We'll be closing up shop for about two weeks on September 12th, returning to the studio on September 27, 2018. Hope to be adding some great new art to the website this fall. So, stay tuned!
Thanks very much,
Greg and Paula
]]>Greg Montgomery will be signing the 2018 Travers and Saratoga posters at the following locations this summer. He will be available between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:
We all are in countdown mode again for Saturday’s 148th Running of the Travers Stakes!
Once again this year we will be guests of NYRA, signing and personalizing your TRAVERS POSTERS at our table outside of the "Silks" gift shop located near the Carousel stairs, on the ground floor of the Grandstand.
We'll be there from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Travers day. Please stop by on the early side, as we need to be packed up by the time the “Silks” store in the Clubhouse closes.
If we miss you, or you prefer not have to carry a tubed poster around the Saratoga Race Course, you can still purchase posters from us anytime online at gregmontgomery.com. If you’re in Saratoga Springs, visit our wonderful vendors — Crafters Gallery, Impressions of Saratoga, Spa Fine Arts, Soavé Faire, and the National Museum of Racing; in Ballston Spa — Front Street Home; and if you’re heading to points south, consider stopping at The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza at the end of the Northway.
Hope to see you at the Track — Saturday, August 26!
After more than 30 years of drawing and photographing in and around the famous Saratoga Race Course I'm finally going to actually sit down and enjoy a day of racing!
Paula and I are hosting my son and his wife along with special relatives from Australia and Italy. They will be joining us at the Turf Terrace in Saratoga's incomparable Clubhouse. Should be a wonderful day.
Hope to see you all Saturday at the races!
p.s. Paula's actually been to the Turf Terrace before. She's the woman in the white hat sitting with Spencer and Anthony!
]]>Summer time and the season is upon us!
Hello, everyone! I hope you are enjoying this time of year as much as I am. What a delight it is to be bathed in long days of sunlight, gentle rains (and the occasional downpour), too many cultural events to choose from, and the sheer enjoyment of seeing friends out and about!
We kicked off the season in mid-June with the release of this year’s Travers/Saratoga poster — “Record Breaker!” We just had to show Arrogate, last year’s Travers winner, bursting from the poster frame in front of the famous Saratoga grandstand, thirteen-and-a-half lengths ahead of his rivals. There’s an added feature that shows the record-setting time, distance, and racing team. Truly a day for the record books!
We are pleased to announce this year’s signing events. Most of them are in Saratoga Springs and one is in Ballston Spa, but we have two for the polo aficionados among you in Northern Virginia —
Hope to see you on our travels!
Best,
Greg and Paula
We close the studio for a couple weeks and then come home to start the racing season with the running of the Kentucky Derby in May. So, for the next two weeks or so we need to hang the "Gone Fishing!" sign in the window and ask your patience with us. We'll look for you after the middle of April 2017.
See you soon,
Greg and Paula
]]>As we move closer to September, I’m delighted with the depth and hues of the sky, majestic cumulonimbus clouds, outrageous thunder and lightning storms … Mother Nature at some of her most dramatic moments. And then there is the best of the farmers’ markets blueberries, corn-on-the cob, tomatoes, baby eggplant, fresh fruits and vegetables of every color to suit every taste. Summer tastes great!
I hope to see you at one or more of the Saratoga places where I’ll be signing this season:
Wednesday, August 10 — 11:00 am to 5:00 pm — The Irish American Heritage day at the Saratoga Race Track
Saturday, August 13 — 7:00 - 9:30 pm — Soavé Faire
Sunday, August 14 — 2:00 - 4:00 pm — Front Street Home
Saturday, August 20 — 7:00 - 9:30 pm — Crafters Gallery
Tuesday, August 23 — 7:00 p.m. — The Irish American Heritage Museum, 370 Broadway in Albany
Thursday, August 25 — 10:00 am to 12 noon — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Thursday, August 25 — 2:00 - 4:00 pm — Soavé Faire
Saturday, August 27 — all day — near the “Silks” store in the Clubhouse at The Saratoga Race Track, below the Carousel Lounge… As well at a places where I’ve already signed — Impressions and Spa Fine Art, and just around town.
At the Irish American Heritage Museum, 370 Broadway in Albany, I’ll provide a presentation of my retrospective poster exhibit. So if you missed it at the National Museum of Racing, you can catch the full exhibit in Albany and hear a description of how those images came to be.
If you find yourself in northern Virginia, please stop by the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) in Middleburg, Virginia to see the exhibit of my work, “To the Finish: The Art and Process of Greg Montgomery,” from July 29 through November 27, 2016. We’ll also be in Middleburg on September 11 for the 6th Annual Polo Classic benefit for the NSLM.
