Sunday Schmooz

Yes, this is a play off of Steve Somers. However, I consider him to be one of the best in the business so that is why I am stealing this reference.

Anyway, This is the first of a weekly Sunday post that is meant to focus on unique Mets art pieces that are out there. So, here it goes...


Jose Reyes has developed a fairly recognizable face in baseball. But, who knew that it could turn in to such an expressive painting??? Well, it did, and it's all thanks to the art of James Fiorentino. His sense of realism and his passion for sports has led him to become one of the most widely recognizable sports artists in the world. His sports art focuses on individual player portraits, as well as, baseball card portraits. At 15 years old, he was the youngest artist to ever be featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

This 16 x 20 of Reyes sold for $2500! Suprised? Fiorentino sure wasn't. "My 16 x 20 commission work range from $2000-2500 while 11 x 14 are $800-$1200 and collages go up in price," He said.

Although athletes are used to this kind of "spotlight" process, Reyes was enthralled with Fiorentino's work. "He loved it so much that he wanted a copy. So, we made him a giclee (a reproduction) and he actually met up with my friend in NYC to pick it up during the season," Fiorentino added.

So, if you have a mintute, check out his incredible website at...

http://www.jamesfiorentino.com