What do you want to do?

Everyday I want to get better, be better at what it is that I do. Better painter, better illustrator, better husband, better father, better son, brother, friend, etc. Not an uncommon aspiration - throughout my life I have been a sucker for self help and motivational writers and speech makers. Seth Godin is my man right now and Seth has developed a course "Move Up" to motivate freelancers to - well, move up in the world. Define and go for what you want. His first assignment is to answer the following questions and to answer them publicly. Hence the reason for my post. Here goes -

Q1. What do you want to do?
Q2. Who do you want to change and how do you want to change them?
Q3. How much are you willing to risk (scale 1-10) to make the change you seek?
Q4. How much work are you willing to do to get there?
Q5. Does this project matter enough to justify the risk and effort you are putting into it?
Q6. Is it possible?

A1. I want to create remarkable art. Definition of remarkable - :  worthy of being remarked or likely to be noticed especially as being uncommon or extraordinary. That is what I want to do. Specifically I want to create images of sports figures and music, movie, and tv icons. I want to have my work published in Sports Illustrated and other such national print media. I want to master the art of painting and continue to improve my drawing skills every day. I want to create art that people are compelled to own. To do this I must become a master at my craft.

A2. I want to change the people that like my art into a tribe that can't get enough and can't wait to see what is next. I want them to be moved to laugh, to remark, or to remember. 

A3. Well I figure 10 is life or death, 9 is probably risking limbs or at least digits - so I'll say I am an 8.

A4. I work 10-12 hours a day now. Although not always with a singular purpose or big picture in mind. I admit to sometimes doing busy work. This course is providing a new spark and I feel the excitement of a clear direction and defined focus.

A5. I think it does. It certainly gives me a sense of purpose and I hope my work will be enjoyed by many for years and years to come

A6. Yes it's possible. 

The Wizard

#1 Ozzie Smith - "The Wizard" - 9" x 12" acrylic on paper. Was there any doubt. Ozzie was an acrobat at shortstop and one of my all-time favorites. 1978 was near the beginning of TBS and every Atlanta Braves game was on TV. And if a game was on - we watched it. That was Smith's rookie season with the Padres and they hosted the Braves 10 games into the season. Jeff Boroughs came to the plate in the 4th and hit a ground ball up the middle, Ozzie went to his left and made what I think is the greatest infield play in baseball history. As Smith dives to make the stop - the ball takes a bad hop - and in mid-air Ozzie reaches back with his bare hand - snags it, gets to his feet and throws out Jeff Burroughs. It was and is the most unbelievable thing I have ever seen on a baseball field. Other number ones of note - Richie Ashburn, Pee Wee Reese (one of my Dad's favs) and Garry Templeton (who the Cards traded for Ozzie). Atlanta players who wore #1 - Otis Nixon (who made a great catch of his own) and who could forget, Oddibe "young again" McDowell.

Well there you have it. 30 of my favorite players of all-time by the numbers. Stay tuned for how you can purchase one of these original. I hope you enjoyed it - I had a good time. I'll share more of the process soon, give you my thoughts on this series, what I learned, and what is next. 

Thanks to everyone for all the likes, kind comments, and interaction. 

We are at the end of the series and that means Cards and Cubs kick off the 2015 season tomorrow. Play Ball!

Captain

#2 Derek Jeter - "Captain" - 9" x 12" acrylic on paper. Jeter made one of the most amazing hustle and heads up play I have ever seen in the 2001 ALDS. Tying run on first - double in the right field corner. The Yankees right fielder over threw both cut off men - Jeter came all the way across the diamond - caught the errant throw and backhanded it to Posada who tagged out Giambi. Known as the flip - its worth a you tube look if you missed it live. Jeter  retired with 3465 hits, good for 6th all-time and a career batting average of .310. No other number 2 was ever in contention. Well, we are down to number one. Speaking of amazing plays - this guy made the greatest defensive play in the history of the game - #1

The Great Bambino

#3 Babe Ruth - "The Great Bambino" - 9" x 12" acrylic on paper. If you love baseball you have to love the storied career of Babe Ruth. A larger than life figure known for his majestic home runs and charismatic personality. The Babe is an easy choice here. Other notable number threes - Harmon Killebrew and Jimmy Foxx. A Braves favorite and certainly one of mine - Dale Murphy wore number 3. Down the to our last 2

The Iron Horse

#4 Lou Gehrig - "The Iron Horse" - 9" x 12" acrylic on paper. One of the all-time greats. Gehrig's career was cut short by the disease that bears his name. A career .340 hitter, won the triple crown in 1934 and was twice named AL MVP. Here's some trivia for you - Gehrig is the first MLB player to ever have his number retired. A great story and an awesome player. Always struck by the size of the bats swung by the sluggers of old. Other fours not considered - Paul Molitor, Duke Snider. Atlanta players who wore the number - Jeff Blauser and one of my personal favorites - Bif Pocoroba

#3