Shea Stadium - Home of the New York Mets (1964-2008)

The place where Seaver and Ryan once threw, Piazza once squatted and the Stork, George Theodore, once roamed.

This recent painting was based on my photos taken just before Shea Stadium was demolished and replaced with the new Citi Stadium in 2009.



The Mets moved to the new state of the art Shea Stadium in Flushing Queens in 1964, where for the first two seasons the Mets would be a side attraction to the World's Fair which was going on across the street from the new ballpark. In 1969, the Mets completed the biggest upset in World Series history. Donn Clendenon who hit three key Home Runs in the series was named World Series MVP, as the city embraced its Amazin' Mets. In a strange side note, Mayor John Lindsay, was reelected largely thanks to the good feelings around the surprise World Champions.


In the 1986 World Series against the Boston Red Sox, the Mets faced elimination leading into Game 6. The Red Sox scored two runs in the tenth inning and twice came within one strike of winning their first World Series since 1918. However, the Mets rallied and would come back in typical Amazin' Mets fashion, as the game became one of the most famous games in baseball history as the Curse of the Bambino appeared to be alive and well. In fact, it was in this series that talk of the curse began.

The Mets remain the only team to come within one strike of losing a World Series before recovering to become World Champions.


Limited edition prints of Shea Stadium are available in my Etsy Shop.

BUILT: Albany's Architecture Through Artist's Eyes

BUILT: Albany's Architecture Through Artists' Eyes art exhibit and silent auction took place on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at the Cathedral of All Saints. A portion of the proceeds from the reception and art sales benefit the Historic Albany Foundation's Vacant Building Initiative and Inventory.

Two of my new paintings, Delaware Hook and Ladder and Broadway Icons were featured in the show. Both are available as limited edition prints in my online gallery.





















My mom, Gail Hinchen won Best In Show for her mixed media collage of the Empire State Plaza's Egg.

LAMPLIGHT

Ornate steps at the New York State Capital in Albany. The full moon and green copper lanterns light the nightscape.

Prints of Lamplight are available here.

Blog Giveaway Winner

As the winner of my first blog giveaway, Susan Schneider will receive an 11 x 17 print of The Empire State Building. Susan enjoys creating with vintage materials and has an Esty shop called Shandell's. Shandell's is also a working lampshade and vintage lighting studio in Millerton, New York. A big thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.

Mountain Scenery

Another spectacular September day in Upstate New York. I'm heading for a hike on Sleeping Beauty Mountain in The Adirondacks. The top provides a stunning view of Lake George. These masterful watercolors were done by Elden Rowland and highlight some lovely scenery along the way:

Click on either image to see limited edition prints of these watercolors in my Esty shop.

MY FIRST BLOG GIVEAWAY

Enter between Tuesday, August 18th and Monday, September 7th (Labor Day) to win an 11 x 17 limited edition Giclee print. You have a choice of one of these three prints:





Cape Porch











Gondolas On The Grand Canal, Venice













Empire State Building






















Here's what you need to do to enter:

1.) Visit my esty shop and find your favorite print.

2.) Return to this post, tell me what your favorite image is in the comments. Also, please leave your email address or a way for me to contact you. One entry per person.

3.) That's it! I'll draw a winner by random number at 8 p.m. on Labor Day and post their name on Tuesday, September 8th. The print will be shipped as soon as the winner makes their selection from the three choices.

4.) Here is a little twist: If the winner is a follower of this blog, they can pick from not only these three prints, but can choose to receive the favorite mentioned in their comment.

Good Luck!



I'm also having a SUPER BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE SALE (AUGUST 18th - SEPTEMBER 7th): Purchase any 11 x 17 print in my esty shop and receive a second 11 x 17 print of your choice. Hurry, this sale ONLY lasts until Labor Day!

Painting Albany's Diners

People ask me why I paint diners and other remnants of roadside America. It's a question I've never had to ask myself. I want to preserve diners and the best way to express my passion is to paint them.



My hometown of Albany, New York is lucky to have two vintage diners which are still in operation.

A chrome clad beauty, Jack's Diner was built by the Comac Company in 1949. Located in Albany, New York, it's a favorite breakfast haunt and landmark within walking distance of my house.

Built by the Silk City Company in 1941, the well-preserved Miss Albany was featured in the movie "Ironweed" with Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson.



The paintings of Miss Albany and Jack's are available as limited edition prints in my Esty Shop.