Lebron James for my first oil painting? It's a really big canvas (24x36), so I'm not sure how long it's going to take. Hopefully it will go smoothly and I'll learn more and more everytime I paint with oils. At left you can see some pre-paint drawing I did, with the picture I'm using to paint, next to it. Being such a big canvas, it was definitely an adventure trying to draw everything out. At right, is another picture of the pre-drawing. It's a bit closer, so you can get an idea of the detail I put into the drawing. Makes it all the more easy to paint, so it's worth it.
		These 2 pictures are essentially the same -- although the one on the right is a bit brighter, showing more contrast to the painting I've already done. As you can see, I've added only the background so far. Since it's my first venture into oil painting, I'm just going with a plain black background. It's definitely a change using oil paints instead of acrylic paints -- the oil paints flow much easier, and just from painting the background, I can tell how much easier it's going to be to mix colors. I'm excited to start painting the rest of the remaining parts soon! So, check back often, as I'll hopefully be adding more and more pictures of this work in the upcoming weeks.
		I'm amazed how well oil paints flow together. And, since oil paints don't dry nearly as quickly as acrylics do, it gives me time to work details into each and every aspect of the painting. But, as you can tell, I've started painting at the bottom right -- seeing as I'm left-handed and all. It makes it easier to avoid getting paint all over myself. I've got a nice start going with Ben Wallace's legs, and started adding some color to Rip Hamilton's left arm, and face. I still need to go back and blend the colors on Wallace's legs, but it's a good start, and I'm confident that oil painting will dominate my medium of choice in the future.
		After adding the color to Wallace's legs and part of Hamilton, I decided to get started on Ben Wallace's shorts and Hamilton's jersey. So, I added the blue base color and then started adding the highlights and shadows to give everything some depth. With my new digital camera nearby, I'll be taking quite a few pictures of this work in-progress, so hopefully you'll be able to see step-by-step my painting evolving into another finished work in my private collection.
		Here, I've added more shading to Hamilton's arms, face and uniform. The picture at left, is basically the bottom 3rd of the painting, and was just to show a closer look at Wallace's shorts and Hamilton's face and uniform. In the picture on the right, you can see I've added most of the shading and color to LeBron's legs, and also added the stripe that runs down the sides of his jersey and shorts. In both pictures I've also added the red stripe that runs down Wallace's shorts.
		For all intensive purposes, the picture at left, is almost identical to the picture just above and to the right. However, the picture at right, shows the new additions I've made. I've added some base color to the rim, Wallace's right arm, started adding Hamilton's numbers and "Detroit" to the front of his jersey, and also put LeBron's logo on his shorts, as well as the logo on Wallace's shorts. The painting is really starting to come together, and I couldn't be happier with the way oil painting is going thus far.
		Again, like before, this is a close-up of the lower 3rd of the painting. Again, also, to show the details of Hamilton, and the other elements I've nearly finished in this area of the painting. The photo at right shows some progress I've made lately -- adding some color and detail to Wallace's left arm, as well as adding some base color to the backboard and rim, and also the basketball, and LeBron's left arm. You can click on the picture to see it in more detail. Enjoy!
		Here, I've added a bit more color to Wallace's right arm, and have started to put some detail into Wallace's face and afro -- which rocks I might add. I was disappointed to see his hair in braids the other day. I miss Wallace's old school 'fro. Anyways, as you can see, I've added a few more pictures, so here's some talkie talkie to go with them. Here, I've added a bit more shading to some of Wallace's arms and his uniform. No big changes here, just some small adjustments.
		Here, as I'm sure you may see, I've started to add some of the detailed elements of the backboard/glass, and all the supports involved with it. I've also started to add some shading and shape to the basketball. I only need to add a few last parts to Hamilton, and finish up Wallace and then it will be onto Mr. James' details. With the limited time to work on my painting of late, this painting hasn't progressed as quickly as I'd hoped it would, but all in good time I guess. But, I'm off on a tangent. The picture, at right, is just a closer version of the picture to it's left. Shows a bit more detail is all.
		Well, I've finally added some new pictures...sorry for the delay, but I've been very busy lately, and haven't been painting as much as I'd like. But, have no fear, I'm back at it again and should be hammering this painting out in no time! Don't forget to click on the pictures to get a closer look. As you can see here with these 2 pictures, I've started to add more detail to LeBron, and have "basically" finished the Ben Wallace portion of the painting. It's essentially on to "King James" to finish things up.
		These 2 are, for the most part, the same as the picture above to it's left. It's nearing more and more the completed stage and I'm very excited to see how it turns out. I'm still working on trying to get Mr. James to sign my painting for me, but thus far, the Cavs aren't returning letters or e-mails to me. But, so it goes I guess. But, until I add more pictures, enjoy what I've got here!!
		Ah, finally. The picture at left, is just prior to putting on the finishing touches. The picture at right is after I've put some final strokes on the canvas, and "re-done" the background. Overall, I'm very happy with how it turned out -- took a little longer than I would have liked, but then again, it was my first venture into oil painting.
		And, the final 2 pictures of the painting I'll be adding to this page -- unless of course I get it framed sometime soon. Then, I'll be sure to add the very final product. I had hoped by this time, that I would have made arrangements with the Cleveland Cavaliers to have LeBron James autograph my painting for me. Or, at the very least, thought I would have received a response to my many attempts inquiring about having 'Bron sign my painting. Oh well, I guess he's still limiting his autographs so he doesn't "flood the market" and decrease his signing value...cause he needs the $ right? Anyways, as of right now, this painting is available for purchase. So, if you're interested in purchasing this one-of-a-kind oil painting, feel free to contact me at : yoder@cincysportsart.com

Since this painting is still very much a work in progress, I've yet to settle on a title. So, that in mind, I'm gonna request everyone's help in naming this painting. If you have a grand idea of a name/title for this painting, e-mail me, and I'll choose the best one -- or just choose my own. Hey, it's my painting and my website, I have editorial power here folks. Anyways, I'd still love to hear some ideas for my new LeBron James painting!

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