Mark Waitkus: Official Artist of the Boston Red Sox

Boston area artist Mark Waitkus has officially announced the launch of his new website www.markwaitkus.com, which offers affordable framed art to Boston Red Sox fans looking for a unique gift.

Each month, Waitkus delivers a "Featured Collection" of four previously unreleased paintings that match a common theme (MLB Playoffs, World Series, Boston Red Sox).

Prices range from $35 for a single 11" X 17" print to $150 for a custom-framed print.

In addition, Waitkus offers his customers the unique ability to frame their ticket stubs from memorable sporting events alongside his original artwork.

Widely considered one of the greatest sports watercolor artists in the US, Waitkus is expanding his roster of Major League Baseball teams he plans to paint in 2008.

He also intends to cast a wider net across a spectrum of other sports, including some exciting images for the NBA, NFL, NCAA, The Boston Marathon, and NASCAR.

Here are my thoughts.

Waitkus is a truly gifted artist.

Having purchased from him in the past, I know him to be extremely appreciative of his fans, giving back in concrete ways. Offering these paintings at an affordable price is a reflection of the type of person he is: generous, hardworking, an American success story.

It feels good to own one of his paintings, knowing my money was well-spent on a masterpiece created by a person you can root for.

Waitkus paints every brush stroke of his artwork, and has a hand in framing every custom-framed painting ordered through his website.

He just started selling fine art (giclee) reproductions this month (April 2008). They're spectacular.

For more information on Mark Waitkus, visit www.markwaitkus.com