Blog with Alberta Sport Artist Joe Versikaitis

Messi - The Painting of Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi Cuccittini- 2015

2015-10-29T22:22:00.003-06:00

" Messi "
This is a 24" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas painting of
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi Cuccittini. by Joe Versikaitis

The concept for this painting became real after watching the 2014 World Cup. Months later after watching Barcelona FC play in which I got the opportunity to experience Leo Messi perform yet again. I knew then that I needed to create his portraiture.

I am always look at capturing the player in a close up pose. I really want to show the detail in their facial expressions as they play their game. The intensity and drama that goes for any sport that I venture into. The face is what people recognize and they relate to. After all if you can't recognize the player then the painting failed.

As I was watching the game, of course most of the time the only way I can get my inspiration cooking is by watching the games on TV. So standing in front of my 50 inch HD screen, with my camera in hand and watching Messi through the lens I managed to get a couple of shots off. They weren't the best quality but through some sketching and other reference photo I came up with this pose.Like all my paintings I want to leave the unfinished aspect at the bottom. Just slap a little bit of paint around and call it Bueno!

This jersey and any striped jersey I have done in the past has given me nothing but a challenge. Working with the lines, colors, spacing and then folds. Then try to combine everything to make it look like he is wearing it properly. The yellow is a fluorescent yellowish green kind of color..lol It was fun but really challenging. I hope I did Messi justice?

My wife and I spent most of this spring renovating our house and watching soccer's finest showcase, Brazil's 2014 World Cup competition. Stopping work long enough so that we could watch some of the matches. Everybody in our family has their own favourite team and cheered our hearts away. My team was Spain, and no they didn't do me justice! Regardless of Spain's outcome I also cheered on this tournaments home team, Brazil .......ok and Argentina!...lol

Towards the end of the tournament there was two teams left for the world cup match game, Argentina and Germany. We all know what the out come was by now. But the one player that also fascinated me the most during the games was Leo Messi.At the 2014 World Cup Messi led Argentina to the final and winning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in the process.

His style of play is in comparisons to compatriot Diego Maradona who himself declared Messi his successor. " I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentinian football and his name is Messi. "

Messi finished as the joint-third-highest goalscorer of the tournament, with four goals and an assist. Messi's goals against the Bosnians, Herzegovinaians and Nigerians put him in nomination for the goal of the tournament award and was voted the best goals of the tournament. His four Man of the Match awards were the most of any player in the tournament.Messi had commented on his awards at the end of the tournament by saying this " I do not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by wasting the chances we had. We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great."

As I look at what this game of football brings to the world and the talented players it creates. I can't help but wonder what it would be like to be in one of those stadium that holds 80 000 to 100 000 people. Not only to watch these player perform their talent but most of all, just to be apart of the football experience ...

That would be a unique experience don't you think!

Joe Versikaitis

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Neymar Jr. - The Painting of Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior. - 2014

2015-10-29T22:10:00.000-06:00

" Neymar Jr. "

This is a 24" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas painting ofNeymar da Silva Santos Júnior - Brazilian born professional footballer playing with the Spanish FC Barcelona club by Joe Versikaitis

With my family soccer has always been apart of our livelihoods. For 14 years I coached and co-coached both our kids through soccer. The hard work and dedication that these kids put into this beautiful sport earned them both scholarships to the Medicine Hat college and University of Lethbridge

Myself growing up in Venezuela, soccer was our sport. My favourite player was Pele. Even though he was a Brazilian he was very popular in our family. We own a bar and restaurant but living in a poor country like Venezuela we didn't have organized soccer associations in our area. When we played, in the back yard, in the school ground, or what ever ground we could find, my position was always the goalie. I don't think I was all that good but I did stop balls from going in. Truthfully, I believe I was the goalie because I was too fat to run....lol

Like most people throughout the world, my wife and I spent most of this spring watching soccer's finest showcase, Brazil's 2014 World Cup competition. Everybody in our family has their own favourite team and cheered our hearts away. My team was Spain, and no they didn't do me justice! Regardless of Spain's outcome I also cheered on this tournaments home team, Brazil.

This team was made up of younger and faster players. They were burning up the field against any opponent that dared to step in front of them. They had players like Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, known as Hulk. This guy was ripped like the Hulk. the young kid, Oscar dos Santos, Thiago Emiliano da Silva, David Luiz Moreira Marinho who had a memorable fist shaking after he had scored, and my favourite kid to watch was Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior - known as Neymwr Jr.

Neymar Jr. plays with the Spanish FC Barcelona club. His playing style has earned him critical acclaim, with fans, media and former players drawing comparison to former Brazil forward Pele who has called Neymar "an excellent player", while Ronaldinho has stated "he will be the best in the world".

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup Neymar scored four goals before he fractured a vertebra in his spine in the quarter-finals and missed the rest of the tournament. He received the Bronze Boot as the tournament's third top goalscorer, and was named in the World Cup All Star XI.'With 42 goals in 59 matches for Brazil, Neymar is the 5th highest goal scorer for his national team

As a sports artist my inspiration for this painting came while watching Neymar score almost every game that he played in during the 2014 World Cup. This kid with the ball is fast, tricky, clever and moved very precise. One on one Neymar is very dangerous. He is capable of shining in any attacking position. What really amazed me was his way to dance around a packed defence line and score..Brilliant!

While watching the crowd reacted to Neymar's moves, I thought wouldn't it something if I created an art piece of Neymar in which all those fans could enjoy.

I then asked my wife, " Wouldn't it be cool to be apart of the World Cup someday..or ...go to Barcelona and show case my work?"

Joe Versikaitis

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Lewis - The Painting of Nik Lewis - 2013

2013-09-09T14:09:00.002-06:00

" Lewis "

This is a 24" x 48" Acrylic on Canvas painting of Nik Lewis

Calgary Stampeders Slotback by Joe Versikaitis

It started with a conversation with then marketing manager Chris Jurewicz. The Stamps knew that Nik was getting close his to his 9th, 1000 yard per season plateau. Throughout the game I was snapping action shots of Lewis out on the field. I got some nice action shots. Of course his 1000 yard catch was no where near me when it happened. Nik just got back to the sideline and was being congratulated by everyone there. It was there that I caught up with this pose. I loved the idea of actually painting the players face without the cage over top of it. Lewis, like so many other players flipped his helmet over his face so that the helmet rested on his head. I knew this was the pose I wanted to paint.

In this pose it was a beautiful sunny day and I wanted to bring that out on his face and the big shining spot on his helmet.

I wanted show the Stampeders home field McMahon Stadium as part of this piece. I put in the red fence, which in the bright sun is a little orange, on top of the field barrier. You can see this towards the bottom right hand side of the piece. With the crowd, I show the faces but not detailed. I drew out every head and position each side by side and made it look like the heads are getting smaller as they go up to the top of the painting...14 rows and 20 heads across- lots of eyes and mouths. I then diluted the background with a cream wash. This helps bring out Lewis.

I believe the best part of this painting was experiencing the sideline action during the game. The behind the scene stuff that I got to witness. To hear what the players and coaches were saying to each other made me appreciate the game a whole lot more.

I hope you enjoy this piece!

