Hannah

This is my niece - Hannah Boyd. I drew her mother's name for Christmas and decided to do a small portrait painting as a gift. It is 11 x 14 acrylic on canvas board. Merry Christmas.

Stepping Forward

CHS started varsity football in 2005. Danny Dantzler was the head coach and these three seniors - (5) Harry Scott, (16) Michael Poston, and (12) Chris Hunsucker were the very first team captains. This 11 x 14 acrylic painting was a commissioned piece to commemorate that first walk to midfield for the traditional coin flip.

End of an Era

One of the best ever. Bobby Bowden steps down at FSU. It will be odd watching the Noles play without the "Dean of Dad Gum" on the sidelines.

Order Restored

Here is a quick digital painting of Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson. I have been fan of Coach Johnson ever since he made a name for himself at Georgia Southern. He is a great offensive coach and has quickly put Tech football back on the map. However, I was glad to see my Dawgs frustrate and whip his over confident Yellow Jackets last Saturday 30-24.

Papa

Anyone remember this familiar scene? I miss him dearly.

50 Years of Winning

Dalton High School recently celebrated 50 years of winning football. Every year since 1960 their football team has had a winning record. I was commissioned to do a print to comemorate the achievement. The original is done with a thin oil wash underpainting and prismacolor pencil on illustration board. There is a limited edition of 50 signed and numbered prints.

The streak started in 1960. I used the uniform changes over the years to give the piece a sense of time. From left to right 19,60 was the year the streak began. Helmets were white with numbers and a red stripe, home uniform was red with white collar and neck with number on the sleeve. 70 - the "D" shows up on the headgear. 74 - the helmet turns red, skull and crossbones used to signify player rewards. 50 - the number of years of the current streak, away jersey is simple white jersey, red number, no trim. 67 - the year of the state championship. 80 - the facemasks go from grey to white, the white trim is dropped from the neck and sleeves and so is the number, stars are used to signify player performance. 86 - stripes are added to the sleeves and the paw appears on top of the shoulder pads. 20,00 - sleeve trim disappears but paw remains for one more year. 20,0,9 - current year of the streak, number returns to the sleeve along with the white trim.

Mount Cody

Here is a warm up sketch of Alabama's massive defensive tackle Terrence Cody properly nicknamed "Mount Cody." Prints available in two weeks.

The Pope

Here is another caricature of a friend. This is my pastor Jim Suddath. Same technique as used on the Paul Joseph piece.

Saban Nation

University of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban. A 30 minute caricature sketch of Coach Saban.

Piano Man

Digital Painting of Paul Joseph - our very talented music director at FBC

Happy 50th Birthday Paul. These are always fun to do. I learned this technique from Jason Seiler while taking his caricature course at Schoolism.com. The course is pricey but the instruction is priceless. Jason is the nations leading caricature artist (my opinion) and by his inspiration drawing and painting on the computer is becoming real exciting to me. No, it's not a manipulated photography. The following progression of images will give you some idea of the artistic process.

I start with a sketch. I have a Wacom Tablet and Pen which allows me to draw in Photoshop just like I would on paper. With the proper brush settings it acts and looks very much like a pencil. Step two is to establish a mid-tone of value followed by a blocking in of lights and darks. In the next stage I add detail. The program then allows me to add color using the same process. Here is the original photo reference.

To steal Jason's line - "It's funnt because it is true." Caricatures make great gifts. If you know someone having a milestone birthday, getting married, having an anniversary, going away, or you know someone that needs a laugh. I am available. Contact me at noahstokes@yahoo.com for pricing.

Tomahawk Chop

Braves All-Stars 1993 - Color Pencil on Bristol - SOLD

This is an oldie but a goodie. "All-Stars 1993" was my third limited edition print issued in the fall of 1993. The 5 guys in the print (Blauser, Justice, Avery, Glavine, and Smoltz) made the NL All-Star team that year. It was a fun time to be a Braves fan and this print was very popular. Atlanta lost in the NLCS to the Phillies that year but I think '93 was the year they got Fred McGriff mid-season. Mike Stanton ("Ground ball second base") was the closer, Damon Berryhill was the catcher, and Deion was on that team - good times, good memories.

