Somerset artist creates Winter Classic painting

SOMERSET, Mass. -- A local artist got some icy inspiration for his latest work.

The official artist of the NHL, Brian Fox, has agreed to provide the league with licensed artwork for the Winter Classic on Jan. 1, featuring the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers.

Fox primarily works out of his Somerset studio, appropriately titled Brian Fox Studios. There, he designs artwork for the NHL and several other sports subjects.

Presently, he is putting the finishing touches on a painting that will commemorate one of Boston’s biggest sporting events.

His artwork will be featured on the cover of the limited edition game day program for the Winter Classic.

“The NHL had me focus on the two captains of Bruins and Flyers and put it on program cover,” said Fox.

Fox spent nearly 160 hours completing the painting, with many sketches sent back and forth between him and the NHL.

“With this, the NHL guided you, said we'd like the two guys, but here's the kicker we want the throwback uniforms, which aren't really released yet... so you can't really show anybody, so you have to make it up,” said Fox.

The painting now has also been signed by all the players.

“I'm like a little kid still, hey, I guess I get to paint this guys.... you know, I’m a sports fan so it's fun,” said Fox.

The painting will be auctioned on NHL.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint charitable initiative founded in December 1998 to raise money and awareness for national and organizations involved in cancer research.

Fox is no stranger to painting sports figures. He's also painted live at MLB’s All-Star Game. His work with baseball opened the door to his involvement with hockey.

“I love baseball, Fenway Park, it's kind of a great mix... honored to be asked to do this, so it's really cool,” said Fox.

Viewers can see the Winter Classic on 7NBC on New Year’s Day at 12:30 p.m.

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