In January, I teased some of my work on Topps’ upcoming 2010 National Chicle Baseball trading card set.  Today, I’m able to show you a bit more, as all of the artwork below has already been teased or previewed in one form or another.  Below, Jon Lester, Adam Jones, Gordon Beckham, Evan Longoria, Kevin Richardson and Paul Konerko.

I’m new to the world of trading card collectors but I’m trying to stay ahead of the learning curve.  If you happen to be a collector, then you’re no doubt familiar with Topps Redemptions, a program wherein a lucky collector can pull a “winning” card and redeem it for various prizes, including autographed memorabilia and artists’ sketch cards.  That’s where I come in.

I recently lent a hand, helping Topps to fulfill some of their 2009 Baseball Series 1 redemptions (I guess they’re a bit behind schedule).  Below are the 25 cards that I completed on commission.  In addition I was allowed to keep 5 cards for myself (though I’ve yet to tackle those puppies) – I’ll probably execute those five in full color and sell them off right here on the site, so stay tuned.  Until then… Scans below.

For those keeping score at home, this is the second portrait I’ve painted this year that I’ve been able to have signed by the subject. In the first instance it was my literary hero Neil Gaiman, and in this instance it’s my athletic hero DWright. There aren’t too many people better than me right now. Maybe a couple, but not too many.

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And here are the original sketches, pre-photoshop-paint-job. Click to enlarge.

ah nassau county.  where the mets are #1 and the mullet never died.

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my take on the yankee fan and the sox fan. granted, i am biased…but i tried to be as impartial as possible. next up, the met fan…which should really put my impartiality to the test…

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