Heart of a Lion

Jarred Cronan 11" x 14" Graphite and Charcoal on Bristol Board

This is a commissioned portrait just completed. I used graphite (pencil) to do the background image and charcoal for the foreground. It makes for a nice contrast - the pencil is soft and dull and the charcoal is dark and bold.

The Wheels on the Bus

Jerome Bettis 12" x 16" Pastel on Bristol Board - FOR SALE

Number 36 is Jerome Bettis. I haven't messed with Pastels in a while but I like the look.

So Close

Keep smiling Tom, that was fun to watch. It gives me hope that my golf game can actually improve with age. I think you have to play more than once a year though.

I am into caricatures right now - you may see more. This is a quick sketch of Tom Watson.

Just Majors

2002 Just Minors - "Just Prospects"

Here are 16 more of the cards I painted for Just Minors. There is a total of fifty cards in the set. I did all 50 in 2 months. The originals were all 8" x 10" on Bristol board - charcoal background and the players were done in colored pencil.

If you know baseball, you will recognize most of the players shown above. I have heard that this set has become very popular among baseball card collectors. It was a fun and rewarding project.

MVP

The headlines "AL snatches All-Star win, Crawford robs homerun." Tampa Bay Rays OF Carl Crawford made a great a catch on a ball hit by the National League's Brad Hawpe of the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning that would have given the NL the lead. Carl Crawford was named the games MVP becoming the first player to win the award without having an RBI.

I did this in 2002 as part of a 50 card baseball set for Just Minors. I did all 50 illustrations. It is a great set and includes some of today's biggest stars - Mauer, Morneau, Teixeira. Peavy, etc. I'll post more from the set in the next couple of days.

Knucksie

Phil Niekro

I couldn't come up with a good college football player that wore number 35 so I decided to go with one of favorite Atlanta Braves - Phil Niekro. Just as well I was already wondering what I was going to do when I got the lineman numbers. Plus this branch gives me a chance to include some other sports. 36 is next.

Colt for Sale

"The Real McCoy" 9"x12" Oil on Canvas - FOR SALE

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Finally got around to finishing this painting. I am a big fan of Colt McCoy. I think he is a tough competitor and I admire the way he plays the game. Thanks for visiting. Let me know if you have any questions.

Gray

"Gray Hutchinson" - 6" x 12" Oil on Canvas

Look mom, I can do other sports! This was a commissioned piece and a graduation present for Gray from his parents. Gray played baseball for me at Christian Heritage for 6 years and signed a scholarship to play for Valdosta State. He is a great player and a great kid.

Sorry for the glare on the photo.

If you are interested in a having a piece done of your favorite player please contact me for pricing - noahstokes@yahoo.com

Old Man River

Herschel Walker sketch - I am doing an oil of this - It will be for sale when complete

Number 34 - Herschel Walker - was there any doubt who number 34 would be? In my opinion, the greatest running back in college football history. There is not a whole lot to say - the guy was unbelievable.

TD

The Juice

OJ Simpson - USC Number 32 - 9" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas Board

Simpson was a JUCO (Junior College) All-American at City of San Francisco College before transfering to Southern Cal. OJ led the nation in rushing both seasons at USC - '67 and '68. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968.

Great athlete, terrible human being. I still can't beleive he got away with murder.

Acrylic on canvas board

Lion Backer

Penn State Linebacker - Shane Conlan

Shane Conlan wore number 31 for the Nittany Lions and was part of two National Championship teams 1982 and 1986. During his career at Penn State, Conlan had 274 tackles, including a school-record 186 solos. Conlan was selected as the No. 1 draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 1987 NFL Draft.