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Joe Versikaitis

Coach Huf - The Painting of John Hufnagel - 2013

2013-09-09T14:04:00.002-06:00

" Coach Huf"

This is a 22" x 28" Acrylic on Canvas painting of John Hufnagel

Calgary Stampeders Head Coach by Joe Versikaitis

John Hufnagel

" This is why I love doing this! "

I had the opportunity to photo shoot a Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Ticats game. I had my mind set at taking shots a few players and go from there. As usual the shots that I was looking for didn't come. I was looking for a certain pose or action shot but it wasn't materializing. I went over to the Ticats bench and snapped a few shots of receiver Dave Stala and I was about to take more shots when the Ticats made a good play on the field and all the players on the bench stood up and I couldn't see through these giants in front of me. Well that ended that and I begun to walk back to the Stampeders side to see if my luck would change.

I set out along the sideline snapping shots of the plays as they unfolding in front of me. I am not sure if anybody knows this but it takes a long time to get around a football field when you stop and try to take action shots. It also seemed that the play was always on the other side of the field. I finally reached the Stampeders bench.

It was there where I seen the TSN cameraman that I had talked to earlier in the game. As we were talking the play had stopped and then I seen Coach Huf wandering onto the field with his head set wrapped around his neck asking the referee for an explanation on a call. The stadium lights lit up McMahon's field. As Coach Huf put his head set back on his head and with a deep concentration glarewalked towards the sideline. Even though there was 25,000 fans sitting on our side of the stadium , it felt like Coach Huf was looking through us and through the bleachers into the parking lot...that's the look that I wanted to capture!

As I stood there and snapped a few photos all I seen was the distant crowd behindhim as a darken blur and there in front of me was a living legend in the bright stadiumlights. I recall telling the TSN cameraman who at the time was looking in another direction " Look at that " I said. As he turned and pointed his camera at Coach Huf all he could say was - This is why I love doing this. I told the cameraman I can't wait to do a painting of this.

During the rest of game I was following Coach Huf for about 30 to 40 more shots. Some of shots were good quality and some not so good. When I say good quality, I mean clear and detailed and where I can see every hair, wrinkle, stitching in the shirt, etc. The wind was blowing pretty good so most of his shots had his hair flying all over the place. I only had a few shots where his hair was laid down and styled if you wish. I decided to go with the messy hair look because that's how I recall seeing it.
That's how paintings are conceived and created.

It's a real neat experience being near the play on the field and listening to the crowd behind you. But it's even more especial to stand beside the players on the sideline and listen to what they say to each other. There is coaches talking about the next play with the players that just got off the field. Then there was the kicker Rene Paredes going through his routine. He was my prop for a good 40 shots most likely a future painting.
I have my canvas ready for my next Stampeder but you'll have to wait to see it.

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Joe Versikaitis

Brettzky - A painting of Brett Schimmel - 2013

2013-09-09T13:59:00.001-06:00

" Bretzky"

This is a 22" x 28" acrylic on canvas painting of Brett Schimmel
First game in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

This is a portrait painting of good friends of ours son in the Brooks, Alberta area.

January 6, 2012 was Brett's first game in the AJHL ( Alberta Junior Hockey League ) playing with the Lloydminster Bobcats and at the time of this web add on July 10, 2013, playing for the Brooks Bandits.

He played to a packed house in front of his home town of Brooks and I had the opportunity to go and take some photos for this piece. Because Brett knows what I do and he seen me taking pictures during that game I had to tell him that I was taking pictures for a hockey magazine and that there was another player I was looking at. But he caught me looking at him during the game and he knew what was up.

The name " Brettzky " to me it's pretty obvious. Watching Brett growing up he always had a hockey stick in his hands. Always playing and skating.

I put Brett and Greztky together to come up with " Brettzky "

Joe Versikaitis

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Joe Versikaitis

Burris - The Painting of Henry Burris - 2011

2012-09-30T23:48:00.006-06:00

Just letting you good folks out there know that I am back doing my blogs. We moved to Red Deer, AB. Life has been a little heck tick for the last 6 months or so. I will be continuing to create art. So far I have been doing some decorative art work for my beautiful wife to use throughout the house. She got me to paint something called -Flowers!?!?
I also did some landscape using 3 or 4 colours that we are using in our home decoration theme. They are kinda cool and I will post these a little later.
But for now I want to draw your attention to my next piece called

" Burris "

This is a 22" x 28" Acrylic on Canvas painting of Henry Burris

Calgary Stampeders by Joe Versikaitis

It all started with a phone call from a world known sports artist by the name of Stephen Holland. We talked about approaching professional sports teams, players, and what inspired him to paint. Our conversation went from hockey to basketball and then to football. With his encouragement I added another sport into my portfolio.
The Canadian Football League!
With Stephens encouragement to pursuit this project I charted a course of action. I knew that I couldn’t just approach the football squads without knowing who to approach. Since I was in search of another painting project for a local charity called CARO. I had a conversation with Rob Wanner, CARO - President in turn introduced me to Medicine Hat - Alderman - Graham Kelly. Mr. Kelly himself a CFL sport writer with many books about the CFL and the Grey Cup. With Grahams help, I able to send out corresponding letters to four CFL clubs asking for permission to create one of kind art pieces of a few of their players.
It was the Calgary Stampeders that gave me this opportunity. Let me tell you I was pretty excited when I found out I was granted permission to the sideline for a photo shoot of a game between the Calgary Stampeders and the Hamilton Ti-Cats! This story is why I love doing this!
The day of the game my nerves got the best of me. I remember arriving at the McMahon Stadium parking lot and the gentleman at the gate telling me that I was a little early... like 3 hours early!
The painting is only half of the experience. The other part was being on the sideline during the game . The freedom to walk around any where on the sidelines to take action photos was a unique and wonderful experience. I was like an artist in a candy store wondering which piece I should take and in this case which player I can take photos of.
The thrill to take different angle shots of place kicker Burke Dales and Field Goal specialist Rene Paredes was something from a sport documentary. While they were going through their routines I was trying to find that perfect shot. I’m sure glad they didn’t get mad at me for doing that. At one point I wanted to ask Rene if he remembers anything about Venezuela since this is where we both were born. But then I found myself being distracted by the other events taking place on the sideline.
I watched coach John Hufnagel wandering onto the field with his head set wrapped around his neck asking the referee for an explanation on a call. By then the night sky had set in and now the stadium lights lit up McMahon’s field. Coach Hufnagel turned towards the sideline puts his head set back on his head and walked towards the sideline. You can see that he was in deep concentration. As an artist I am always looking for that particular pose or stance of a player in this case it was coach Hufnagel. I pictured the distant crowd behind him as a darken blur and there in front of me was a living legend in the spot light. I remember telling the TSN camera man. Look at that “ WOW “ way too cool. As he turned and pointed his camera at Coach Hufnagel all he could say was - This is why I love doing this. At that moment I took the opportunity to snap a few photos of my own. Hopefully a future painting!
Back to the “ Burris ” painting, after a week of pouring over action photos I made up my mind to go with a couple of shots put together. One photo shows Henry clasping the ball in front of him. The only thing I didn’t really like was the quality of photo. The pose is great but the quality wasn’t there. He was out in the middle of the field just a little too far for my 200mm. So I found another pose from a series of shots that I took of Henry while standing in front of the players area during a break in play. The quality is great. The photo shows Henry looking at me while I took his photo. So I combine the head and body together in photoshop and presto! We have a pose!

