Recent News
September 2, 2023
Hot not off the presses yet! I just got my hands on a picture of the special edition art magazine that will be released this month called The Best of Acrylic. Pepper Jack Cheese will be featured in it. It is presented by Artists Magazine and American Artist magazine. What's your guess that I will be buying more than one copy of this?!
August 31, 2023
Just got some wonderful news! Pepper Jack Cheese has dne it again!! I just received the news from the International Guild of Realism that it has been chosen as a Finalist in their 2023 Fall Salon Online Exhibit!!! This is the first time I have made the cut in an IGOR competition. I couldn't be happier! I am now contracted regarding the purchase of this painting thru December 20, 2023 with the International Guild of Realism. I will be posting how to purchase Pepper Jack Cheese thru them in the near future. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, I am extremely honored to have a painting in one of their exhibits!
August 2023
Pepper Jack Cheese and Jack on the Rocks were both juried in to the 2023 Emerge Art Festival exhibit at the Ellen Kayrod Gallery in the Hannan Center. This competition/exhibit focuses on artists 55 years and older.
It was a really good show with a wide variety of mediums and niches.
I was fortunate and honored to meet these two gentlemen at the Emerge Art Festival Opening reception. Both played pivotal roles during the great Motown period of music in the 1960's and 1970's.
George Ramsey, (in the red shirt) was the road manager for Lamont Dozier of the famed Holland-Dozier-Holland song writing fame. They were probably the greatest song-writing group ever. They wrote over 400 songs together. 130 of the songs made it in the Pop Charts. Over 70 of them were Top Ten Hits and an incredible 40 of their songs were #1 hits!
Paul Riser (standing next to me) is a Grammy winner for "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" by The Temptations and he was nominated for a second one for theStevie Wonder song"Do I Do". In 1963 he was chosen by Berry Gordy to be the music director of Motown Records and worked on many big hits by Marvin Gaye, Diana Rosss and the Supremes, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. After he left Motown he worked with Quincy Jones, The Carpenters, Carly Simon, Aretha Frankli and Phil Collins.
I had a ball talking vintage music with them and sharing some of my art insider info.
May 22, 2023
How exciting!!! Pepper Jack Cheese has won the People's Choice Award in the 2023 Richeson75 International Still Life & Floral competition! This is quite an honor to be chosen out of 75 paintings from artists from around the world! My heartfelt thanks to all who voted for me and to the Richeson School of Art.
May 8, 2023
More great news! Pepper Jack Cheese has been juried in again to an international art exhibit/competition! This time it was juried in to Acrylicworks 10: The Best of Acrylic Painting. 75 acrylic paintings from artists from around the world are selected for this exhibition. This is now the 5th finalist painting of mine to be included in their annual competitions.
May 2, 2022
Good news! Pepper Jack Cheese has been juried in as a finalist into the 2023 Richeson75 International Still Life & Floral exhibit/competition. Richeson School of Art selects 75 paintings from artists from around the world to be included in this exhibition. This is now the 10th finalist painting of mine in their annual competitions as well as two honarable mentions.
To see the exhibit, click here: 2023 Richeson75 Still Life & Floral Exhibit
August 2022
It's here!!! The 15th painting in my I DO Know Jack! series...Pepper Jack Cheese. With this painting I wanted to pay homage to the 17th century Dutch artists with their dramatic realistic still life paintings. While not an exact imitation, I deliberately wnted a dark background and interesting lighting. It measures 40" x 30". I had a lot of fun creating this addition to my series.
April 1, 2022
It was a bit of a shock to walk in to the Our Town Show and see a silver ribbon next to Jack of Hearts! It won 2nd place in the show! But even more of a surprise was being approached 20 minutes after I arrived by a woman and her sister who were admiring the painting and being told that she wants to buy it. I just lived every artist's dream!!! Enter a show, win an award and sell it! Who could ask for anything more? Many thanks to Lisa!
