Rainy Day Stroll - by John O'Brien 1000 Piece Puzzles - 685mm x 490mm Box Dimensions - 305mm x 305mm x 50mm A new 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle by the late John O'Brien again takes pride of place in the 2009 Gibsons puzzle catalog. O'Brien's distinct Parisian vocabulary of romance, classic cafes, a solitary figure and of course distant views of the Eiffel Tower are all evocatively present in this new 2009 picture. A lonely female Parisienne walks her dog down an imaginary Montmartre street; damp and shiny from recent rains. The silhouette of the Eiffel tower stands against the early evening sky brightly dramatic after the storm. The ubiquitous Metro sign (how deep can that Metro line be?) and flower stand are the scene's final adornments. This new 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle by Gibsons is already a best seller. 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. 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. The Gibsons jigsaw puzzle catalogue has been carrying several John O'Brien paintings for many years including smaller 500 piece puzzles as well as the more popular 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles.