I was really happy and excited with that pose. It looks like Henry is running with the ball and looking at me to throw the ball to! ..lol

Jersey retirement for Curtis Glencross on Dec 9th at The Brooks Centennial Regional Arena

2011-12-05T20:36:00.001-07:00

On Dec 9th, 2011 the Brooks Bandits will raise and retire the number 17 to the rafters wore by Curtis Glencross. From being cut by a couple of junior-A teams in his midget year to finally in 2000 getting the chance to play for the Brooks Bandits Jumior A Team. Curtis Glencross knows what it takes to succeed in the NHL and if you think it was summer hockey camps?..Think again!...You can read about Curtis's success a little later.
Besides the jersey retirement celebration there is also going to be the signing of Limited Edition Digital Art Photographs.
These 11 x 14 prints are designed by yours truly using photos that were taken while I was a director with the Brooks Bandits. Curtis and myself will be signing these prints after the raising of the jersey to the rafters...

Limited Edition 11 x 14 Digital Art Photograph of Curtis Glencross

Watch Video Glencross Jersey Retirement

If you get a chance to go into Brooks on December 9th, come join the celebration, get a chance to meet a Brooks Bandits legend and an NHL super star.

Dec10th, 2011

A great night was had by all last night at the Curtis Glencross jersey retirement game in Brooks. It was good to see and talk to Curtis again. Besides a few more scars, he hasn't changed too much, still a skinny kid. Or.... I'm just getting fatter I guess!

It was great to see and talk to all the people that I haven't seen in a while. I wish you all well..

Curtis and I signed all 17 of the prints and now they are up for sell for anybody interested in one of these babies. At $250 you can add your name to a list for a copy of this print. Once they get framed we will contact you..

I hate to throw in a cliché but "They are selling fast". These will make great Man Cave presents....

A BIG Thank you to all that have purchased a print

You can contact Paul Seaton at 501 1794.. Take care and Merry Christmas... Joe Versikaitis

and here is the story written by Calgary Sun writer Steve Macfarlane.
Curtis Glencross wasn’t always this fierce.

Growing up in Eastern Alberta, the atom-aged house-league hockey player was happy to hang out with his buddies on the ice all winter and switch to some other sport during the warmer months.

And when body contact was introduced in pee-wee, the wee lad wasn’t learning how to throw a crushing check the way he has proven very capable of on the forecheck for the Calgary Flames these days — he was learning to protect himself.

“I was small. I had to learn how to take a hit and be straight on my skates, and get out of the way of hits,” the Flames winger says with a grin. “By the time midget came, I had my growth spurt.

“I think after my second year bantam, I went up four skate sizes in one summer.”

Payback was on its way.

So was the payoff.

Glencross, arguably the most consistent member of the up-and-down Flames this season, looks in the rearview mirror of his hockey life and admits there were few times he would have imagined things working out the way they have.

But his history in the game and his outlook on life growing up offer a clear vision of how the 28-year-old born in Kindersley, Sask., and raised in Provost became the relentlessly determined NHLer he can proudly claim to be today.

“It’s rewarding to look back,” Glencross says during a relaxed moment in his locker-room stall during a recent road trip. “I’ve never played double-A in my life. I played in my small town. There were 2,000 people. I played at home with my same buddies all the time.

“When I was playing midget hockey and going through high school and playing ‘C’ hockey in my hometown, I thought, ‘Alright, I’m gonna end up working with my dad in the cattle business or something like that.’ I had no intention of a career in hockey.

“I got cut from a couple of junior-A teams in my midget year. After my second year midget, I got a chance to go try out at a junior-A team and made it out of evaluation camp.

“Then it clicked in — maybe I can play a little longer.”

From the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL, Glencross made another leap to the University of Alaska in Anchorage, realizing he could also get an education out of the game he’d always considered a hobby.

That turned into a pro deal with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and he worked his way through the American Hockey League ranks to the NHL, bouncing between the Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers before joining the Flames as a free agent four years ago.

“It was weird. For six years, seven years, I had no chance. All of a sudden, I’ve got a shot at making the show. It was great,” Glencross says of his gradual and unexpected climb.

His seven goals leads the team and ranks him in the league’s top 30 almost a quarter of the way through the season — his first under a four-year deal he signed with the Flames this summer.

Many of his peers who have signed equally assuring contracts have fallen into ‘the comfort zone,’ in which efforts seem to subside and consistency becomes an issue.

Not Glencross. If anything, he’s hungrier.

“If you’re playing a sport, and you’re just in it to get a paycheque, you’re in it for the wrong reason,” he says with a shake of the head and a quiet tone. “You’re playing for your city, your organization and your teammates.”

Wanting to prove deserving of the US$10.2-million over four years, which includes a critical no-movement clause, Glencross hasn’t let anyone down following his career-best 24-goal, 43-point season last year.

“Seems like there are always contracts that are signed, and guys get a little secure and feel safe. I don’t look at it like that,” he shrugs. “I look at it like they signed me for a four year deal for the player I was last year, not the player I’m going to be three years from now.

“I don’t want to be known as one of those players that sign a deal and then their next good year is a contract year. I want to be consistent.

“If I’m consistent and put up the same kind of totals from year to year, then the next contract will be even better.”

You could make a sports-themed, Christmas-season made-for-TV special on Glencross’ roots in the game and rise in his profession.

There’s definitely a message in it for kids who eat, sleep and breathe the game 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 12 months a year.

“Guys that get forced into playing double-A and triple-A and that kind of stuff at a young age, parents are driving them all the time to play regular-season, play spring hockey, play summer hockey, go to all these camps. One of the things that drives me nuts the most is in the summer time when you see 12-year-old kids in the gym working out,” Glencross says with a shake of his head. “Go play baseball. Go golfing. Go play soccer.”

Play for the passion and enjoyment, not the potential of a paycheque that doesn’t come for the majority of them anyway.

“If you’re pushed since you’re 10 or 12 years old because your parents want you to make the NHL ... I never played summer hockey. I went to one hockey school because a guy from our hometown was coaching the Golden Bears in Edmonton. So I went for two years just because he was there. That was a week for two summers in pee-wee and bantam.

“I can’t stand putting my skates on in the summer at all. Lots of guys are skating in June, July. I don’t start skating until the second week of August. You skate so much during the season.

“I grew up with a different kind of mentality.”

It’s his appreciation for how far that mentality has taken him that keeps him going and striving for better even after reaching a level that could satisfy many of those dreaming of a life like his.

“You look at all the kids now in minor hockey. They feel like if they’re not playing double-A or triple-A, what’s the point?” he says. “The worst part is kids get so frustrated that they don’t get to that level, they think they don’t ever have a shot.

“Some people are later developers. There are lots other options besides playing at that level. You can play junior-A and get a college scholarship and get four years of college or university for free.

“There are a lot more players coming out of college right now than ever. You can’t give up if you want to play the game.”