April 1 -15 2022
I'm very pleased and proud to announce that three of my pieces (one original painting and two limited edition dye-sublimation metal prints) have been accepted into The Community House of Birmingham OUR TOWN 37th Annual Art Show. The show runs from April 1st thru April 15th. Due to COVID and space restrictions the only artwork that will be shown in person will be the Honorable Mentions and the Award Winners. All the other pieces from all of the artists will be shown via monitors at the venue. The artwork will also be available to purchase online. (My three pieces that were accepted are: Jack of Hearts original, Jack of Diamonds and Jack of Clubs metal prints).
"The 37th annual OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale is hosted by The Community House in downtown Birmingham. This juried, all media art show provides a forum for Michigan artists to show and sell their work. The OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale includes paintings, pastels, sculptures, glassworks, fiber works, photography, jewelry and mixed media. Thirty-five percent of the proceeds from the art sales will be used to fund The Community House outreach programs for adults and children."
LOCATION
The Community House
380 South Bates Street
Birmingham,, Michigan 48009
March 2022
Well, it took over 50 years after eating my first Detroit Coney Island Hot Dog but I've finally done it! Announcing the completion of the first painting in a small series I am doing capturing Detroit and Michigan Coney Island hot dogs. They say one should paint what they love. Well...I may not be able to eat as many of these delicacies as I did in my youth, but I still love them.
This first one is in tribute to National Coney Island dogs as I received permission from National to use their logo on the plate. I know, I know...there are a number of great places to enjoy one of the iconic foods of Detroit.
My wife Wendy and I are already planning on a trip downtown to the two most known for coney dog wars, American and Lafayette. Plus we will be travelling the state to sample coney dogs outside of Detroit. I am still working on the jacks and the cars but, what can I say? I had a real hankering for the best hot dogs in the world!
Check out my Open Prints collection in the Shop pulldown to own your very own print of "One Up With Everything, National Coney Island". And please do email me with any suggestions you may have for other coney restaurants whose coney dog deserves to be set down on canvas for the ages.
February 2022
I am thrilled and thankful to announce that my artwork is back at Lily’s Seafood Grill and Brewery. Not only do I love the ambiance and the food, but this is the scene of my most successful show ever in regard to the number of pieces sold. This is now my third time exhibiting my work here and the first time since 2017.
There are 20 of my paintings, prints and drawings on display so if you’re looking for a great meal, a delicious cold beverage, a comfortable place and great artwork, look no further! All 14 of my “I DO Know Jack!” images are represented as well as a few of my older works and my latest painting, The Chief.
I want to thank Jen and Liz for welcoming me back and especially Jen for helping with the setup.
Also, hats off to my friend and artist, Virginia LaMont Naegeli, whose artwork graced Lily’s walls for several months before mine just went up.
I’ll announce when I will be hosting a small get together there so I hope to see you at Lily’s soon. If you are planning on grabbing a meal or drink there please let me know. I’ll try to pop in and say hi.
January 2022
I am running a special sale on my new open edition print of The Chief. I have received a number of emails asking if I will ever make my prints available as open edition prints at a lower cost than the archival limited edition signed and numbered prints that come with a certificate of authenticity.
With my new kickoff print in my new parallel series, Car Parts, I figured this would be the time. The prints are of my 16"x20" acrylic painting on gessoed panel of a 1950's Pontiac Chieftan amber Lucite hood ornament. The print is 11"x14" with the image being 8"x10" and is hand signed by me. It retails for $25. (Frame not included.)
If interested, check out this page on my website for more information.
And, as always, thanks for checking in and checking out my work.
January 2022
After several years being represented by West Loop Dot Gallery in Chicago, my work has temporarily left the gallery because the gallery is temporarily closed. The building was sold and WLDG is in the process of moving into a new and larger place. I'll announce when my paintings are back in Chitown.
Robert App, the Gallery Director, was instrumental in finding art collectors for several original paintings and a number of limited edition metal prints. Thanks Robert! I look forward to seeing you by this spring.
December 2021
9 years ago I moved back to my home town of Detroit. Little did I know that I would have prints of a painting of mine in The Detroit Shoppe. I’m very happy to announce that prints of The Chief are now available for purchase at the Somerset Mall store in Troy, Michigan.