We look forward to seeing you in Saratoga or on the road this summer. Have a grand summer!
]]>We never tire of Saratoga’s paddock. We love how the great trees and flowers divide the paddock into areas trainers use to prepare and saddle their horses. Simple and elegant, the paddock provides different settings that cater to each horse’s preference for privacy or publicity. Delighted fans get as close as they can to the action in the paddock, leaning on the white fences that define the famous space. We spend many afternoons trying to capture the slanting light of the August sun and the dramatic shadows it creates. The horse in the foreground represents Keen Ice, winner of the 2015 Travers Stakes.
This poster is a tribute to one of the great illustrators of 20th century — Bernie Fuchs. In 1975, Fuchs was the youngest illustrator ever elected to the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame. He painted a now-famous series of illustrations of Saratoga. One was a view of the Saratoga paddock that I have always loved. Its light is marvelous! So this year, we pay homage to the master Bernie Fuchs and create our own version of the light and shadow in the incomparable Saratoga paddock. Hope you like it. Thank you, Bernie.
If you scroll down in this blog, you will see our signing schedules both in Saratoga Springs and Middleburg, Virginia. We have confirmed that, once again, we will be at the Saratoga Race Track on Travers Day. Hope to see you this summer! Enjoy!
]]>We returned from inspirational travels to Brighton, London, Paris, Bois-le-Roi, and Giverny in mid-May to a kinetic schedule of all things art: posters, proofs, printing, giclées, framing, museum shows, and more. It will be a while before we sit down with our source material and work on new pieces that reflect that amazing tour!
May also brought the final production of the poster you see here, “Wine and Roses.” This past winter, we were contacted by a wonderful couple from Virginia who have worked all sorts of magic. For those of you who travel far and wide for polo matches, the 6th Annual Polo Classic is a benefit for the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) in Middleburg, Virginia.
The NSLM is hosting an exhibition of my work, "To the Finish: The Art and Process of Greg Montgomery,” from July 29 through November 27, 2016. We will be in Middleburg to deliver the exhibition and have a reception at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards in the heart of Virginia horse country on July 16, for the opening reception and artwork presentation at the museum on July 28 and 29, and at Great Meadow in Middleburg for the Polo Classic on September 11. If you happen to find yourself nearby or know someone who might enjoy the artwork on display there, please send this information along.
If you missed my 30th retrospective at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs last year, that show of my posters will be on display this summer at the Irish American Heritage Museum.
Lots going on! Hope you have time for relaxing this summer. All the best!
]]>We hope all of you had a lovely holiday season and past few months. We have all sorts of news and will shake off the winter doldrums to bring it to you in bits and pieces. Our most recent project is a poster for Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs. Now in its 56th year, the Caffé is the oldest continuously operating coffeehouse in the United States and in the Western Hemisphere. Lena Spencer created a mecca for folk music and musicians from all over have performed there, gotten their start, and gone on to great things.
The Caffè in the midst of a capital campaign to strengthen its old building, modernize facilities, and make it handicapped accessible so more music can be heard there for decades to come. We are honored that we were selected to create a poster for Caffè Lena and we’re really pleased with the results.
If you’ve never heard a performance at the Caffè, you should go — it’s a wonderful place and the music is really fine. And buy a poster to support the campaign effort. Oh, yes, and the room looks just like that — anticipation!
]]>Not too long ago in late November, the thermometer spiked to the low 70s, and we were reminded of helping a dear friend put his sailboat away for the winter. There were brief snow flurries at the end of October.
For those of you far from the northeast, this view of “The Narrows" of Lake George may bring memories of the summer. The exhibit at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is open until the end of the year. If you haven’t seen it, please do stop by.
]]>It was great to see so many of you at our signings and at the track this year and especially at the opening of my retrospective at the National Museum of Racing. Many, many thanks to our wonderful vendors, printers, framers, assistants, and to all of you for purchasing and talking about my artwork.
I’m not sure how many of you know my work outside of the poster business, so here’s a view of some of that artwork on the wall of Spa Fine Art in Saratoga Springs. We held our breath and offered up some very large images of “Khaki Jockey,” “Benches,” and “White Dress.” To our delight, they’ve generated interest and sales.
And Book House found a home for my print of “The Narrows” of Lake George — now being enjoyed by owners with that very view. Many thanks for your purchases of posters, cards, pins, and artwork this year.
Enjoy this fine late summer light and the last month or two of warm weather!