It worked for him."
story written by Calgary Sun writer Steve Macfarlane

Joe Versikaitis - Artist / Photographer

http://www.versikaitis.com/

This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

Versikaitis - The Art of Sport art and photography!

2011-10-14T12:24:00.000-06:00

Versikaitis - The Art of Sport is delighted to announce that as of today October 14, 2011 Mcimages will be replaced with www.pbase.com/versikaitis

You will be able to access both my art and photography site from www.versikaitis.com and now of course www.pbase.com/versikaitis

This will promote Versikaitis - The Art of Sport as an Art and Photography business!

I would sincerely like to thank you for your ongoing relationship with Versikaitis - The Art of Sport and the many referrals that you have provided over the years.

It will be a pleasure to serve you from my new site with the same quality and service you have come to expect from Versikaitis - The Art of Sport

It has been an honor and privilege to work with you and I look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.

Regards

Joe Versikaitis - Artist / Sport Photographer

NHL, WHL

Art Web Site: http://www.versikaitis.com

Photography at: http://www.pbase.com/versikaitis

Blog Alberta Sport Artist Joe Versikaitis at: http://versikaitis-theartofsport.blogspot.com

PH: 1 403 527 3091

View my painting of Jarome Iginla

View my painting of Henry Burris ....Creativity in progress!

Memories of Tigers gone by...

2011-10-12T22:59:00.000-06:00

Time and time again I've been asked if I had any layouts of Tigers from the years past. Layouts of Chris Osgood or Lanny just to name a few. Again this week I'm faced with the same question. Unfortunate This is one the reason I' m doing this project. For the opportunity to share some of the moments of these future NHLer's with the fans.
Imagine having this kind of photo layout or keepsake of Trevor Linden, Joffrey Lupul, Jay Bouwmeester, Chris Osgood, and of course Lanny. Way too cool!

Every year out from the CHL there is up and coming future NHL stars. With Jay Bouwmeester, Joffrey Lupul, Ryan Hollweg, Matt Keetley and Chris St. Jacques, I had the opportunity to create paintings of these past Tigers.
With the exception of Keetley, there was limited edition prints created which went for sale to the fans and general public in the Medicine Hat area. These are memories that will last a long time.

Matt Keetley - The painting of Keetz - 2009

A piece of Memorabilia give away at Tigers Game

is a project to create an interest amongst fans for the action photographs taken of players during this seasons Tigers games..

By offering this 20 photos per game photography project fans can enjoy memories of Tigers players in the years to come. The low limited edition run of each player will give more value to the photo and the certificate of authenticity seals the project nicely. The other part that I really enjoy about this project is the fact that I get to walk and talk to the fans at the game. It brings a different aspect to the project which is the personal touch. Where I can first of all thank the fans for coming out and they in turn can get to know me and my work a little bit more...

.....Lets Chat!....

If you missed the previous Blogs you can check them out here... Tyler Bunz - BLOG and now of Cole Grbavac - BLOG. The next player is yet to be announced. If you missed out on the limited edition photos of these players, well...you'll have to try your luck for the next player photos at the next Tigers game.

If you get a chance to experience a Tigers game and you see me walking around with these photos layouts, stop me and say hi. Tell me that you have read my blogs and you'll get a limited edition photo layout. It's that simple.

If you like this idea please let the Tigers Facebook know about it or at Tigershockey.com

Thank you and see you at the games! ...Joe...

" For the past few and again this WHL hockey season, I have been fortunate to photo-shoot future NHLer's.

To capture these talented players who put their heart and soul on the ice each and every game is an honor in itself. As I venture through the Arena corridors I am faced with many great future memories of the players from both teams, team personal and the fans in the stands. It is for this reason that I wish to capture these frames in time and a moment in peoples lives at the games.

....To render a pose for ever.... "

Joe Versikaitis - Artist / Photographer

http://www.versikaitis.com/

This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

A piece of Memorabilia give away at Tigers Game - Oct 15, 2011

2011-10-10T00:29:00.000-06:00

Between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Calgary Hitmen.

Courtesy of Alberta Sports Artist and Photographer Joe Versikaitis, some lucky fan at the game will receive an 8 x 10 photo layout of Cole Grbavac. This is a 20 Photo Limited Edition print run.

Throughout the hockey season there will be prints of other Tiger players made available. These are numbered photos and will have a certificate available with them.

If you're a lucky recipient of a print don't forget to get it signed by Cole to give the print that much more value.

" For the past few and again this WHL hockey season, I have been fortunate to photo-shoot future NHLer's.

Joe Versikaitis - Artist / Photographer

www.versikaitis.com

This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

Numbers on the Helmet...Changing Tradition to the way of European Style Marketing

2011-10-09T13:26:00.003-06:00

Head Equipment Manager Tony Da Costa for the Minnesota Wild tweeted these images of these helmet, adding that it's "no joke" and that players will have numbers on the front and back of their lids beginning on opening night.

Schuyler Beehman of the NHL with the specifics on the numbers:

Player numbers will be added to the front forehead (centered) location of all player helmets at the start of this season. Front numbers are not required to be placed on goaltenders headgear. Numbers on the front and back of helmets will measure no less than 1.25" and no more than 2" in height. The new number placement is designed to aid on-ice officials, broadcasters, et al. by providing an additional point of player identification

As my wife and I sat down to watch the opening game of another NHL season. I couldn't help but noticed the changes to the helmets.
" I said well what's next a chunk of hockey tape across the helmet with the players name? "
The numbers are there to help out the on /off ice officials, broadcasters that are perched up high in the rafters, and who ever else needs help.... REALLY? They're only an 1 inch by 2 inches big for god sakes! How is that going to help?
It seems to me that the NHL is really looking at another way to market this game. They are just easing us into what's to come in the future. This numbering system is opening the way to European style advertising. Where they plaster advertising all over the players sweater, helmet, pants, gloves, and gontch ( underwear ). I'm sure they put advertising on the teams toilet paper too!
I hope it doesn't come to that!. I understand that every league needs different and creative ways to generate revenue for their franchise. But leave the uniform alone. Let the number on the front of the helmet the last thing...That's good enough!....and....Stop there please!
Tradition has it that the equipment manufactures have every right to advertise on their own equipment due to the fact that they make it..The teams put their logo, player name, the number on the back / sides and now on the front of the helmet because they own the player....
Since the mandatory rule to wear a helmet was introduced way back when, the logo and the number on the back have been a part of that tradition.

......A North American Tradition! Comprendes amigos?

So to the NHL marketing department and Mr. Bettman, keep searching for different ways to market this wonderful game. You are doing great! Believe me! Advertise within all communication whether electronic or print media, in arena boards, bleacher seats, glass, ice surface, bathroom stalls, concourse rafters, on the cement floors, children toys, what ever it takes... Hell even have a remote control blimp flying around the inside to the rink ( during intermission of course ) and dropping off advertising material to the waiting fans in their seats. By the way a Medicine Hat Tigers tradition that has a little bit of a hiccup at the moment but hopefully be up and flying again...
But please, please, and PLEASE! Do us all hockey fans a huge favor, by not ruining our North American Tradition and slapping European style advertising all over the players...We wont be able to see the players for the advertising...