September 7, 2021
SHOW ALERT! SHOW ALERT! SHOW ALERT!
Today was the first day of the University of Michigan Gifts of Art exhibit at Michigan Medicine Hospital.
I am incredibly proud and honored to have been selected as one of the participating artists for this well respected art show. If you're at the hospital please do check it out as well as all of the other beautiful exhibits. Information is below. The show runs through the first week of December.
September 5, 2021
SHOW ALERT! SHOW ALERT! SHOW ALERT!
Tomorrow, Labor Day, I will be in Franklin Village, Michigan for the much respected Art in the Village Art Fair. This is the 40th Annual show and it's an honor to have been chosen to participate. Jane Polan, the promoter, has been inviting me for the past 6 years but before this year I wasn't doing outdoor venues. This show is well known in the Detroit Metro area as one of the finest gatherings of top notch artists, potters, sculptors, photographers and more. It is a genuine honor and Wendy and I are very excited to be part of the festivities.
There will be the usual I DO Know Jack! selection of signed and numbered limited edition paper and metal prints plus note cards and posters. AND, The Chief will be making an appearance as well.
We hope you are looking for a great way to spend your morning and afternoon because you will be really happy you chose to stop by. Who knows? Maybe you'll get some early holiday shopping done!!!
Hope to see you there!
Franklin's Art in the Village
Monday, September 6th, 2021
10:00am to 5:00pm
Location is The Village Green in Franklin, Michigan
(See map below)
August 11, 2021
SHOW ALERT! I will be having a quick one day pop-art sale to celebrate the first unofficial release of my new painting The Chief. This is the first painting in my brand new parallel series to my I DO Know Jack! series of acrylic paintings. You will be able to see the original painting and pre-orders for the prints can be made at the show. Also available will be my paper prints, note cards and posters as well as an expanded inventory of the stunning dye sublimation metal prints.
The pop-up show is called Chrome Sweet Chrome and will be August 14, 2021 in Clawson, Michigan at 14 Mile Road and Main Street. It will be at The Yarn Stop who is sponsoring me and providing the space to display my artwork. The show runs concurrently with the The Lion's Club 23rd Annual "Down on Main Street" Car Show. So come on out and say hi at The Yarn Stop, check out my artwork (and buy some yarn if you're a knitter or know one), check out the gorgeous cars at the show and enjoy all of the festivities!
May 25,2021
Hey Everyone! I'm doing my first in-person art show since February 2020, before the COVID-19 lockdown. I will have a booth (#113) at the Palmer Park Art Fair in Detroit, Michigan on June 5th and 6th. I am REALLY excited about doing a non-Zoom show and unbelievably excited to finally be able to talk art in person with real people!!! My wife Wendy and I will be there both days.
This will be the first time that my new dye-sublimated metal prints will be available to see and to purchase. They are simply stunning on this new material. No framing needed. The surface can not be explained or even shown in a picture. One must see these in person to get the true impact of how amazing they look!
I will be posting more information in the next few days in regard to days, times and location. Please check back in.
November 21, 2020
What a year!!! It's been a tough one for everyone! It's no different in the Hershenson household! Production on new paintings stalled. Health issues reared their ugly heads. COVID19 brought everything to a halt for a long time. The election is over. The holidays are nearing. It's time for something positive and fun for a change!
To start the process of saying good riddance to 2020, I am offering my lowest price EVER on my signed and numbered limited edition I DO Know Jack! prints just in time for the holidays. If you've wanted one for yourself or wish to give one as a gift, NOW is the time to do it!
I am offering them at 50% off!!! Instead of the standard $150 price, you can get yours for just $75. This is a limited time offer so please don't hesitate. This sale runs through December 14, 2020.
These are printed on acid-free paper using archival inks. Each print is hand signed and numbered and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
When ordering from my website, simply enter CovidBlackFriday into the discount code window.
DO NOT MISS THIS SALE! BEAT THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING STRUGGLE! NO MUSS, NO FUSS.
