“Commissioned Art”
Miami Sportfishing Tournament 2009
(Please read a note from the artist)
I met Captain Richard H. Peeples III at the 2009 Miami Boat Show in February. I had come to Miami to help my friend, Ed Carman of Biscayne Rods, before and during the Show and to display some of my art in his booth. (I probably wasn’t much help but I was good for groceries!)
At the time, Captain Peeples was looking for a trophy, or more correctly, 9 trophies for the 2009 Miami Swordfish Tournament held in Miami, Florida at the end of September. After viewing my art, he asked if I would be interested in making pieces for his tournament. Of course, I said absolutely. This was the beginning of the beginning.
After the Boat Show, Richard and I spoke again. When we finally agreed on the terms, a deal was struck. Now, it was time to put my money where my mouth was and make some swordfish. Although, there were very few restrictions; there were, also, very few guidelines. As always, I held my breath and jumped in.
I must say most of my previous works have been of beach scenes, with or without boats, or of beach items. The fish were intriguing.
Now that they are complete, fish will be a part of my future art projects. I could never leave the beach but there is nothing better than playing in the water for awhile.
Thanks go to Eddie Carman and family for allowing me to hang out with them during the boat show. Without their generosity, I would not have caught the fish. I also want to thank Captain Richard H. Peeples III for allowing me the honor of producing 9 original works of art for his tournament. Finally, as always, I give thanks to the Lord for my talent and my wife, Whitney, for her love and her belief in me.
“Swordfish and the Tuna”
MST 2009 – 0927
Show Price
1” Frame, size – 4” x 6”, overall size – 6” x 8”
“Swordfish and the Dorado”
MST 2009 – 0826
Show Price
1” Frame, size – 4” x 6”, overall size – 6” x 8”
“Tasty Treats”
MST 2009 – 0725
Show Price
2” Frame, size – 8” x 10”, overall size – 12” x 14”
The lure has been painted.
“On Guard”
MST 2009 – 0624
Show Price
2” Frame, size – 8” x 10”, overall size – 12” x 14”
The water has been painted.
“Touche”
MST 2009 – 0523
Show Price
2” Frame, size – 9” x 11”, overall size – 13” x 15”
The water has been painted.
“Island Playday”
MST 2009 – 0422
Show Price
2” Frame, size – 10” x 12”, overall size – 14” x 16”
The island and the water both received color. The island got additional detail because of the surf, sand and trees.
“Schooling the Dorado”
MST 2009 – 0321
Show Price
3″ Frame, size – 12″ x 14″, overall size – 18″ x 20″
The lure has been painted.
“Vacation’s Over”
MST 2009 – 0220
Show Price
3” Frame, size – 12” x 14”, overall size – 18” x 20”
The lures are painted. “Vacations” should have had an apostrophe.
“Playing with the Tuna”
MST 2009 – 0119
Show Price
3” Frame, size – 16” x 18” overall size – 22” x 24”
I generally do not make any of my pictures alike. However, these were commissioned for the Miami Swordfish Tournament and so the 9 works of art shown here are part of a series. Therefore, there are common elements that you will find throughout this series.
I have listed the items that are alike below and any individual items will be listed with each picture.
- 1) All the frames are decorated with rolling waves and a palm tree in the lower right-hand corner.
- 2) Each picture has been buffed and clear-coated.
- 3) All works of art were completed in June 2009.