" I hope you enjoyed the article and I look forward to reading your comments! "

Joe Versikaitis

This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

The Zebras with their Timely Expressions...

2011-10-01T11:22:00.001-06:00

As a sport photographer going to a Tigers hockey game, I'm always looking for that unique action shot. The one shot that will make an impact on people or create some kind of conversation piece. Watching and basically studying these future NHLer's is a feast of its own. The hard work ethic and talent is displayed on the ice for the fans to enjoy, game in and game out.
Sometimes while trying to create a play which would allow a scoring chance. The player gets up ended by the opposition player. All a part of the sport. For some players it's a sport of timely words but from a referee's point of view, it's different. This is what I call ..." Timely Expressions! "

Here is some pic's from recent and games gone by that display a bit of humor and

..Timely Expressions..

The... " You really didn't understand that call ?!? "... expression

The... " Oh come on that wasn't a hard hit ! "... expression

The... " Is this going to take long ? "... expression

The... " Oh NO..Him again ! "... expression

The... " Oh Man! "... expression

The... " Why me Lord?! "... expression

The... " he's still talking ! "... expression

The... " If I turn and pretend to talk to someone else he'll go away...Right ? "... expression

The... " He's gone...Wow that worked! "... expression

My favorite is...

The... " Good lord what do they feed these kids ! "... expression

But I believe sometimes there are one expression that speaks for itself from a players point of view anyway...

The... " This isn't good ! "... expression

" I hope you enjoyed these pic's and I look forward to another season of

timely expressions. "

Joe Versikaitis

This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

A piece of Memorabilia give away at Tigers Game - Oct 1, 2011

2011-10-01T01:29:00.004-06:00

Between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Edmonton oil Kings.

Courtesy of Alberta Sports Artist and Photographer Joe Versikaitis, some lucky fan at the game will receive an 8 x 10 photo layout of Tyler Bunz. This is a 20 Photo Limited Edition print run.

Throughout the hockey season there will be prints of other Tiger players made available. These are numbered photos and will have a certificate available with them.

If you're a lucky recipient of a print don't forget to get it signed by Tyler to give the print that much more value.

" For the past few and again this WHL hockey season, I have been fortunate to photo-shoot future NHLer's.

....To render a pose for ever.... "

Joe Versikaitis - Artist / Photographer

www.versikaitis.com
This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

Creating a sports template you'll be proud of

2011-09-26T13:29:00.001-06:00

After you have spent several hours taking the team and individual photos. Figure out what else you would like to use in the template layout. By this I mean what scene or photo would you like to see in the background. now that you are at the field with all the team equipment there it's a great time to work your inspiration and get creative.
If it's for soccer then you would use something from the soccer field. Like the NET, grass and ball, soccer shoes by the ball, etc
For baseball you can use the backstop, a wide angle shot of the whole field viewing it from the home plate, baseball and bats on the grass, etc
What ever your sport always remember to include something that is part of that sport as a background.

Processing the photos part, this is the fun stuff. Always make sure you have clear and crisp looking photos....Use the best photos that you have. If you didn't get a really good photo of that particular kid make arrangements for a re-shoot. Do not use photos that are a bit blur especially in the face area. Sometimes you can get away with it only if it's in the clothing but never in the face area. You want people to remember you for good quality shots, Period!
If you have to spend a little more time chasing down this person just to get another shot it will be worth it. You are showing that you are serious about what you do and also that it's ok to make mistakes as long as the mistakes are caught before you go to print. Finding a mistake after you get it back from your place of printing really sucks!

Ideas for Creating a wonderful template;
a) determine the layout of course. either 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20 or what ever standard size. Standard size is what ever standard frames are available at your local stationers store.
b) figure out color scheme. Most likely go with the team colors.
Try to envision your final printed layout. Figure out where you would like the photos to be on the layout.
How many photos can I actually place on the layout? 2, 4, or 17 plus a team picture?
Is this going to be an individual layout? Just one kid with a few action shots.
These are some of the question you need to ask before you get started.

The usual layouts for an 8 x 10 is the individual with a incorporated team photo. Once you have created your layout of how you want the page to look like then all you do is change out the individual photo. But don't forget to also change the name, number of the player...lol

This is a typical 8 x10 layout. I would stick the team photo in the bottom and only change the individual photo, name of player and his / her number.

With the 11 x 14 I have a little more room to work with then then 8 x 10. With my templates I usually go for a 4 or 5 photo layout. I have 1 big size photo, then a smaller one then that, and 3 yet smaller size.

This is an 11 x 14 template. In this layout I have a big photo on the right. A smaller photo on the left. And in the middle I have 2 smaller yet photos. The unique part of this layout is I've created a signature layout of my work. I incorporate black and white photography into my layouts. This gives my work a distinguished look. One that separates my works from others..

With the 16 x 20, well the sky is the limit with this layout... These layouts is where I like create a border of individual action poses of the player. If at all possible in 2 different jersey colors. Also I will have a large photo of that player up in one of the corners. I will finish it off by putting the team photo right in the middle of the page.

This is a 16 x 20 template. It's always nice to have 2 different color jerseys. It harmonizes the composition. Remember if your going to be selling your photos with team logos make sure to ask fro permission before you print these out...

Of course the name and number of the player, team, the year and if you want the name of the team members. You can add the team logo up in one of the corners if you have room.

When I do these templates I always want to create something unique. Something that no one has seen or done before. A lot of times I will change the layout a little with each player to give it a unique look for each kid. I will then tell the parents or team manager this. I will mention to them that this gives each one a unique look. You have the same color scheme, fonts, background but changed it up a little. Don't be afraid..Create a one of a kind piece of art. I guess this part comes from being an artist...

I use photoshop as my fav tool to work with. I can create the whole aspect of the template in photoshop.
There is so many filters, brushes, and elements to photoshop that to use them all is basically impossible. So learn what you need to learn to get going and then if you wish, approach other elements later. After a while you'll find out that you only need a few parts of photoshop to create your work anyways.

I one thing I will stress , your work is only as good as your photos. If you have crappy photos then your work will reflect that. No matter how good the layout is, the first thing people look at is whether or not they can see their child clearly..
and oh yeah always create your own work. If you show work that someone else has created there is always going to be parents who have seen that layout. Murphy's Law...If you need to use someone else's work then be prepared to pay $30 to $50 per template layout. It's not the end of the world going this way either. It saves you time and money in the long run.
I hope this helps your creativity process a please let me know if I missed something...

Thank you and take care
Joe Versikaitis
This article is copyrighted to Versikaitis - The Art of Sport. Any reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.

Pre-game Crowd Pump Up

2011-04-18T11:32:00.000-06:00

I never get enough of these shots!
The way the spot light hits Bunzys equipment, the net and the ice brings an artistic dimension to my sport photography...
The reflection of Bunzy on the ice surface makes it look like he stand on a frozen pond and not the arena ice at all.
The process in taking a shot like this is a little tricky.
Everything from getting the correct setting, of course lighting, and running from one place of the arena to where I can get this is all about
Timing!.
After taking my shots of the on ice playoff Pre-game crowd pump up ( maybe we should call this P C P U )
I run, well walk fast to the home team end/corner of the arena. It's about 120 feet away.
In that distance I can get my camera settings, grab my chair and then once there I take a few shots of Bunz while the arena announcer yells out " Starting in goal, number 31--- Ty-lerrrrr Bunzzz!"

