Dreams Do Come True

The other day I recorded a podcast episode for the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and one of the themes was that dreams do come true. My most recent commission could not be better proof of that belief…

​​On Tuesday, March 12, Jordan Eberle of the Seattle Kraken celebrated 1000 games in the NHL, one of the most difficult accomplishments in the sport. I had the incredible honor of painting the portrait that was presented to him during the on-ice pregame ceremony (watch video). It captures his game-winning overtime goal in the young franchise’s first playoff win, with the Seattle skyline and Climate Pledge arena in the background. He was joined by this family and a few teammates, as well as the Kraken’s GM Ron Francis, whom I admired in the 90s when he played for the Penguins.

One of the reasons this opportunity was so special to me is because I was obsessed with hockey growing up. When I wasn’t playing roller hockey I was drawing the trading cards of my favorite St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, plus other NHL stars like Ray Bourque. It was my drawing of Ray that was published in Sports Illustrated for Kids in 1998 and solidified my dream of becoming a professional sports artist. I have been living that dream for almost 10 years and have enjoyed incredible, unexpected opportunities that money can’t buy.

Last month I mentioned the RDK Melanoma 24th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show on February 26 at The Breakers Hotel. I painted a Naeem Khan-inspired portrait of models on a runway during the silent auction and it raised over $5000. I was then able to enjoy the fashion show and see Naeem’s exquisite creations in person, and it is no wonder he is one of the most popular fashion designers in the world.

The final bit of exciting news for the moment is my tribute to Serena Williams found a new home in South Florida. The painting combines her famous outfits to tell the story of her illustrious tennis career and as a fashion icon in sports. She is such a global star that she needs no last name, so the clear spot varnish simply reads “Serena.”

Thank you so much for your support and I am excited to share my next round of updates in a few weeks.

All the best,
Kyle