George Best by Stephen Doig

George Best (1946-2005) by Stephen Doig

‘The Life and Times of George Best’ by Stephen Doig

Introducing ‘The Life and Times of George Best’, a striking piece by the renowned artist Stephen Doig. This limited edition print is personally signed by both George Best and Stephen Doig, celebrating the legendary footballer's illustrious career.

George Best, who played for Manchester United and Northern Ireland, dazzled the world with his skill, charisma, and passion for the game. He was instrumental in Manchester United's success, helping the team secure the European Cup in 1968. Best's extraordinary talent earned him the title of European Footballer of the Year the same year.

Out of the 1,968 prints produced, George Best signed only 250 of them, making this artwork a highly sought-after collectible. The signing took place with Hamilton Bland in attendance at George's home near Reigate. George Best considered this particular montage to be his favourite piece of art, a testament to Doig's exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

About the Artist: Stephen Doig

Stephen Doig, a talented and renowned artist, was born in Oxford in 1964. His encounter with art began at an early age, with pencil drawings and sketches laying the foundation for the excellent work he produces today. A self-taught artist, Stephen has explored many techniques over the years to refine his unique style, transitioning from pencil sketching to incorporating colour through pastels, which transformed his drawings into highly finished and accomplished paintings.

After a period in various professions, including a stint in the Army, Stephen decided to commit himself fully to painting. This decision allowed him to blend his artistic talent with his love of sport, creating dramatic life studies that depict the speed, movement, and skill inherent in games such as football and rugby. His high-quality portrait and figure compositions have earned Stephen a reputation as one of the country’s foremost contemporary sporting artists. His work is widely appreciated by private collectors, players, teams, and fans, as well as businesses that have purchased his original pastel paintings and limited edition fine art prints.

In 1997, Stephen won the Fine Art Trade Guild's Best New Artist of the Year award, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. His portrayals of sport have earned him a reputation as the country's best contemporary sporting artist. His more recent series, entitled 'Legends of Rock', has also drawn praise for its unusual and evocative portrayals of music legends.

The combination of superb attention to detail and his use of soft pastel creates the dynamic atmosphere that epitomises the desirable artwork he produces today.

Stephen Doig’s exceptional portraiture and his ability to capture the movement, power, and passion of athletic endeavour and triumph, combined with his versatility in other diverse figurative subjects such as music legends, royalty, and historical figures, make his work highly coveted. His art not only resonates with sports enthusiasts but also with a broader audience who appreciates the dynamic and emotive quality of his creations.