This started out as a Ballpoint pen sketch but once I scanned it I couldn't resist doing a little digital paining. By the way I have established another outpost to showcase my work - check it out at coachstokes.blogspot.com

Mike Rozier

30 Mike Rozier

Number 30 is Nebraska's Mike Rozier. The 1983 Heisman Trophy Winner, Rozier, rewrote the Cornhusker rushing record books and making a considerable dent in the Big Eight and NCAA books during a phenomenal senior season. He rushed for 2,148 yards and scored 29 touchdowns in his senior season in Lincoln. Rozier was named to Sports Illustrated's 85-player All-Century Team and was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

I can be contacted at noahstokes@yahoo.com

The Marshall

8.5" x 14" Digital

Considered one of the greatest athletes in all of college sports, number 28 Marshall Faulk "showed out" at San Diego State University. As a true Freshman in a game against University of the Pacific, Faulk ran for 386 yards and 7 touchdowns - both NCAA records. He was the number two overall pick in the '94 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He later won a Super Bowl with the Rams and was the main cog in what would be known as "The Greatest Show on Turf."

This is another pencil sketch that I scanned in and manipulated with Photoshop.

The Eddie George

6" x 14" pencil sketch

27 is Eddie George of "The" Ohio State University. EG is the 2nd leading rusher in Buckeye history with 3,768 yards. He edged out Nebraska's Tommie Frazier to win the 1995 Heisman Trophy.

My favorite part about this sketch is the composition. I can see this being a nice painting.

Herb

9" x 12" Mixed Media - FOR SALE

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Herb Adderley is number 26. In college he was an All-Big Ten running back for the Michigan State Spartans. In 1961 Herb was drafted by the Green Bay Packers but found himself stuck behind eventual Hall of Famers Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung. Due to an injury in the secondary coach Vince Lombardi switched Adderley to cornerback and the rest is history. Herb is considered by many, to be the greatest cornerback to ever play the game. Herb Adderley is the first MSU player to be enshrined into the pro football Hall of Fame.

This is a watercolor with pen & ink outline and some prismacolor pencil.

Rocket Man

Digital Painting - Rocket Man

The Rocket - Raghib Ismail from the University of Notre Dame was once timed at 4.16 in pads. Raghib was a two time All-American and finished 2nd in Heisman Trophy voting to Ty Detmer in 1990. I remember the game against Michigan in 1998 when he returned two kickoffs to beat the Wolverines in Ann Arbor. They called his little brother "The Missile" and his mother "The Launching Pad."

This art is totally digital. It only exists on the computer. That is strange to think about. I hope you like it. I am definitely still learning.

24

10.5" x 15" Pastel and Prismacolor over an Oil Wash on Illustration Board - FOR SALE

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Knowshon Moreno is on his way to the NFL after a short two year career at Georgia. Knowshon is only the second Georgia running back to rush for over a 1,000 yards as a freshman. I'll let you guess the other one. He was All-SEC both seasons at UGA and became an instant fan favorite because of his electrifying energy and talent.

This piece was done similar to the Tebow piece. I sketched the image on the illustration board and then stained the board with a burnt umber oil wash. I then added the dark tones and the color which I sprayed with fixative before adding the highlights and some additional color with prismacolor pencils.

What can Brown do for you?

9" x 14" Pencil Sketch

23 is Cartersville, GA native Ronnie Brown. Despite sharing the backfield at Auburn with Carnell Williams, Brown still ranks 7th all-time in school history with 2,707 yards rushing. Ronnie is known around these parts for his strong work ethic and good character. Number 23 is now a star with the Miami Dolphins and his motto is, "train like you're number two and play like you're number one."

This pencil sketch has a little more detail than some of the others. I'll try and work some color in the next few submissions. Check out number 12 later this week, I am finishing up the oil painting of Colt McCoy.

Godzilla

9" x 12" Prismacolor Pencil over Oil Wash on Bristol - SOLD

The Hefty Lefty from Kentucky is number 22. Listed at 6 foot 4, two hundred and eighty-five pounds Jared Lorenzen was build more like a lineman than a quarterback. I think 285 was on the light side and he looked even bigger in the pocket. I remember a game against Georgia where the Bulldog defenders were having a hard time tackling Lorenzen. They were getting to him but they kept bouncing off of the Wildcats giant and Larry Munson called the Kentucky QB Godzilla.

