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" Cornish "
This is a 22" x 28" Acrylic on Canvas painting of Jon Cornish - Calgary Stampeders Running Back
Original Signed by Jon Cornish
During a game in Calgary against the BC lions, I was on the sideline with my camera in search of my next art project.
Like all football fans in Canada, I watched Cornish carry the ball all game long As that particular play ended and Jon made his way back to the sideline I started to walk towards him. By the time I got close I noticed that he had taken off his helmet and placed it on the bench beside him.
At that moment I thought well, I am creating a painting of a player with his helmet flipped on top of his head. Then why not do a portrait of a player without his helmet.
As I focussed on Jon, he put his hands on his hips, he looked at me and then gazed into the crowd above me. I took 2 shots of him. I put my camera down and we both nodded at each other.
I was waiting for him to put his helmet back on so that I could continue to shoot. As he reached for his helmet, more players stood in between him and I.
by Joe Versikaitis
By the time I could get another glimpse of him through my camera, he had already put his helmet on, turned, walked towards the sideline and stood waiting for his turn to go on.I guess I lost the moment to get a close up of Jon with his helmet on. After the game, I was praying all the way back home in hopes that at least one of those 2 shots was a gooder! In this painting I wanted to show a blurred out McMahon Stadium behind Jon. Also, like so many of my other pieces, I wanted to show an unfinished element by leaving parts of the drawing showing on the canvas.
Because of the work that I do my photography is a huge tool in what I do. I want to create using the best and detail photos that I can use. The pose doesn't have to be there because I can manipulate that but I need the detail on the face. I need to see the hairs on their eye brows if you will. The ressst of the body I have equipment and jerseys to help with the creation of the rest of the piece.
To me as an artist it is this individual frame in time and a moment in Cornish's life that I wish to capture in this painting. To render that pose forever....
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If you have any questions on the this or any other paintings please click 'contact' and we will be happy to provide you with any information we can.
Thank you and I really appreciate your visit. I hope you enjoy viewing and reading about " Cornish "
Joe Versikaitis
Photos for this painting were taken by Joe Versikaitis
All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited
Cornish signs painting April 17, 2015
Because the Stampeders purchased the painting I had to paint over the signature. But the memories will live on.
A huge Thank You to the Calgary Stampeders for promoting my sport art on the September 17, 2016 game against the Ottawa Red Blacks!!!
I am very honoured to have my sport art as a part of the Jon Cornish ceremonies!... Pretty cool experience!
Video http://www.calgarysun.com/video/stamps-honour-jon-cornish-on-legacy-day/5130034720001
Media release Video on presentation
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