An Evening for Romance - by John O'Brien

500 Piece Puzzle - 485mm x 345mm

Box Dimensions - 250mm x 250mm x 45mm



Once again the Gibsons puzzle catalogue is presenting a new 500 piece jigsaw puzzle for 2008 from John O'Brien. A fictional location in Paris during the Belle Epoque era of the late nineteenth century is the setting with the usual hallmarks of a John O'Brien jigsaw puzzle. The Cafe Romantique is a bistro located atop Montmartre which was (and, to some extent, still is) the favourite locale of Paris painters. Degas lived in Montmartre as did Picasso when he arrived from Spain in 1901. Montmartre has the only cultivated vineyard in Paris that still produces wine. Despite lacking examples of the local population (again a typical feature of John O'Brien jigsaw puzzles) the atmosphere of Bohemian living is unmistakable with the balconies and artists' garrets overlooking the bistro and cobbled streets. The rest of Paris and the Eiffel tower lie in the distance bathed in the sparkling lights and deep azure sky of a most dreamlike hue. This 500 piece jigsaw puzzle is sure to captivate the romantic nature of all puzzle hobbyists.


John O'Brien died prematurely at just 53 years of age. During his life, he sustained a remarkable and enduring love of life, with an eye for beauty which he expressed so vividly in his varied artwork.

John studied at the prestigious Art Student's League in New York, where he later set-up one of three studios, the others being in San Francisco and Paris. His eye for beauty is seen in every painting; the interiors and exteriors are wholly imaginary, enticing and inviting the viewer to "wish they were there". His paintings are in private collections in Europe and the United STêtes. His commissions included murals, portraits, and illustrations in addition to his highly successful series of romantic interiors.

Also reflected in his paintings is his passion for France, Italy, and Ireland from whence came the inspiration for his Eurpoean street scenes, neighbourhood cafes and cosy pubs. He created a unique style, which has come to be nown as "contemporary romantic realism". Many of his paintings have been appreciated worldwide as jigsaw puzzles. The beautifully detailed settings have appeared in over 20 different publications, and are firm favorite amongst puzzlers and collectors. Gibsons is fortunate to have such a talented artist in its jigsaw puzzle catalogue.

After being diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Spring 2004, John continued to paint and teach until the disease and treatment made it too difficult for him to continue. He was a devoted and loving husband and father to his wife Martha and daughters Michelle and Claire who often posed for his beautiful paintings.