Maria Sharapova, Art by Tom Lohner
Artist Bio: The wildly inventive and popular Austrian artist, Tom Lohner, has the following credo: “Where passion pulls – follow. Never question this – it may be the only chance in your life to be truly alive.” Celebrated for paintings that combine a traditional medium of acrylic colors and futurist aesthetics, Tom Lohner is perhaps most famous for his Art of Hard Rock series, where he transformed 13 iconic rock stars into animals, a show that toured throughout Europe in various Hard Rock Cafes. As a classical music lover, my favorite painting of his is Vivaldi. Check it out! You can learn more about him and his work on Tom Lohner’s website.
Vitas Gerulaitis: In Memoriam, Art by Joan LeMay
About the Artist (from her website at joanlemay.com)
Joan LeMay (American, b. 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a portraitist and illustrator who is interested in pattern, gesture, Byzantine halos, and capturing the true soul of the subject she’s painting. She loves painting people, animals, plants and things (a kind of anthropomorphic approach to portraiture) in equal measure, and packs referential objects, color-based symbolism and other subject-specific elements into the often busy backgrounds of her work in order to reflect the life of the person or creature depicted. She is currently focusing on work that celebrates who and what soothes us and brings us joy–portraiture of dear friends, over-the-top portraits of beloved TV and pop culture personalities and public role models, food, fellow artists, and portraits of medications.
Much in demand as a portrait artist, Joan LeMay’s work has been exhibited internationally for over a decade. To learn more about her extensive list of clients, the many publications where her art has appeared, and, most importantly, to see more of her work—and thus feel a little better about being alive—you can visit her website.
David Yarrow’s Beasts: Sharks, Bears, and Caspar Ruud
Artist Bio: David Yarrow is recognised as one of the world’s best-selling photographers. He has found his true comfort zone in capturing the animal and human world in a fresh and creative way. A key part of his success has been creating art through partnerships with a philanthropic objective and this has enabled him to work with leading figures in sport, fashion and Hollywood such as Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Ciara and Russell Wilson, and Alessandra Ambrosio. Since 2019, charitable donations from the sale of David’s images have exceeded $15m.
David Yarrow was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1966. He took up photography at an early age and as a 20-year-old found himself working as a photographer for The London Times on the pitch at the World Cup Final in Mexico City. On that day, David took the famous picture of Diego Maradona holding the World Cup and, as a result, was subsequently asked to cover the Olympics and numerous other sporting events. His distinctive work in recent years has earned him an ever growing following amongst art collectors. Yarrow is now represented by some of the top contemporary galleries around the world. In the Autumn of 2022, Rizzoli published David’s third book, Storytelling.
For more on David Yarrow’s amazing work, check out his website. For an engaging interview and excellent introduction to his work, check out Masters of Photography.
Helen of California, Art by Haig Patigian
About the de Young Museum: Housing one of the most varied and interesting collections among world museums, the de Young was my favorite place to visit while growing up in San Jose, California. For more information, you can visit their website: de Young Museum, San Francisco.
Shingo Kunieda, “Kami,” Art by Nial Smith
Artist Bio: Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Nial Smith is a designer/artist/illustrator/filmmaker. He is most famous in tennis circles for his witty spoof movie posters of Andy Murray (and other players) such as Crocodile Dunblane.
Cliff Richey, Jeffrey Sparr, and the Belly of the Whale
About the Artist (taken from JeffreySparr.com)
A mental health advocate and self-taught artist, Jeffrey Sparr was a four-year starter and team captain on the Ohio State University tennis team. When he graduated in 1985, he was the 3rd winningest player in Ohio State History. Diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in college, Jeff battled with this disease for many years before discovering, on a whim, that painting dramatically subdued the symptoms of his OCD, providing a creative outlet and sense of control. Sparr has been crowned the “Forrest Gump” of painting: Forrest didn’t stop running, Sparr hasn’t stopped painting. This discovery changed the course of Jeff’s life. Ever since then, Jeff has been on a mission to help others through the arts, founding, along with his cousin, the nonprofit organization PeaceLove. You can learn more about Jeff Sparr’s art and work as a mental health advocate on his website.
La Tenista 3040, Art by Jorge Mir Mayor
Artist Bio (Half in English, Half in Spanish): Director of Tennis at the Escuelas Tenis Real Club, Jorge Mir Mayor is one of the leading teachers and commentators on tennis in Spain. He is the host of a great program called “Otra Mirada al Tenis” on Instagram. Over thc course of 30 years as a director of tennis in Spain, Jorge Mir Mayor has received the following honor and awards. He realizado conferencias para la Real federación de Tenis en dos congresos nacionales. Premio al Mejor profesional de tenis de España por el RPT. Premio al mejor director de tenis de España por el RPT. Premio al mejor club de tenis de España por el RPT. Premio por la Federación Vasca de Tenis como director del ITF 25000 masculino y 25000 femenino. Homenaje de la Federación Vasca de Tenis a mí trayectoria en el país vasco. Homenaje de la Real federación española de tenis por iniciativa durante el covid de entrevistar y ayudar a la enseñanza con el programa Otra mirada al tenis.
