Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner finds outlet in abstract painting

Feltner can relate.

“My paintings are about thought and emotions,” he said. “Sometimes, it comes all at once, in a rush; sometimes, it takes a lot more time. Sometimes, I completely paint over something I have started and create something entirely new.”

Rubin helped hip-hop music evolve into what it is today by launching the careers of greats like LL Cool J, Run DMC, Public Enemy and The Beastie Boys. Now, musicians from all genres show up at his studios in California, hoping Rubin can help their art reach the next level.

“Rick Rubin can find things in music that others couldn’t; that’s what he became known for,” Feltner said. “He has a less-is-more philosophy. The idea is to get rid of the clutter. That’s influenced me.”

In his best-selling book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being,” Rubin says that art is the ultimate form of self-actualization that enriches the soul.

“The reason we’re alive is to express ourselves in the world,” Rubin writes, “and creating art may be the most effective and beautiful method of doing so.”

Feltner said he completed one painting in 10 minutes. Another took five weeks.

Feltner works primarily with acrylic paint on canvas.

“I like the colors I can use with acrylics, and painting with oils, for me, was too much of a hassle,” he said.

At his condominium in Scottsdale, Ariz., Feltner used his front porch as his studio. He plans to do the same at the house he’s renting in Denver this season with teammate Nick Mears.

“Once I get settled in, I’d like to start painting again,” said Feltner, who put his painting on hold once spring training began in mid-February.

He has gifted some of his paintings to friends, family and teammates. One painting, “Red Dot,” was a gift to injured Rockies pitching prospect Ryan Rolison.

Feltner plans to keep painting after his playing days and hopes someday to have a home where he can construct a room to display his art.

“Who knows? Maybe someday my paintings can be part of a charity or a foundation,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes. For now, it’s a way to express myself.”

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