The other element to this photo is the FRENZIED acknowledgement of the crowd when his name is being announced.
Gives my passion for sports photography one more element...!
Intoxication!

Painting of Jarome Iginla

2011-04-02T23:44:00.010-06:00

I find it fascinating when someone tells me that they seen my work on the net. When asked how they found my work the answer is usually the same. I was looking for a painting on so n so and your name popped up.

The gentlemen was looking for a painting on Jarome Iginla and guess what my previous work on Jarome showed up. Way too cool, thanks to the internet I can get back into my studio. The painting will be auctioned off so we worked out a deal.

This painting is 30 wide x 40 high Acrylics on canvas, close to 8 1/2 square feet surface.

The blank Canvas

About 3 hours of sketching a rough face drawing. Mostly the helmet is what took the work. The print out on the left is part of the layout that I do on my Mac. I first layout the correct size in photoshop then I make print outs of the piece that i created and then I transfer the image onto my canvas. I use a series of measuring devices like my pencil and a ruler to get the most accurate detail as possible.

Up to here it's taken me close to 14 hours

When drawing straight lines on canvas. You have to be a ware of the sag of the material. When you push on the canvas of course it will sag. Now your line has a curve to it.
To prevent this I used a piece of foam core board and place it behind the canvas. I wedge it between the material and the wooden frame to give it strength.
Now I can use a straight edge to get my lines for the stick

I love the idea that I can get my computer screen as close as possible to the canvas. I can zoom in and out for the detail.

The white lines on the photo on the screen

is guide lines to keep me on track with the painting and keeps everything in perspective.

Working side ways gives me yet a different aspect.

I'm just drawing out the string tie on the jersey....

Doing my art and watching my favorite show the " Cake Boss " on TLC

Kinda looks like he's watching me paint...EH! Budda Boom, Budda Bing!

I had the honor to talk to Stephen Holland today. We talked about marketing and everything in between. You can view this great artist work at Stephen Holland

Many a times I had the opportunity to study Jarome Iginla in a stance. Again I was amazed at both the level of focus and intensity he brings to the game. For the number of years that Iggy has been in the NHL, his pose has inspired over 35,000 photographs. To me as an artist these photos are like candy to a little kid in a store. Ample references supplies. Whatever pose I see on the ice I know there will be enough reference photos to help me paint it.

In doing this painting of Jarome Iginla. I had some very interesting experiences.

First, in my art career I’ve done murals that are over 10 foot tall and wide. This is the first time that I've ever done a painting this big on canvas. The best thing about it I'm already looking forward to my next 30 x 40 painting.

Second of all, it was the challenges that came into affect when a person commits to venture like this one. This painting threw a curve ball at me a couple of times. One being I am not used to having a neutral background. I always have characters or the presence of a crowd. The other is the number 12, which gave me some grief for some reason. Looks good now!

The third experience was trying to figure out how to get this painting signed by Jarome.
We haven't figured it out yet!

The fourth, I had the most gratifying opportunity to talk to one of this generation world known sports artist, Stephen Holland. This down to earth gentleman had nothing but great marketing advice and the modesty of telling me that my work was good!...What a guy!

Finally, as an artist not only did I get the opportunity to create this painting but I believe also formed a friendship.

Here is to my newfound friends Hussain and Stephen.

Started February 27th and finished May 21, 2011...A total of 225 hours.
I don't believe the more hours you put into a piece makes the painting.
I believe it takes strategy and a little bit of patience's to create an illusion of colors and shapes....

Joe Versikaitis.

Visit www.versikaitis.com

Thank you for visiting with me. I hope you enjoyed your stay but if you would like

to view more step by step of this painting visit...

A painting of Jarome Iginla by Alberta Sports Artist Joe Versikaitis

" Jarome "

Pre Game Rituals

2011-02-14T23:09:00.026-07:00

I've been creating a series of photos as the players are coming out onto the ice for their pre game warm up. I guess you call these photos a series because they are basically the same idea and style.

What I would like to do is capture the player's Pre Game Ritual.

It all starts as the players stand in the hallway underneath the bleachers near the entrance to the ice surface. They wait for one of there theme song called Hell Yeah by Rev Theory to play. Then in a single file they advance towards the ice surface just in time to hear the arena announcer yell out

" Lead by Tyler Bunz ( or in many cases Deven Dubyk)....

Your Medicine Haaaat T-I-G-E-R-S!"

and the whole Arena explodes with excitement for their home town heros!

The intensity before show time.

Ok maybe not too much Intensity......lol

Can't forget The Fans..

Nemesis!

...and yet there is players like Reid Petryk that come out with a great big Positive Attitude.

...Game in and Game out...

His laughter rubs off on his team mates!

The one thing I love about rituals is that they are all unique. Take Hunter, No matter if it's warm up or game time the mouth guard makes it's way outside the mouth.

With my Pre Game shoot , I'm perched in the opposition bench across the ice from where the Tigers enter the ice surface. While I take these photos and watch the players formative warm up. I get to see the little rituals of each individual player. Everything from juggling of a puck, to the back and forth speed skating in between the two side boards and to the goalies practicing their lateral movements in the crease.

I believe that's what drives me to take more pictures. Like I said earlier, what I would like to do is capture the player's Pre Game Ritual. To Trap, if you pardon the pun, the few moments of total concentration of each player as he follows his warm up routine.

I use art to apprehend an illusion of a players game. Even though I have my style of creating I always strive for the new and out of the ordinary composition.

With photography, I have the ability to freeze a moment in a players life..

As the players single file onto the ice surface I want to capture their Pre Game Ritual. But sometimes an ordinary routine isn't ordinary at all...

Maybe not a Pre Game Ritual....Dylan The skate Guard buddy!

To view more of these photos go to http://www.pbase.com/mcimages

Artwork http://www.versikaitis.com

The Final Whistle...

2011-01-21T11:42:00.009-07:00

The Zebras...the funny and out of the ordinary shots.

To me there is nothing more exciting then going to do a photo shoot at a Medicine Hat Tigers game. As I drive my way to the arena, the ideas of what shots I want to take and who I should be taking shots of all races through my mind. I always have a list of 2 or 3 players that I need to concentrate on and the then there is the action shots for the W.H.L.
I know the players are the main purpose for the shoot. But there is so much more going on in the game besides the players. Like the opportunity to photo shoot the dramatic referees.  At times they are ignored in a game until they make a call then of course every one's eyes are on them.

As an artist and photographer, I watch for the emotion and the facial expression of people. Not only are these next photos popular with my viewers but to me are somewhat funny and out of the ordinary shots.

  At the bottom of this Blog you will find the link to my photography web site to view these and many more shots.

The Intensity.

Three heads is always better then one.

As I took this shot, one of the referees turns to me and actually called me a Paparazzi. Can you believe the nerve of him?

Again terrible call...lol

I've often talked about how the referee seems to get in the way of me and the player that I'm following. Well here is my million dollar shot. In this play Wacey Hamilton #36 scored and of course I missed the shot....

