Master Pieces

"The Oak"

This work of oil-based fine art was hand-painted for Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Austrian Oak and I met at Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California, a few years back. Knowing that Mr. Schwarzenegger is a fine art enthusiast, I thought, what better way to pay homage to my childhood hero than to create a beautiful oil painting encapsulating the artistry in the physique that he built so iconically? I quickly got to work. Over the next nine months, I meticulously painted my masterpiece, paying close attention to every fine detail in the incredible physique that Mr. Schwarzenegger built with every stroke of my brush. I knew that if there was ever a time I wanted to do my subject matter justice, it was now. Mr. Schwarzenegger created a physique that every bodybuilder in history has tried and failed to replicate. I knew that even the slightest misplaced brush stroke would throw off his entire physique. When you're recreating another man's masterpiece, you had better get it right. As my newest and most revered oil painting came to completion, the Holidays were fast approaching. I applied my final brush strokes, and within just two days of receiving the piece back from the framer, I presented the painting I created to Mr. Schwarzenegger at Gold's Gym just four days before Christmas.

I am honored to say that Mr. Schwarzenegger owns this one-of-a-kind oil painting. It brings me such joy to know my work is among his collections of fine art. The Oak would be the first to tell you that bodybuilding is art in its rawest form. He is quoted as comparing the process of using iron weights to sculpt a physique as being no different than an artist sculpting a beautiful statue out of clay. If you know Arnold Schwarzenegger, you know that, like Michael Angelo revered his statue of David, The Austrian Oak was very proud of the masterpiece that was his body. Needless to say, I was more than excited and eager to take on the task of replicating his art in the form of a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of fine art. Seeing a look of awe on the face of any client upon unveiling their art is an artist's greatest joy, but it's different when it's someone you've looked up to for your entire life. Seeing Mr. Schwarzenegger enamored by my rendition of his sculpture is a satisfaction that I have yet to find the words to describe. The memory of the Austrian Oak's eyes, when I uncovered his masterpiece, will forever be one of the highlights of my life.

"Sly & Sage"

Another man whom I have always admired and am so honored to have created art for. This piece is very special to me. I cried at times during the painting process. This work of fine art depicts Sly and his late son, Sage Stallone, in a loving embrace.

There is no greater love than that of a parent to their child. One of my absolute favorite things about what I do is that an artist can feel things that a camera simply can't and capture emotions in a moment that no machine ever could. However, not many artists are, in fact, skilled enough to translate that emotion onto a canvas. This is why I thank the universe every day for giving me this beautiful gift. My goal with this piece was to translate the emotions of unconditional love and insufferable longing, the helplessness and innocence of a child, along with the absolute trust, peace, and security that only a loving parent can provide.

Art is not just brushes, paint, and a canvas. These are what art needs. But what art is is a doorway to the soul. A way to make a moment and all of its feelings last forever. It is a way to enable us to experience the most beautiful parts of life whenever we want, whether we have lived them before or not. I absolutely feel that I surpassed this feat entirely with this piece, and I couldn't be more proud and humbled to have experienced the beautiful process of its creation.

"My Way"

Oil Paint on Canvas

This piece features a young Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley Incarcerated. The plaques in their hands feature lyrics to the song "My Way." The height bars behind them morph into music bars, cradling the notes to the timeless song. 

This one is very special to me. I very much classify myself as an old soul. Chivalry, men being men, but also expected to be gentlemen, the cars, the clothes, the music… I love it all. 

When I was growing up, my house was filled with the beautiful vocals of Mr. Frank Sinatra. As he was my grandfather's all-time favorite singer, I very much loved waking up to Frank singing every morning. 

As I grew, I found myself very taken with the style and vibrato of The King of Rock and Roll. Elvis's Blue Christmas would echo through my childhood home every holiday season, and I'd find myself singing along, curling my lip as I did. These two men, for me, were the epitome of gentlemen.

I very much took my time with this painting, allowing ample dry time in between sessions. With a name like Ol' Blue Eyes, how could an artist not pour his heart into his detail brush, creating those windows to the soul?

Although we strive for perfection, perfection is nearly impossible to achieve. However, while you will slip from time to time, you can still do so with class and elegance. Life is short. No matter what, you must live it to the fullest. So make mistakes, be seen, and get into trouble, but not too much trouble. Be a gentleman, be kind. Live a life that allows you to look back and say. "I faced it all, and I stood tall, and"… You know the rest.