The Art of Sports

I recently gave an interview to ProPlayerInsiders.com/rob-jackson-paints-the-art-of-sports/ about my work for NFL athletes. I’m proud to share it with you here. Look for more features like this one in the future, as I will soon have have my very own contributor page on their site.

Free Agent Fantasy

With today marking the start of the NFL free agency period, I wanted to share something I felt compelled to create. First of all, I’m a fan of every team because of my passion for football. However, If you know me well then you know I’m a Cowboy fan. No disrespect to Tony Romo. He’s a great asset to Dallas and I feel he has even better years ahead of him. But come on, how often do you have a player with the magnitude of Peyton Manning hitting the open market. From what I can remember, not since Joe Montana left San Fran for KC has there been such hype around a team signing a certain “Hall of Fame QB” to be. I sat back and thought, “I wonder how Manning would look in a Cowboys uniform?” There are a lot of people who can put something together in programs like Photoshop. In fact, I’ve already seen a few images of Peyton in Titans and Redskins gear. But I paint and let’s face it, a Photoshopped image has nowhere near the collectible value as that of a painting. So I set off to create the image you see below. I spent a few hours researching various photos of not only Peyton but several Cowboys as well. QBs are usually shown in the pocket or in the act of throwing the ball. Manning however is widely known for being a coach on the field, for rattling defenses with on the fly adjustments and the direction he gives his offense. It was important for me to cast him in that light which is why this image was chosen. Knowing I had a short amount of time to get this done I worked very hard over a short span of three days. I could’ve, and maybe should’ve, gone with the home whites but I’m partial to the throwback look. After wrapping it up at around 3AM Monday morning, I took a quick nap before heading out to Valley Ranch (Cowboys Headquarters) to drop it off as a surprise gift for the Jones family. Whether or not Mr. Jones has seen the painting, I may never know. I do know this won’t happen. Peyton Manning will not become a Dallas Cowboy. I’m not even sure I’d want him too, for irrelevant reasons to this post. The fact is, we can all see how he’d look in a Cowboys uniform. Who knows, maybe I’ll do it again next year. So If your favorite player isn’t on your favorite team stay tuned, I can make it happen.

2012 JAWS Cigar Party

So, my first Super Bowl week is in the books. What a great time. Granted, I haven’t been to other host cities for such an event but Indianapolis was amazing. The highlight of my time there was Ron Jaworski’s Cigar Party. It’s always a blast when I get the chance to work live. There were plenty of ESPN personalities on hand and each, that I had the time to speak with, had wonderful things to say about my work. It was a little nerve-racking halfway through the event as I noticed no one had placed a bid on the painting I was completing. I later found out the bidding war was going on behind the scenes. Maybe those involved didn’t want to make a public display of the money they were spending. Either way, it set my mind at ease. Well, that and the free drinks. Ron was happy, as you’ll see in the above photo with me and the owner of the painting. My only regret was not having a cigar.

SuperBowl Scene

Been working long hours in preparation for Super Bowl week. I’ll be in Indy for a few days to attend a couple parties and hopefully raise some money thru the donation of my work. Two paintings have been shipped ahead of time that I’ll be completing live in front of both celebrities and fans. “Commanding Colts”, seen below, and “SuperBowl SuperMen”. Check out a video of the creation of “SuperBowl SuperMen” on Vimeo. 

Manning/Unitas (Unfinished)

Finding My Passion

I was thirteen years old, waiting in line with my mother, as I sat on a storefront curb with a pencil, paper, and photo, drawing legendary Cowboys coach Tom Landry. Carefully I hovered, trying not to drip sweat over the sketch pad in the summer heat. I forget the name of the bookstore, but Coach Landry was making an appearance to sign copies of his biography. As we reached the front of the line, a store attendant said, “Sorry, Tom will only be signing his book.” This won’t be the last time that line was said to me, but that’s for another story. I wouldn’t say I was devastated but definitely frustrated. Minutes later we’re in front of Coach Landry and my mom goes into another gear. What happened was a profound moment for me. My mother holds up the sketch and tells Coach how I had drew the picture while waiting in line and “…was hoping to have you sign it.” Twenty years have passed and not only do I remember his exact words but can hear his voice and see his facial expression when he replied, “If someone’s going to take the time to draw a picture of me, I’m going to make sure I take the time to sign it.” That simple show of gratitude he displayed seemed as sincere as could be to a kid amazed by professional sports. It wasn’t until later I would realize the existence of sports artists. My passion, however, had been found!

Just Delivered

Happy Birthday to Packers star wide out Greg Jennings. I was asked to do a family portrait to be given as one of his gifts. I must say, I was a little nervous about it. You get so used to the norm and sometimes have a hard time working outside of your comfort zone. I’m very happy with the way it turned out though. It’s instantly one of my favorites and was actually hard to part with which is funny to me being a family portrait. I hope they enjoy it for years to come.

Rob

Short Bio

Hard working self-taught artist trying to get better with each painting. First picked up an airbrush in 2006 and began marketing myself directly to athletes immediately. As a former athlete, I enjoy working with todays professionals to give them the look they’re wanting on canvas. I try to keep my work leaning more towards the fine art side rather than being illustrative. Although I’m an airbrush artist you won’t find me doing flames, skulls and lightning bolts as a traditional AB artist would. All of my work is a 1 of 1 meaning, it’s original! I don’t do “custom”. “Custom” is an alternative version of something that already exists. I do “one of a kind”. Over the past 5 years I’ve been blessed to have worked with some of the biggest names in football. I’ve painted for rookies and all-pros. I’ve delivered paintings in locker rooms. I’ve donated work to multiple charities and walked the red carpet. I’ve even had to turn down some highly recognizable names. I can honestly say this is my dream job. But then again, if you love what you do it’s not a job. The best part about it…I’m just gettin’ started!

Rob