Another one of those wonderful shots...

The Linesmen....Oh yes The Linesmen. This one in particular is kinda funny if you look at the size difference between the player and the linesman. My hat goes off to linesman Cochrane for keeping the peace on the ice.

The call is made but there is still time for arguing....

They do crack a smile every once in a while.

Thank you for viewing my blog. If you want to add your comments please be free to do so.

To view more photos of the referee please go to

Versikaitis- The Art of Sport Photography

It just goes to show that you never know when or where your photos will show up..Who's hot, who's not - Medicine Hat's Tyler Pitlick big talk on Sportnet.ca - Photo Courtesy by Joe Versikaitis

2010-11-22T22:23:00.008-07:00

Medicine Hat Tigers forward Tyler Pitlick could be on the verge of claiming his spot on the American squad in the world junior tournament. Pitlick is lighting the lamp and helping buoy the surge from the Tigers in the home stretch before the holiday break.

By Patrick King at Sportsnet.ca

Tyler Pitlick - Medicine Hat Tigers

I usually go to the Arena with a couple ideas of what stance and which player I would like to photo shoot. Some nights I will follow the goalies. Others nights I will follow the defense and then other nights I follow the forwards. Heck, there is nights when all I shoot is the back side of the referees as they so kindly skate in front of me while I'm taking my million dollar shot......lol.

The W.H.L. likes to see action shots which shows a player from each team in it. Shots like checking into the boards, taking face offs, the action in front of the net and of course goal shots. To me the action shots is what excite me the most. I understand the game well enough to anticipate of what's coming next. So I can start shooting when I see fit. One thing for sure, sometimes I get the shot and sometimes I don't.

I will say, that towards the end of the game after I've taken my share of photos. I always seem to have a little bit more inspiration to follow 1 more players. I will follow this players for 3 to 4 shifts and see what comes out of that.

In this picture of Tyler Pitlick I only followed him for 1 shift...That's it...It just goes to show that you never know when or where your photos will show up. Although, to have my Art work show cased in such a great media would have been an awesome experience. Having my photo displayed to the world by Sportnet.ca is a very great honor.

Thank you to the Medicine Hat Tigers, Patrick King and Sportnet.ca for giving me this opportunity to show case my work.

Along with an awesome write up about Tyler Pitlick, this shot is being feature on Sportnet.ca by Patrick King

To view the article please click here http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/11/22/king_chl_hot_not/

Tigers Vs Pats

2010-11-16T16:48:00.057-07:00

It seems that I'm always looking to take an ideal shot or pose during the hockey game. The time that it takes for me to drive to the Arena to take photos at a game is very important to me. As an artist, I'm visualizing different stances that players do. I am also thinking if I was going to do a painting of a player what pose or stance would inspire me?

These ideal shots is where the player is in a routine stance, certain pose or little habits that they show on the ice. Habits like tucking their jersey into one side of their pants. Others like to chew on their mouth guards while they skate. The goalies, well they are a different bunch all together. I seen guys come up to the net and treat it like a shrine. They stand in front of it and say a prayer, tap the two post and then the cross bar before turning around and backing up into it. They don't light candles but pretty close... I believe that most if not all goalies slap the catching glove and then the butt end of their stick to the goal post in rhythm.

Then there is the player or the goal scorer that seems to communicate with his stick by staring at it, rubbing the taped part and almost talking to it.

That's why I believe that sports photography is not only capturing the players face and emotion but also capturing them in their routine superstitious habit. What ever ritual they do, I want to capture it

Hope you enjoy!

Most of these photos were taken on November 13th, 2010. Between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Regina Pats..

Starting goalies always go to the center ice area and do their stretching out while their counterpart go to the side boards for their stretching exercise. Here #33 Deven Dubyk at center ice going through his routine.

This would be a cool pose to paint....

Capturing the player during a break in the game makes for some interesting poses. During game if I get a chance to talk to players I always tell them that when I'm looking at you with my camera, Smile at me..lol

This would be a cool pose to paint....

Hunter Shinkaruk has a habit of chewing on his mouth guard while he skates.

This would be a very cool pose to paint....

Here Linden Vey turned just in time to see the puck coming out of the net after team mate Emerson Etem scored.

This would be a cool pose to paint....

Just like Frank Lennon, the photographer that took the pictures of Paul Henderson of Team Canada, scoring on Russian goaltender Vladislav Tretiak.

Each one of us photographer dreams of taking that one or two photos that will for ever live on in the life of a sport. Eugene Erik is the main photographer for the Medicine Tigers. One of the question we always seem to ask each other is "Did you get that Goal?" Which of course means did you get the photo of the goal going in the net...

More then enough times I always seem to get a picture of the referee's butt. Just as a goal is about to be scored. This game was between the Tigers and the Kootenay ICE.

This would NOT be a cool pose to paint....

From where I sit during the games, like I've said in previous blogs, is the best seat in the house. I get to see a lot of face offs and the great Jr. hockey thats packed with non stop action.
I always try to capture the moment the puck leaves the hand of the referee. I like to see what the player eyes are doing during that particular second. Like in this shot of Wacey Hamilton #36 and the Rebels #9 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins during a game against the Rebels. Their eyes are focused on the puck in the referees hand...
But with any sport photography,

sometimes you get the shot and sometimes you don't...

This would be a cool pose to paint....

Here Linden Vey takes the puck away from his opponent..

By the way Linden is going to be playing in the 2010 Subway Series against the Russians on November 17 and 18. Read about it here at Hockey Future.com

Good Luck Linden!

A stance of Linden playing against the Russians would a very cool portrait to paint....!

The photo of Paul Henderson was turned into a drawing which was donated to a local charity in Brooks Alberta. Go here to view " The Goal ".

Also You can view Eugene Eriks web site Here

You can can go to my photo web site at http://www.pbase.com/mcimages/tigers_vs_pats to see more of these shots..

Fatty - The painting of my first goalie mask!!

2010-11-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

This goalie mask is a project that has been going on for sometime. The mask belongs to a co-worker of mine by the name of Marlo. Being that Marlo is a huge Philadelphia Flyers FAN the theme of this piece has to do with the Flyers. Marlo and I decided that it would be great to acknowledge Bernie Parent and Pelle Lindbergh.
To start I had to sand, prime, and add a layer of paint to the front and back part of the mask. I then searched for reference photos to use and created a design that looks some what good.
Painting this mask is going to be done with my old air brush. Now I haven't done air brush work for over 12 years so I'll be a little rusty.

The back of the mask once the priming and first coat of paint was put on it.

Here I have done painting on the back part of the mask. I used the air brush with the help of my smaller painting brushes. Those little air holes, I believe I painted those buggers about 5 times before I was satisfied with what I had. The piercing eyes looking at you. I wanted to make them seem like they are stuck back in a shadow....

Here I have put on the straps that to show what it's going to look like from the back of the mask...

Almost like some kind of Warrior!!!!

" FATTY " is a nick name that Marlo goes by in his hockey career...