Another pencil sketch here and the same sketch with some color.

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

8.5" x 11" Pencil Sketch

And still are it seems. 21 is Barry Sanders of Oklahoms State. Interesting note about Barry is that he did not play running back until 4 games into his senior season in high school. He rushed for 1322 yards in the remaining seven games to earn all-state honors but because of his size and lack of exposure he had limited scholarship offers. He went to OSU and sat behind Thurman Thomas for two years. In his junior year he had perhaps the greatest single season in college football history. Sanders led the nation by averaging over 200 yards per game, including rushing for over 300 yards in four games. He scored at least 2 touchdowns in 11 consecutive games, and 9 times he scored at least 3 touchdowns. He won the 1988 Heisman Trophy hands down and turned pro the next season.

Bernie

8.5" x 11" Digital Painting

Bernie Kosar as a redshirt freshman started all 12 games for the Miami Hurricanes in 1983. He led his team to a 11-1 record and a memorable 31-30 Orange Bowl win over the top rated Nebraska Cornhuskers. In the game, Kosar passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, and the win gave Miami its first National Championship. Kosar was famously immobile and threw sort of sidearm but he was very accurate setting NFL records for consecutive throws without an interception. For me, Miami was the team I loved to hate. Drawing for me is all about adjustments. I start real light and my first goal is to simply indicate where everything goes. I squint my eyes as I draw trying to identify the shapes and lights and darks often turning my drawing and reference sideways or even upside down. Once I got Bernie like I wanted him I scanned the drawing into Photoshop and started the digital painting.

The Pony Express

7" x 10.5" Graphite on Bristol Board

Eric Dickerson, one half of the Pony Express at SMU, initially wanted to play for Barry Switzer and Oklahoma but his mother wanted him to stay closer to his home in Dallas. In the days of tear-away jerseys, Astroturf, Dickerson, and running mate Craig James, ran rings around the Southwest Conference and finished 10-1 in 1981 and 10-0-1 and #2 in the nation in '82. A two time All-American, I remember the goggles and the straight running style. He went on to have an outstanding professional career.

Pencil sketch on Bristol Board.

Roman Numeral

9" x 12" Pencil and Soft Pastel on Paper

Roman Gabriel wore number 18 for North Carolina State from 1959 to 1961. He was a two time All-American and twice named the ACC Player of the Year. Roman was also an Academic All-American. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, I remember him most from his days in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. Consider the first large quarterback in pro football Roman stood 6'4" and weighed 235 lbs.

The only reference I could find was an old posed photograph that appeared to be done for a game program. Since there wasn't much detail in the photo I decided to use my soft pastels. I did a rather messy pencil sketch letting the paper get dirty from all the graphite. I then sprayed it with workable fixative so the paper would hold the pastels. Without blending, I laid in my colors rough and quick. Gave it another spray and added some finishing touches.

The quarterback run ends tomorrow.

Charlie Huddle

8" x 10" Digital Illustration

Number seventeen in our count-up is Charlie Ward from Florida State University. Charlie is perhaps the most decorated college football player of all time. In his senior season at FSU (1993) Ward won the Heisman Trophy, the Davey O'Brien Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was named the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Toyota Leader of the Year. Charlie Ward is one only three college football player to ever to win the Sullivan Award given annually to the nation's top amateur athlete (Y. Arnold Tucker and Peyton Manning are the other two). At the time of his induction into the FSU Hall of Fame, Ward still owned 14 FSU football records.

In 1993, he also led the Seminoles basketball team to within one game of the Final Four. CW played several years in the NBA and he is originally from Thomasville, Georgia.

I sketched Charlie and scanned my drawing into Photoshop. I just got my Wacom pen tablet fixed so I was eager to give it a try. Using my sketch as a guide I did this monochrome digital painting. I am probably too old to go completely digital but I have to tell you, the tool is amazing. I still have a lot to learn but the medium is so forgiving. Go to youtube.com sometime and search "digital painting." There you can watch artists draw and paint using the computer.

