My Painting is Published and in the National Portrait Gallery! What?!

I'm completely honored to be included in a brand new book called Tennis Players as Works of Art by David Linebarger. Early in 2024 Mark Mathabane asked if I would paint his portrait as part of David's blog combining tennis and art.  Mark happens to be my sister-in-law's father, an esteemed guest at family gatherings and the author of Kaffir Boy, his award winning autobiography about coming of age under the apartheid regime in South Africa.  Of course, I said yes!

I began to work on the portrait without knowing that David was writing a book. Last summer he asked if he could include my painting in the pages he shared about Mark's story.  How cool is that!? In addition, the book is included in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery! I think that means I officially have a portrait there now too! Whoop Whoop! It might be a stretch…     What do you think? I visited the National Portrait Gallery every semester of college and I remember falling in love with John Singer Sargent’s Repose painting and seeing Vermeer’s work up close. To have even a small part of my work in their collection is beyond my wildest dreams.

 Independent Book Review named Tennis Players as Works of Art as one of the "Best Books We Read in 2024."  They went on to say that the book is as rewarding as an absorbing museum exhibit without having to leave your sofa or armchair. And not just for tennis aficionados. If you're so inclined, pick up a copy for yourself or a tennis or art fan this season!  I think you'll be delighted with what you find! 

 As for the original portrait, it was only fitting that it go to my incredible sister-in-law and beautiful nieces, Mark's daughter and granddaughters.  Click the button above if you’d like to read more about the book or order a copy for yourself.

An extraordinary review of Tennis Players as Works of Art.