Medicine Hat Tigers vs Saskatoon Blades.Photos for this week...Nov 7th,2010

2010-11-07T20:00:00.009-07:00

This blog of photos was taken at the Medicine Tigers game on November 6th, 2010. I get the privilege, along with another gentleman by the name of Eugene Erik to take photos for the Tigers. I feel like I have the best seat in the house....Hope you enjoy these pics!

Nov 6th, 2010. Medicine Hat Tigers vs Saskatoon Blades

#9 Hunter Shinkaruk has himself a goal after receiving a great pass from fellow teammate #15 Linden Vey.

#34 Kale Kessy comes in spraying snow behind the net while goaltender Adam Morrison tries to clear the puck.

This shot of Emerson Etem is one that I always wanted to do with a player. That is having the player looking to the side while having their back to the camera.

This shot of Kale Kessy I caught my luck. I just happen to look over in front of the net the puck was shot by Defensive Sebastian Owuya. Kale just held his stick between his leg and tried to redirect the puck to the net. These kind of photos are the ones that I always want to get but have a hard time capturing. I either shake the camera a little so that the picture comes out blurred or like my mother used to take pictures and only get part of the body and miss the rest of the shot!

You can can go to my photo web site at http://www.pbase.com/mcimages/tigers_vs_saskatoon to see more of these shots..

Miguel Jose

2010-10-30T01:10:00.002-06:00

This piece is a portrait of my son Miguel.

16 x 20 pastel sketch of Miguel

A while ago I had him pose for me in front of our den window so that I could get some cool light effects from the window. It started out as a pastel sketch but like always it turns out to be a little bit more.

Is your ability to create Art a gift? Or do you have to work at it to make it a talent??

2010-10-19T22:50:00.000-06:00

Throughout the years I have gotten myself into a lot of little arguments over this issue. When someone says they like my artwork. Of course I say " Thank you!" But then, when they say you have such a wonderful gift. I tend to be a little apprehensive because I feel a gift is something that is giving to you. A gift of God would be life itself. That's a gift. The gift of sight, hearing , feelings, etc... To me, talent is something that I have to work hard at to perfect. To make it look easy in someone else eyes. Im sorry but I have to work hard to create my artwork and yes some aspect of my art comes easy. But it's all about the dedication it took to create that aspect easy.

What is a " BLOG"

2010-10-13T23:18:00.002-06:00

My daughter asked me what is a " Blog?"
This question came to be when I told her and her boyfriend that I created a blog page and that I was going to write in it. You see I started my own blog, Blog with Alberta Sport Artist Joe Versikaitis about two weeks ago. Here I will talk about Sport art, marketing, photography and yes a little bit of hockey.Yeah I know the name is a little long but what ever. I like it.
I thought a Blog would be kinda fun to create. It was so much fun that after I created my first blog page I created another blog page. This one I called Blog with my fellow Artist. In this blog page I want to encourage local artist to send me their works so that I can post it on my blog. My madness behind this concept is that if I show case other artist work then hopefully they will return the favor by show casing my work on their blog. I'm just trying to create a artsy fartsy community. We'll see how it goes.
After all the reading and scrutinising of other blogs. I have come to the conclusion that this blogging business is really a place to write my diary about my life. I talk about my art work and how that particular piece was created. I also bring in guest writers with marketing ideas and I try to promote a marketing guru by the name of Alyson Stanfield. Alyson has a great book called " I'd rather be in the studio ". For any of you artist out there that are interested in stepping into a career path as an artist then this book is a must.
My stories about meeting hockey super stars like Teemu Selanne, Trevor Kidd and soon to come Theo Fleury and Sandy McCarthy is really the part of my art that keeps me going. If it wasn't for my dream to be an N.H.L. artist the reason for marketing and blogging would be none existence.
So in saying all this. It seems that when people ask what is a blog. My response has to be this....
It's about writing what ever you want to write about, discussing a favorite topic with a person that you've never met before or in my case show casing mine other artist works. In all fairness Blogging to me is creating a community on a single web page where artist can come to visit...Simple!
Joe Versikaitis - Artist

Blog with Alberta Sport Artist Joe Versikaitis

Messi - The Painting of Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi Cuccittini- 2015

The concept for this painting became real after watching the 2014 World Cup. Months later after watching Barcelona FC play in which I got the opportunity to experience Leo Messi perform yet again. I knew then that I needed to create his portraiture.

His style of play is in comparisons to compatriot Diego Maradona who himself declared Messi his successor. " I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentinian football and his name is Messi. "

That would be a unique experience don't you think!

Joe Versikaitis

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Neymar Jr. - The Painting of Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior. - 2014

" Neymar Jr. "

This is a 24" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas painting ofNeymar da Silva Santos Júnior - Brazilian born professional footballer playing with the Spanish FC Barcelona club by Joe Versikaitis

Joe Versikaitis

All works are under the Canadian Copyrights Law. Any reproduction in part or whole without the written consent is strictly prohibited

Lewis - The Painting of Nik Lewis - 2013

Coach Huf - The Painting of John Hufnagel - 2013

Brettzky - A painting of Brett Schimmel - 2013

This is a 22" x 28" acrylic on canvas painting of Brett SchimmelFirst game in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

This is a portrait painting of good friends of ours son in the Brooks, Alberta area.

January 6, 2012 was Brett's first game in the AJHL ( Alberta Junior Hockey League ) playing with the Lloydminster Bobcats and at the time of this web add on July 10, 2013, playing for the Brooks Bandits.

The name " Brettzky " to me it's pretty obvious. Watching Brett growing up he always had a hockey stick in his hands. Always playing and skating.

I put Brett and Greztky together to come up with " Brettzky "

Burris - The Painting of Henry Burris - 2011

" Burris " This is a 22" x 28" Acrylic on Canvas painting of Henry Burris Calgary Stampeders by Joe Versikaitis

I was really happy and excited with that pose. It looks like Henry is running with the ball and looking at me to throw the ball to! ..lol

Jersey retirement for Curtis Glencross on Dec 9th at The Brooks Centennial Regional Arena

Versikaitis - The Art of Sport art and photography!

Memories of Tigers gone by...

A piece of Memorabilia give away at Tigers Game

A piece of Memorabilia give away at Tigers Game - Oct 15, 2011

Numbers on the Helmet...Changing Tradition to the way of European Style Marketing

The Zebras with their Timely Expressions...

A piece of Memorabilia give away at Tigers Game - Oct 1, 2011

Creating a sports template you'll be proud of

Pre-game Crowd Pump Up

Painting of Jarome Iginla

Pre Game Rituals

The Final Whistle...

It just goes to show that you never know when or where your photos will show up..Who's hot, who's not - Medicine Hat's Tyler Pitlick big talk on Sportnet.ca - Photo Courtesy by Joe Versikaitis

Tigers Vs Pats

Fatty - The painting of my first goalie mask!!

Medicine Hat Tigers vs Saskatoon Blades.Photos for this week...Nov 7th,2010

Miguel Jose

Is your ability to create Art a gift? Or do you have to work at it to make it a talent??

What is a " BLOG"

This is a 22" x 28" acrylic on canvas painting of Brett Schimmel
First game in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

" Burris "

This is a 22" x 28" Acrylic on Canvas painting of Henry Burris

Calgary Stampeders by Joe Versikaitis