]]>If you’re in Saratoga Springs, visit our wonderful vendors: Crafters Gallery, Impressions, Spa Fine Arts, Soavé Faire and the National Museum of Racing; Front Street Home in Ballston Spa; and if you’re heading to points south, consider stopping at The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza at the end of the Northway.
While you’re visiting Saratoga, please see my retrospective, “Greg Montgomery: 30 Years of the Travers,” at the National Museum of Racing. They did a terrific presentation, and the show will be up until the end of the year. Hope to see you at the Track on this historic Travers day — Saturday, August 29!
]]>Also thought you’d like to know that we’ve got new products available this year in addition to the new Whitney poster, “First Light,” and the Travers poster, “Crossing Union.” Look for cloisionée pins and two sets of greeting cards, a Victorian and a Popular series. We’re getting great feedback from those who have found them in town. The pin is the classic image from my 1987 poster “Pinnacles” and the boxed card sets contain nine images each.
As always, we look forward to seeing those of you who can attend our signings (listed in my previous post) and to hearing from those of you at a distance. Wherever you are, we hope you are having a great summer!
]]>The result is “First Light,” paying homage to the Whitney family with this image of an early morning workout on the Oklahoma track in Horse Haven, on the north side of Union Avenue. With the dawn and the muffled beat of horse hoofs, exercise riders race past the Whitney Viewing Stand, in itself a reverent nod to days gone by. We’re hoping that you enjoy this more classic artwork tending toward my earlier silk screens. The luminous yellow of the warmth of August mornings will hold many memories for those of us who enjoy the magical racing season.
Here are the dates and places for my poster signings this summer, as well as a few other dates to consider: The 30th Retrospective of Greg Montgomery’s Travers Posters at the National Museum of Racing through December 31, 2015 July 24, 7–9 pm — Crafters Gallery July 25, 7–9 pm — Impressions July 31, 7–9 pm — Spa Fine Arts Aug. 1, 7–9 pm — Soavé Faire Aug. 7, 12:30–2 pm — National Museum of Racing, following the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Aug. 8 — The Whitney Handicap Aug. 10–11 — Fasig-Tipton Sale Aug. 15–16 — NY Bred Preferred Yearlings Aug. 16, 1–3 pm — Front Street Home Aug. 29 — The Travers Stakes
Some of the most beautiful animals on earth are right there, at arm's length, moving through deep shadows into the morning light. It's quintessentially Saratoga and it's a gift to be there.
This is the 30th poster in The Colors of Racing series. The 2015 Travers poster (and the Saratoga version) were unveiled for the first time at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY on June 13th, 2015. The exhibition "Greg Montgomery: 30 Years of the Travers" will be on display in the von Stade Gallery through December 31, 2015. Please come visit us!
]]>June 13, 4:30–7 pm — National Museum of Racing
July 25, 7–9 pm — Impressions
July 24, 7–9 pm — Crafters Gallery
July 31, 7–9 pm — Spa Fine Arts
Aug. 1, 7–9 pm — Soavé Faire
Aug. 7 — Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Aug. 8 — The Whitney Handicap
Aug. 10–11 — Fasig-Tipton Sale
Aug. 15–16 — NY Bred Preferred Yearlings
Aug. 16, 1–3 pm — Front Street Home
Aug. 29 — The Travers Stakes
We’re going to press early this year, so we can have posters ready at the opening of the 30th retrospective of the Greg Montgomery Travers series at the National Museum of Racing. The day after the opening, June 14, the posters will be available at our usual venues as well as through this website.
I’m at work on another poster for the Whitney and we’re scheduling signing events in Saratoga during the season, so watch this space for more info soon. Enjoy the spring and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon.
]]>And there’s more — The National Museum of Racing is holding a 30th Retrospective of the poster series from mid-June into December, and we’d like you to come to visit. For those of you who can join us, please save the middle weekend in June for the opening event. Watch this space for the confirmed date, which we’ll know soon.
We are in the process of trying to decide if we should produce anniversary items — silk scarves and ties, cloisonné lapel pins, umbrellas, totes, more greeting cards, or calendars. If you think you would purchase any of these items, we’d like to know so we can narrow the field.
So, for those of you in wintry climes, please stay warm and cozy. To all of our friends and customers, be well and happy, we look forward to seeing you this season.
]]>It was a beautiful day and we saw so many friends and repeat customers from years past. Of course, the Travers never disappoints. As so often happens at the Travers, the long-shot, VE-Day, carried the day. That was a stand-on-your-seat finish if ever I saw one! Thank you for looking for us. Hope to see you next year. Enjoy the rest of summer.
]]>In addition to these fine vendors, you can find “The History and Art of 25 Travers” by Vic Zast, with artwork and illustrations by me, at Northshire Books in Saratoga and The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany.
