Description: Cactus

Publication information: Story illustration for “East Meets West” appearing in Sports Illustrated March 29, 1982. A copy of the magazine is included with the purchase of the artwork.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 31 x 22.5” stretched to 32 x 22”

Signature: initialed lower right.

Condition: Excellent, not framed.

Comment: For those of you who haven’t heard, Bernie passed away on Thursday September 17th. You can expect to hear the high praise that the man and his career deserve from every quarter. As happens with just about every artist, when they die, dealers raise up the prices. Personally I don’t believe in doing that until other market forces make me. Those of you who are reading this should understand how amazingly influential he was to the field of illustration. Having known him since the spring of 1983, it would be easy enough for me to heap accolades on his work. At the end of the day though… in my humble opinion… you couldn’t ask to come across a nicer, more sincere guy. I recall with fondness that when the Society of Illustrators mounted an exhibition honoring Al Parker… Bernie wrote a remembrance that was so heartfelt and honest while still being humorous that those who read it were floored by how able he was to express himself not only with a brush, but with a pen as well. I have always loved this particular picture… it has a dignity combined with sadness (and Yes, I know it’s not meant to be a sad picture) that seems fitting just now.

Price: $3,800