In honor of Jackie Robinson Day (April 15), the worlds most renowned sports artist, Stephen Holland, has released from his own collection signed limited edition prints of his historic painting of Jackie Robinson.
This image was originally debuted on the 50th anniversary of the Dodgers coming to Los Angeles, as a celebration of their proud history. Holland created this painting in the capacity of the Dodgers official artist. As such, he was charged with the capturing of many of the teams legends in artistic form.
This painting and subsequent release of limited edition prints was done in cooperation of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and Rachel Robinson (Widow to Jackie Robinson). The print would later become part of both of their collections and has even appeared as the backdrop during national television interviews with Mrs. Robinson.
Later, this notable portrait of the first African American to break the color barrier in professional baseball would live on to show in some of the most noted galleries in the United States, as well as once, being the image that covered the entrance to Central Park in banners, posters, and on the T-shirts of thousands as part of a Barons Founds annual celebration.
Holland has worked with just about every notable sports celebrity, but Jackie Robinson was always considered a very personal piece. Holland a Brooklyn native, lived within blocks of where this bit of American history played out and considered Robinson a personal hero.
Video
http://www.limelightagency.com/Stephen-Holland/Video/jackie-robinson.html
A conversation with Stephen Holland about his limited-edition Jackie Robinson piece commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the L.A. Dodgers in which he speaks about Jackie Robinsons iconic career and the integration of Major League Baseball.
About the Dodgers 50th Anniversary Print Release:
http://www.limelightagency.com/Stephen-Holland/news/jackie-robinson.html
ABOUT STEPHEN HOLLAND
From Ali to Yogi, from Bogart to Brando, from Eastwood to Evel Knievel, Holland is the master of painting the tough guys of sports and celebrity. There is struggle and triumph, grit and glory, humanity and spirit, in every Holland painting.
Growing up in the mean streets of the Bronx in the 50s, Holland brings the energy of this influence to his professional career. The quality of his work and his popularity rank him among the most successful and popular current American painters.
Holland loves the game of baseball .that is evident not only in his capture of the glory of Jackie Robinson, but comes through in his immortalization of Mariana Rivera, A-Rod and a host of other greats.