Paul Campbell (right), first vice-president of the Jamaica Cricket Association, receives a copy of the calendar from artist Richard Blackford at the recent launch of 'Images of the Game'. Looking on is Sharon Neita, an executive director of publishers Book Merchant Limited. - Contributed

Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

ARTIST RICHARD Blackford, a cricket enthusiast, recently delivered a decent spin to the Cricket World Cup with his master strokes on canvas.

With fine timing, the artist capitalised on the moment, launching - from his three-year collection - his calendar titled 'Images of the Game', along with publishers Book Merchant Limited recently at the Kingston Cricket Club.

According to Blackford, who says, "Everyone comes to earth with a gift that we all need to explore", his paintings of the game began three years ago when, as a wedding gift for a friend, he did a painting of cricket subjects. Now the artist offers other cricket fans a fitting souvenir of the game just in time for Cricket World Cup 2007.

About 50 people were given a preview of the work at the launch with 'Ketchie Shoobie at Hellshire Bay, Jamaica','Curry Goat Cricket' and 'First Ball of a Test Match at Sabina Park, Jamaica' being among the most favoured works.

Spectacular calendar

The calendar is spectacular in capturing more than physical images of the game. Blackford manages to capture impressions of what the eye sees at particular moments such as in 'Greetings' where we hold our breath as the batsman jumps high against the glistening sun to hit the ball.

Designed and paginated by Jonothan Watts, the calendar's glossed pages provide a schedule of events of the World Cup while also highlighting useful historical data.

Described as a two-in-one product, the calendar will be promoted through several marketing strategies including international exhibitions planned by Blackford and the publishers.

Representatives from the diplomatic corps, cricket fraternity and friends of the artist were among the well-wishers present at the launch.

See more on the calendar and Blackford's work in this Sunday's Art section.