Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, Ernie Banks, Greg Maddux, Ferguson Jenkins, Pedro Martinez, Anthony Rizzo, Gale Sayers, Vin Scully, Robin Yount, Brian Urlacher and many more original paintings of athletes, celebrities and legends from all walks of life—even Greek mythology—showcase the impressive portfolio of artist John Hanley’s 25-year career as an artist.
It’s no surprise that many of his original art and limited edition prints that are collected across the country focus on sports legends.
“I wanted to be a baseball player,” shares Hanley. “I played my whole life, and through 2 years of college when I figured it wasn’t going to work out…” so he enrolled in art school to pursue another childhood interest.
“I’ve been drawing ever since I was little; my grandparents were really great at fostering that kind of stuff, like reading books and drawing,” says Hanley. “I’ve always liked drawing people, sports and portraits.”
After graduating from the prestigious American Academy of Art, the Chicago native apprenticed at a commercial art studio and later worked as a storyboard artist for ad agencies, laying the foundation for his career as a freelance painter.
Combining his love of sports and art, Hanley found his niche painting portraits of legends in the sports and entertainment worlds and creating posters, books and promotional art for big clients like Best Buy, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, McDonald’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, BMW, Cadillac, Tribune Publishing, DreamWorks, DC Comics, Marvel, Universal and Warner Bros., among others.
Working directly with Hall of Fame, current and retired athletes, professional sports teams (including Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Eagles and the St. Louis Cardinals) and their sponsors, Hanley aims to capture a moment in time or a big milestone in the subject’s life, documenting the best part of their career.
“I like the older players especially; I can kind of relate to them, as that was my era,” says Hanley, adding, “I’ve started to paint more Dodger stuff since I moved here” in 2016.
Working from his Westlake Village home studio with his three dogs by his side, Hanley paints 5 to 6 days each week, creating his masterpieces from photographs and mixed media, mostly oils, which are “so much more forgiving; it doesn’t dry right away, so you can erase if you don’t like it,” he says.
“I’d look like a madman if you saw me painting—I like to work fast and blend the colors right on the canvas,” says Hanley, describing his style as “super loose” and noting how his art has evolved through the years.
“When I first started, I used a lot of air brush, and then the computer came along and changed everything as far as art goes,” he says, advising those interested in becoming an artist to “develop your own style; AI is not the same. Painting is a craft, like carpentry; some of the younger kids want to go to AI or photoshop, and while there’s nothing wrong with digital art, it’s a process.”
Hanley also supports various charities with his work, having recently finished a painting to be auctioned at Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday celebration event at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in addition to donating paintings to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Center, Cubs charities and baseball player-supported causes.
Nominated as Sports Artist of the Year by the United States Sport Art Museum in 2006, Hanley plans to pursue his passion for painting for years to come.
“I don’t think I’ll ever retire; it’s kind of like therapy for me. It keeps me active and keeps my brain going,” he says.
Hanley’s work can be viewed at Just Looking Gallery in San Luis Obispo, as well as online at JohnHanleyArtist.com.
When he’s not working on his art, Hanley loves spending time with his wife, Carol, and children—Olivia, Joey and Ty—enjoying the Conejo Valley.
“I love it here!” says Hanley, especially the “beautiful scenery, and the weather is always nice, as are the people.” His favorite pastimes include exploring the area’s plentiful hiking trails and attending his son’s games at the various baseball fields around town.
To contact Hanley about portrait commissions, email JohnHanleyArtist@mac.com.
"Develop your own style; AI is not the same. Painting is a craft, like carpentry..."