Must-see sports art by Dave Choate

Credit: Dave Choate

I recently stumbled upon a new, unique sports artist and I wanted to share his work (with his permission). As you know from reading my blog, I’ve done a few Yankees paintings and several original trading cards – either painted or sketched. Links to my Derek Jeter and and Mariano Rivera painting can be found HERE and HERE.

On Twitter, someone I follow retweeted a Victor Cruz painting that artist Dave Choate did. I started following Dave, and he immediately posted a new painting, again with NY Giants players as the subject. Very topical indeed with NYC being swept away with Giants Fever. I then visited his website and found an amazing assortment of paintings, all in Dave’s incredibly unique style. I spent a good portion of my morning at work browsing the site and admiring Dave’s works. Essentially, his subjects are sports charactures (like 1938 Goudey baseball cards), but a bit abstract as well. I tend to paint/draw in photo realism and try to make my paintings look as life-like as possible. Dave’s are more from a fantasy world, as he describes them as "whimsical" on his website, which is a great word for his style. I really appreciate artistic styles outside of my own, and as much as I would like to step outside of my comfort zone, I don’t have the creative eye or mind to do something as free-thinking as Dave’s works. I am too literal and narrow-minded. I don’t say that as a personal jab at myself, but as a compliment to artists such as Dave who can really create a style that is truly their own.

Credit: Dave Choate

Despite the whimsical nature of Dave’s works, he still manages to capture the facial expressions and traits of each of his subjects. You’ll know immediately who each portrait is of – there is no guess work involved. Just look at Nadal and Djokovic above. 

Dave is certainly making a name for himself in the sports art industry. World Series winner Jason Motte is a client, and Carmelo Anthony is purchasing the Mike Tyson painting below. Not only is ‘Melo my favorite basketball player, but he went to Syracuse when I was there, so that made my day when Dave told me that. I can’t imagine ever getting to the point with my artwork where someone (especially an athlete!) would actually be interested in purchasing it. That must be incredibly gratifying for Dave.

Credit: Dave Choate

Credit: Dave Choate

Credit: Dave Choate

I encourage everyone to go and check out Dave’s work at www.davechoate.com. You can also follow him on twitter @DaveChoate. You won’t be disappointed.

A special thanks goes out to Dave for his permission to feature his website and paintings on my blog.