"Shoestring Sketches"

Yankee Stadium had always been a favorite place of mine and my family's.  Somewhere in 2003, I starting sketching while we would be sitting at games.  Then I brought pencils and a sketchbook.  Then I brought water colors with me.  It evolved into an important part of the game for me.  I'd be very busy, eating, drinking, keeping score of the game, and drawing the entire game.

 At some point, it was announced that 2008 was announced as the final year of "Yankee Stadium", and the Yankees would be moving into a new stadium across the street.  That accelerated my drawing of THE Stadium, and resulted into a large collection I called "Shoestring Sketches".  I reproduced and sold many of the drawings and exhibited widely as the end of the Stadium drew near. 

Another "Shoestring Sketches" exhibit in 2008.   

It was great that "Shoestring Sketches" began to get a lot of attention, especially from some charity groups.  The Roy White Foundation (the former Yankee Great) asked me for a drawings for their blind auction.  I was happy to comply and help to raise money for the great work that they do.  Here I am helping out with the auction.   

Posing with Mr. White after a successful day. 

In addition to the blind auction, lots of the drawings were displayed for sale, helping to raise money for the Foundation. 

With Chris Chambliss, another Yankee Great, in attendance at the event. 

A "Shoestring Sketches" exhibit in early 2008, at the Dixon Library in Dumont, NJ

This was a piece I drew specifically for the United Way charity.  They had heard about "Shoestring Sketches" from a local newspaer article, and asked if I could create a couple specifically for a charity event they were holding.  The event was held ON THE FIELD (yep, I got to walk on the field) at Yankee Stadium.  My drawings were auctioned off as part of the on- field event. 

This sketch was another one that I did specifically for the United Way event at Yankee Stadium. 

I thought of this as a Father and Son- the current stadium in the foreground, about to give way to "Junior" across the street. 

Here I am, proudly in front of the sketches I did for the auction, displayed on the warning track in left field.  Not sure which was a bigger thrill- being asked to prepare two drawings for an auction, or getting to walk on the field at Yankee Stadium. 

A very quick sketch of the facade/ fascia that was a featured piece in the outfield.