Starry Night - by John O'Brien

1000 Piece Puzzles - 685mm x 490mm

Box Dimensions - 305mm x 305mm x 50mm



The Gibsons puzzle catalogue is fortunate to contain several images by the gifted artist John O'Brien. This 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle is typical for the artist in that it re-creates the Belle Epoque era of Paris at the end of the 19th century when Paris was considered the centre of the artistic world. This would be a Paris with artists such as Degas, Toulouse- Lautrec and Edouard Manet inhabiting the city and painting images describing the demi-monde of Paris' less romantic realities. The title Starry Night refers to the Vincent Van Gogh painting of the same name and is visually referred to in the puzzle's sky of darkest azure and twinkling stars. Paris would be the hub of painters exhibitions introducing the impressionist and post-impressionist painters Paul Gaugin and Paul Cezanne to the world. Monet's gigantic waterlilly canvases were created at Giverney which is an hour's train ride from the St.Lazare train station in Paris. John O'Brien's highly romantic 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle has all the usual landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in the distance, old fashioned poster displays and cobbled streets. The Gibsons 1000 Piece Puzzles also shows beautifully arranged fruit and flower shops which are still a mainstay of the Paris urban landscape as are its ubiquitous restaurants . Fully saturated colours of deep crimson and turqoise blue are another well known feature of John O'Brien's work.

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.

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.