We have had confirmation that this year, we definitely will be signing posters on Travers Day, August 23, at the main tent outside the Paddock. Many apologies to those who looked for us last year. Please stop by to say hello.
As in past seasons, we will be attending the BCCA fund raiser on Wednesday, August 20, and hope to see some of you there as well.
Poster trivia for those of you who have this year’s poster, “Picking a Winner.” The poster depicts the corner of the Clubhouse that the horses pass by on their way to the track. In the column on the corner of the Clubhouse, you will find a number of horse images, in addition to the horse making its way down from the Paddock. I’m told there’s a fox in there too, but it’s really a tree shadow. Have fun looking for all the hidden horses!
Hope you have a wonderful summer. See you around town or at the track!
]]>For more than ten years, my partner, Paula, has been suggesting that I showcase the beautiful and historic white ornamental ironwork columns and hand-carved horse head rafters that grace this corner of the Clubhouse. These classic decorations are quintessentially Saratoga. So, finally, here they are. The photos she took to help me with the column’s details are actually paper prints with negatives — talk about “historic”!
This is the 29th poster in the longest-running series of its kind. The 2014 Travers poster (and the Saratoga version) are available on this website and at selected stores and galleries in Saratoga Springs after June 16th, 2014.
Please watch this space for schedules of poster and book signings in and around Saratoga. See you at the track!
]]>Hope the winter was good to you wherever it found you! Enjoy.
]]>If you're trying to find me in Saratoga at one of my poster signings, here are the dates we've committed to thus far. Unless otherwise noted, signings are in venues in Saratoga Springs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, July 19: Impressions of Saratoga
Saturday, July 20: Soavé Faire
Sunday, July 21, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Front Street, Ballston Spa
Monday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: The National Museum of Racing
Friday, July 26: Crafters Gallery
Friday, August 2: Spa Fine Art Gallery
Saturday, August 3: Impressions of Saratoga
Thursday, August 8, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: National Museum of Racing
Saturday, August 10: Crafters Gallery
Friday, August 16: Soavé Faire
Saturday, August 17: Spa Fine Art Gallery
Monday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: National Museum of Racing
We also hope to see you at the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at the Fasig Tipton Pavilion on Friday, August 9, at 10:30 a.m.; at the BCCA fund-raising event and dinner on Wednesday, August 21; and, of course at various times at the Track.
We'll be at Travers, just don't know where just yet, so please watch this space for updates and any changes. Enjoy your summer!
]]>The National Museum of Racing is selling the poster, which is available in two sizes — 24" x 30" or 14" x 18" — for standard framing. Posters are also available through this website and at our vendors in the area.
“Legends of the Spa” features seven of the most famous horses to run at Saratoga, as well as the three founders of the historic Saratoga Track. Hope you enjoy the panorama and the history. Looking forward to seeing many of you throughout the summer.
]]>I had to make this event the subject of this year's poster; however, the two front-runners weren't shoulder to shoulder at the finish. They were about six feet (two meters) apart, so I had to find a way to get both racers into the same vertical frame of the tall, thin poster. I think the low-angle image showing not only the horses and jockeys, but also the distinctive spires of Saratoga's iconic roofline, solves the problem well.
I am particularly pleased and honored to depict the amazing jockeys in this cliff-hanger. David Cohen, riding Golden Ticket, was excellent; but Ramon Dominguez, riding the favorite, Alpha, was riveting. I will miss this remarkable gentleman and superb athlete where we see him most — in the Winner's Circle. Thank you, Ramon, and Godspeed.
This is the 28th poster in the Colors of Racing series. The 2013 Travers poster, and the Saratoga version, are available at selected stores and galleries in Saratoga Springs, or on this website. See you at the track!
]]>I've been working away at many deadlines, most of them artistic, but also a few commercial projects to make things lively. My biggest project has been a wide, three-page pull-out cover for the National Museum of Racing's "Hall of Fame" magazine. It commemorates 150 years of racing at Saratoga with portraits of seven of its most famous horses — and its three founding fathers!
This image is the cover — the first third of the poster — you'll have to stay tuned to see which horse belongs to the flying tail that leads you into the next panel. Needless to say, with seven horses, seven jockeys, and three founders against the historical panorama of the Saratoga Race Track, there's been a lot of drawing going on around here. And then there's my own 2013 poster called "Dead Heat," which will be ready in early June.
Meanwhile, we are off for a brief, but well earned, vacation. I'm looking forward to sketching anything but horses for a couple of weeks! Hope your spring is filled with color and light. All the best.
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