Of his painting of “La Tenista 3040,” Jorge writes: “Tenista del año 3040 entrenando el servicio con la nueva raqueta Babolat y con el cordaje araña con sensores de viento de la marca Spiderman.”
Esther Vergeer’s Body, Art by Marielle Durand
Artist Bio for Marielle Durand: Artist, teacher and active member of Urban Sketchers, Marielle follows a red string: drawing. She watches, analyses and shows in her sketchbooks life and people she has met for more than 25 years. In Sarajevo, on the top of the Rockefeller Center, down in the Algerian desert or in her special “Blue from Auvergne”, she tries to capture beauty and moments. Since 2022, she is invited by the French Parliament to draw the debates and received an Urban Sketchers grant for this project. She takes part in many projects with people in need. Her work can be seen in Europe and the United States. Marielle is represented by Garance Illustration in North America.
To see more of Marielle Durand’s captivating artwork, you can visit her webpage or Instagram.
“Play,” Art by Marichka Shkuro
Artist Bio: MaRICHka Shkuro was born in Kiev, Ukraine 1990. Personal statement: As an artist painting for me is a tool for expressing feelings and experiences. My vision and soul manifest themselves on the canvas and find a response in the viewer’s heart through vibrations embedded in the energy of the painting. For more on MaRICHka Shkuro and her art check out www.marichkashkuro.com and her Instagram. For a good article on her work, check out Shoutout Miami.
The Men’s 65 National Indoors, Art by Bogdan Shiptenko
Artist Bio: Bogdan Shiptenko is a watercolor artist of urban landscapes and figurative painting. In his works he combines acrylic, markers, watercolor painting and graphics. The artist’s works differ from others by their recognizable style and unique plots. The vocation of his works is to show the world what it really is and to evoke in people the most pleasant emotions from art.
The artist’s paintings are in the contemporary collections of such countries as the UAE, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Slovenia, etc. He collaborates with The O Walpapers as an artist and graphic designer. He has engaged in projects with such companies as Volkswagen, Renault, Epicenter.
Bodgan Shiptenko on his art: “Figurative painting has become the space in which I reflect through my works the perceptions of the environment, activities people’s, and where I view this on a deep societal scale. There are many figures in my paintings, where each character lives separately, but in an ideological sense, they are all united in a common activity that brings them together and carries a meaningful message.”
For more on Bogdan Shiptenko’s art, you can check out his Website or Instagram.
Tennis Trails and Tennis Fashion Icons, Art by Apeksha
Artist Bio (from website): Based in New York, Apeksha Agarwal is a highly skilled photographer with a specialized focus in fashion, beauty, and celebrity photography for both editorial and advertising clients. With an impressive portfolio of work, Agarwal has had the privilege of collaborating with actors, artists, models, and celebrities from all over the world. Her exceptional talent has been recognized by prestigious publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Grazia, and L’Officiel, as well as through captivating billboard features across various cities.
Additionally, Agarwal’s role extends beyond photography, as she also serves as a creative director on many of these projects.
Distinguished by her innovative approach to art, Agarwal has immersed herself in the emerging field of Generative AI art, thereby establishing a reputation as a visionary artist within the industry. Her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries has not only gained her recognition but also transformed her into a sought-after speaker. Agarwal has been invited to deliver guest seminars and participate in panel talks at renowned institutions such as the School of Visual Arts, New York Film Academy, B&H, Soho House, and the Federation of Photographic Society of Indonesia, among others. Agarwal’s unrivaled expertise in the realms of photography and Generative AI art has solidified her status as a respected and influential figure within the creative community.
John Isner’s Serve, Art by Jace McTier
Artist Bio of Jace McTier (from website): The son of renowned portrait artist, Lucy McTier, Jace McTier has held a paint brush in his hand from the age of eleven months. After accompanying his mom to deliver a portrait of Ronald Reagan (atop Reagan’s beautiful stallion, El Alemain) to the Oval Office as a 5 year old, Jace decided then and there to enter the world of art. Combining his portrait skills and his desire to visually interpret motion as well as emotion, Jace has been able to capture not only the likeness of the subject, but the intensity of sport as well.
Jace McTier’s first sporting painting was commissioned following the 1996 Equestrian Olympic trials in Thomson, Georgia. His first lithograph of a hunt scene, complete with twenty hounds and four horses and riders, benefited Easter Seals. Soon he was commissioned to paint a large landscape for the John Deere Corporation with 5000 limited edition prints- and he was well on his way as an established artist. Beginning at the age of 16, Jace was “knocking out” large oil commissions.
