September 2003 | See Past News

Hello friends,

Welcome back to the Frazetta web site.

As the season passes by, many fans have still been asking about the museum hours. We will be open through the Christmas holiday on both Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 4pm. We will then close for the winter months and reopen sometime in April. This will be posted on the site to keep you current on the reopening for the 2004 year. For more information visit the museum section or call 570-424-5833.

All is well with Mr. Frazetta as he enjoys the few remaining baseball games of the 2003 season. He is a fanatic baseball fan and enjoys watching from opening day right through the last out of the World Series. Frank did not start playing baseball until he was 15 years old, but within just a few short years of playing sandlot ball in Brooklyn, he was offered a contract to play center field for the New York Giants. He batted .456 and had a rifle of an arm to boot. But due to the extremely low salaries paid in those days, just $1,500-$3,000 a year, this was enough deterrent for Frank to say no and continue with his art career. Thank goodness, or we would have lost out on all the great art he has created. I spoke to him earlier this afternoon about this topic and he felt that between bus rides and the off season he would have continued to draw and pursue his art career. He also stated he was drawing since he was one and a half years old and the love for art was always in his blood. Till this day, he somewhat regrets not being able to see how far his incredible athletic talent might have taken him in the big leagues. Frank still enjoys watching the Yankees but is pulling for the Cubs and the Red Sox. He feels this would be a great series either way.

Frank has done a few pencil drawings over the past month and below is one commissioned for the Wizard of Oz. There is a new book in the works based on the original characters from the film and Frank was asked to do his impression of the main munchkin. Remember, this is drawn with his left hand in about one hour. I am still amazed of his abilities at 75 years old. I had asked, “ Wow pop; how can you still render so well?” And as usual I get the same reply and look when I ask a dumb question, “ What do you expect?, I have been drawing since I was 2 years old, if you would have continued with your art you could have been as good as me.” Ha Ha! That's a nice compliment but highly unlikely. Regardless, it is wonderfully drawn and his remarkable natural ability continues to endure.

We are still waiting delivery of the Death Dealer statues. They are finishing the graphics on the box and we should have them by the last week of November. Mrs. Frazetta apologizes for the delay but the orient is never accurate with their ship dates. Anyone who has already prepaid and would not like to wait may email me for a refund. We are selling these out quickly and are down to the remaining 60. Thereafter, only the uninitiated versions will be available.

I have decided to start working on the biography that I started a few years back. It will consist of the personal life behind the artist as well as an overlook of his career. It will be around 500 pages and include many photos and drawings never seen before. If I'm lucky with the help of a few friends, RC that is, it may be available for the Holiday season of 2004.

Also, below is a rare photo of a CONAN painting, “Conan of Aquilonia” that was stolen in 1972. It was left in the Lancer publishing office in New York and while they were in the process of moving their office it disappeared. I guess you can imagine how Dad felt after it was never found. Till this day there is still a large reward offered for information leading to the return of this artwork. This painting and book told the epic fantasy of the most powerful hero, at the height of his reign- It included four stories about the devastation of his enemies and his fight to solidify the peace he had won in decades past. This painting was redone at a later in Franks career and hangs in the museum today. It is not quite as detailed as the original but as with everything my father does it is just as dramatic and powerful.

I would like to make you aware before purchasing any original Frazetta art, lithographs included, make sure the seller is reputable. If the deal seems too good to be true it probably is. Please feel free to forward me any photos and the sellers name via email to authenticate it. There have been numerous pieces being offered on Ebay and at conventions the past few years that are fakes including many L. Ron Hubbard low numbered artist proof lithographs. We had notified numerous collectors' stating their purchases were not authentic. So please beware. You may contact me at golf2000@ptd.net for more assistance.

Dads close friend Doc Dave has left the frigid Niagra Falls area for good and is heading west to the hot and dry state of Nevada. He never wants to see another white snowflake after the past two dreadful winters in New York. I would have suggested Southern California or the Carolinas because I'm not a big fan of rattle snakes and scorpions. (Get out the knee high boots Dave).. Dad will miss Dave's regular visits though. Like my father, Dave is also a huge camera buff and with every visit a new camera was wrapped around Dave's neck. Comparing the latest cameras each other purchased was a ritual for the two of them. Art was seldomly discussed as long as there was a new camera involved. Most of the day was spent comparing the Zeiss lenses or the mega pixels of each Sony or Nikon camera. I have never walked into the studio when the two of them were not talking about photography. Well, farewell Dave and we wish yo u all the best in your new venture.

As always, we thank you for joining us this month.

Sincerely, Frank Frazetta JR