One Six

9" x 12" Carbon pencil sketch on Canvas Board - awaiting paint

Number sixteen is none other than Peyton Manning. Peyton set so many records at Tennessee they retired his number and named a street after him - "Peyton Manning Pass." Manning is like Tim Tebow, in that I am not a big fan of his team but I admire him as a person, marvel at his talents, and pull for him as a player. I still can't believe how he got rooked out the 1995 Heisman Trophy by Michigan's Charles Woodson.

This will be a two part post. Today I did a pencil sketch and then transferred it to a gessoed canvas board. I then took a carbon pencil and created a more detailed drawing on the canvas. This drawing gives me a good foundation for my painting. Tomorrow I will add an oil wash and from there we might experiment.

I can do all things...

15" x 10" Pastel and Prismacolor Pencil on Illustration Board - FOR SALE

Even if you don't like the Florida Gators it is hard not to admire and pull for Tim Tebow. He plays the game the way it was created to be played, with emotion, determination and toughness. Last season Tebow threw 29 TD passes and scored 22 rushing touchdowns. Tebow alone scored more touchdowns that 87 other division 1-A schools and he became the first player to ever rush for 20 and throw for 20 in the same year. He won the Heisman last year and they should probably give him the award until he graduates because in my opinion he personifies the college game.

This original was done a few weeks ago and I used a combination of soft pastels and waxed based color pencils on hot press illustration board. I love the emotion of the piece. Most QB's are depicted passing but running seemed to fit number 15 better.

The reference I used did not have the "PHIL 4:13" on his eye black patches like he wears now. I wanted to add it because his faith is as much a part of his identity (to me) as is his football. Plus it is one of my favorite Bible verses. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It's true and in case you haven't tried it, you should.

Cherokee People

Number 14 Sam Bradford 8" x 11" Pencil on Paper - Sketch

There are a lot of good number fourteens out there to choose from but in the end I had to go with this years Heisman Trophy Winner from Oklahoma, Sam Bradford. He has had a record setting career as a three year starter for the Sooners. Bradford led OU to their third straight Big 12 Championship by beating Missouri 62-21. The '08 Bradford led Sooners broke Hawaii's 2006 record for the most points in a single season with 702 points. It will be interesting to see how they do Thursday night against SEC Champion Florida Gators.

Remember when you were young and it was cool to claim you were part indian? Even if you had blonde hair and snow white skin some how your great grandmother was one quarter Cherokee. The difference between you and Sam Bradford is that for him it is true. His great great gandmother (Susie Walkingstick) was full-blooded Cherokee, wouldn't Cher be proud.

This is another pencil sketch. I added a different sort of graphic background and included the school logo. I like this drawing enough to turn it into a painting, especially if OU beats the Gators. We are in a quarterback run right now and the next 4 are QB's also. I am a big fan of the next two players although I can't stand it when my team loses to their team.

Constantine

8.5" x 11" Pen and Prismacolor Pencil on Paper - Sketch

I never knew Dan Marino's middle name was Constantine, did you? Marino wore number 13 for the Pitt Panthers. He is probably more famous for his pro career but he is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. I remember him most for throwing a TD pass on 4th and 5 with :42 seconds left to beat Georgia in the 1982 Sugar Bowl. Georgia blitzed and left Mike Kelley one on one with Pitt's best receiver. Pittsburgh picked up the blitz and Marino hit John Brown right down the middle of the field for a 33 yard TD to win the game. That was a long ride back from New Orleans.

This quick sketch is done in ballpoint pen and topped off with a little prismacolor pencil.

Colt 12

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9" x 12" Oil on canvas - in progress

Texas QB Colt McCoy was one of the three finalist for this year Heisman Trophy. He was selected the 2008 AP Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. McCoy set school records for most career touchdown passes, most touchdown passes in a season, most total touchdowns by a Texas player, most career wins, and most career passing yards.

Can you think of a more perfect name for a Texas quarterback than Colt McCoy? I have included both the sketch on canvas and the monochrome under painting. I will post each stage of the process and hopefully we will end up with a great oil painting. Actually I'll settle for good at this point since I am still learning how to push the medium around.