Recently hailed as the next Leroy Neiman, McTier’s bold color and powerful use of impasto ranks him among today’s leading sporting artists. With work collected by such clients as Angelo Dundee and George Foreman to corporate commissions, his paintings benefit charities through the sale of his original work as well as print sales. A recent project includes a joint venture with the Press On Fund and Jack Nicklaus to aid in finding a cure for childhood cancer. Jace McTier’s art has been exhibited multiple times publicly along with Leroy Neiman’s original paintings.
To check out more great tennis art by Jace McTier, you can visit the McTier Art Website.
You can also follow him on Instagram.
“Yes, Tennis Everyone!” Art by Brian Cowlishaw
Artist Bio: A professor of English at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Brian Cowlishaw grew up in rural Idaho before earning his Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. Inspired by the 2019 NYC exhibit of JRR Tolkien’s watercolor art, he took up painting himself. “Why didn’t I think of this earlier!?” he wonders. Brian shows his work at Tahlequah Creates gallery. You can also check out his art by following him on Twitter @BrianCowlishaw or Facebook.
Tennis in Cuba and Croatia, Art by Andrew Macara
Artist Bio (from website): Andrew Macara studied contemporary modern British Art for a short period with Leonard Fuller at the St Ives School of Painting amongst the Cornwall Art Galleries but considers himself to be predominantly a self taught artist. He was elected in 1984 to the New English Art Club. Andrew Macara today has one of the most distinctive styles of present day contemporary British Artists. He is now established as a very collectible contemporary figurative artist and over the years his paintings have proved to be a good British Art Investment.
Andrew Macara travels extensively gathering images for paintings from around the world, but his native Derbyshire continues to feature in many paintings – particularly the Winter scenes. Other subjects with strong demand are Andrew’s British seaside paintings. Recently he has been exploring a new subject matter of reflections, involving a more abstracted painting style.
“I have known and admired the work of Andrew Macara for many years, both from his many one-man exhibitions and also his work so often seen in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Although he has painted many different subjects over the years, the subject is always incidental to light. his pictures glow and as with all the best paintings of light they never describe, they are always an equivalent for light – the light comes from the canvas. As well as being full of light they are also full of life. Whether it be life on the beach, in the playground, or in the zoo, he simplifies but always captures the essence of his subject, his work is full of movement, atmosphere and space. Andrew’s work is deservedly popular for he touches the everyday joy of life. His paintings celebrate life and show us a new way of seeing, this quality is that which underlies all true art.” KEN HOWARD. RA RWS RWA
You can learn more about Andrew Macara and see a slideshow of his work on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram.
The Westside Tennis Club, Art by Normandie Syken
Artist Bio: Normandie Syken is an illustrator from Queens, New York. She attended the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and earned her BFA in the illustration program at the School of Visual Arts. Her work has been displayed in galleries and public places such as the SVA Chelsea Gallery and the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation. Recently her artist’s books, prints and illustrations have been acquired by established collections across the U.S. and the U.K.. Normandie likes to draw from life and her imagination using pen and watercolor as well as experimenting with different printmaking techniques. If you see her around she is probably drawing your portrait in her sketchbook. In addition to visiting her website, you can see much of her work on instagram.
You can visit the website for the Westside Tennis Club at Forest Hills for more information on this historic club and its current activities.
Lady Pink Paints Serena Williams
Artist Bio (Taken from Widewalls) Lady Pink (Sandra Fabara, born in Ecuador) is one of the greatest female street artists from Queens, New York. Looking for a way to cope with the loss of her love, Lady Pink took her grief to the streets when she picked up her first can of spraypaint in the late 1970s. What at first was simple tagging of her lost love’s name across New York, quickly evolved into one of the most respected street art careers. It goes without saying that Lady Pink used to be the only prominent female artist in New York’s graffiti scene for a long period of time. Her instantly recognizable 1990s murals and subway cars, which featured rather playful images with camouflaged graffiti, cemented Lady Pink’s status of a living New York graffiti legend and one of the most famous graffiti artists. You can learn more about Lady Pink and check out her amazing art on instagram and on her website.
Melting Watches: Djokovic and Dali
Artist Bio: The juxtaposition of Djokovic breaking a racquet and Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” comes from the constantly searching imagination of LJ Rader from Artbutmakeitsports. His creative juxtapositions of famous art images with contemporary sports moments has become a social media sensation. He recently appeared on the PBS News Hour to explain what he does and why.
Kim Clijster’s Slice Forehand, Art by Mark Winter (Chicane)
Artist Bio: Mark Winter is a New Zealand award-winning artist, cartoonist, designer and film maker, who lives in London. His cartoons, produced under the pen name ‘Chicane’, appear regularly in a number of publications both in the UK and internationally. He has combined his drawing prowess with a love of tennis and collecting autographs over the past 25 years to accumulate an extensive gallery of signed player sketches.
I would add that Mark Winter’s wide-ranging autograph collection of tennis players–all with his own original sketches–is worth a couple of hours of anyone’s time. It also includes commentary on each player as well as a story about when and where he got each autograph. Definitely worth checking out!