Back in 2003 I read an article in the New York Times about an exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum that showcased the history of baseball related art. Turns out the exhibit was inspired by the amazing works that appeared the book, The Perfect Game: America Looks at Baseball. I purchased the book, visited the museum and forever changed the way I approached art.

The work that inspired me most was that of George Sosnak, a minor league umpire, who used india inks to decorate over 800 baseballs. The art was intricate, and yet very raw. Perfect only in its simplicity. That was the first time I felt like I could be an artist. After visiting the exhibit, I must have picked up the book 20 times to look at Sosnak's unique craftmanship. Seeing it gave me the passion and confidence to try it myself.

So I set off to Pearl Paints, got all the supplies, and went to work on my first ball. I must say it was much more difficult than I thought. Drawing and painting on a flat canvas can be difficult, never mind a leather baseball. I spent most of 2003 and 2004 working with India inks, and just getting used to this new medium. I had some successes, and some failures, but wasn't sold yet on the finished product.

Then, in late 2004, I saw a painted baseball for sale on ebay, by Joe Raguckas. I struck up an e-mail conversation and Joe, who had once met George Sosnak, turned me on to using acrylics. "It'll change how you paint," he swore, and so it did. Since then I have completed nearly 30 baseballs, mainly because I have been so pleased with the results of my work, and the enthusiastic reception I get when sharing them with others. Which brings me to this site that has been created to share my craft easily with others.

Recently I have come in contact with another baseball painter named Monty Sheldon. His artwork is simply amazing, and he has helped me tremendously, both with tips and techniques, and through his work, inspiring me to do my best. His artwork can be seen here: www.montysheldon.com

That is pretty much it, I hope you enjoy your visit.