Happy Holidays!
August, 2020
Despite the current pandemic, August 2020 has been the best month of the year for me!
Very honored and excited to announce that I am a new member of the International Guild of Realism. This is an international group that juries in members. An artist must submit 5 or more images of their paintings or drawings and a panel of artists judges whether to accept the artist. I am incredibly honored to have been accepted!
August, 2020
Excited to receive my copies of the Richeson75 2020 Still Life & Floral Exhibit book! This is the 5th straight year that at least one of my I DO Know Jack! paintings was selected as a finalist! I'm very honored and humbled to be included with so many incredibly talented artists from around the world!
August, 2020
What a great way to start the month!!! Robert App, the Gallery Director at West Loop Dot Gallery in Chicago has just notified me that my original painting, Jack the Ripper, has sold to a Chicago art collector! During tough times like this with the pandemic, selling ANY art is a bonus.
Since I know what it feels like to gaze upon or buy art that speaks to me, I am thrilled, as always, that another human being finds such a connection with one of my canvases.
Thank you, James!
February 8, 2020
Kudos to Robert App, gallery director at West Loop Dot Gallery for throwing a fun night to celebrate the release of my newest I DO Know Jack! painting...Jack of Hearts! Just in time for Valentine's Day!
My paintings will be up thru most of March. If you're in Chicago, check 'em out! And say hi to Robert for me!
West Loop Dot Gallery
1015 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 536-3700
I am very proud that West Loop Dot Gallery in Chicago, Illinois is now representing me. They currently have 6 of my original I DO Know Jack! paintings as well as my limited edition prints. Robert App, the gallery director, has been great to work with! Very energetic and resourceful! Now's your chance, Chicago, to get in on the fun! I have completed 14 paintings in my series. Six have already sold!
I will be in Chicago at the gallery for a New Release Reception Party for Jack of Hearts. Not only will this be the first time Jack of Hearts can be seen by the public, but Robert is also displaying all of my artwork in the gallery's first solo show. I am honored and excited!
If you're in town, please stop by and say hi!
West Loop Dot Gallery
1015 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 536-3700
February 1, 2020
JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINES DAY!
I'm happy to announce the completion of the 14th painting in my I DO Know Jack! series of acrylic paintings on gallery wrapped canvas.
JACK OF HEARTS
January 31, 2020
DOH! Guess what? I forgot to announce my 13th painting! It was completed back in November 2019. I present to you Jack and Diet Coke.
This was a commissioned painting by a couple from Birmingham, Michigan. The husband's favorite drink is Jack and Diet Coke. They originally wanted to purchase Jack and Coke but it had already sold.
The wall color and marble matches their home's interior. I posed the photoshoot right where the painting would hang which is something I've wanted to do for a long time. The observer, when viewing the painting, sees the reflection in the jack just like what actually exists behind them! Very fun!
January 5, 2020
I know how to start off a new year!!!
For a limited time, you can save $50 off of each of my hand-signed and numbered I DO Know Jack! limited edition paper prints! You can choose any one you want or 2 or 3 or more! The $50 discount will work on any and all "jack" prints that you order.
These prints are produced on acid free paper using archival inks. Each print image is 18"x18" with a 2" white border and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
This is a great way to have one or more of my "jack" paintings on your wall (or as a gift) at a significant savings. I am doing this to celebrate 2020 AND being represented by a new Chicago gallery, West Loop Dot Gallery.
To get your $50 savings, simply go to my shop and when checking out, use the discount code:
IDKJ2020-$50
This special price is available until the end of January.
December 18, 2019
What a way to close out 2019!!! This was a tough year for production as my wife and I moved into a new home. Months of packing followed by months of unpacking. One awesome part was setting up a new studio!!! My new studio is approximately 1,000 square feet! Couldn't be happier!
But back to what I started to post here. This year is closing with the excellent news that I am now being represented by a gallery in Chicago. Robert App of West Loop Dot Gallery reached out to me and asked me to join his new gallery. After careful review of the gallery itself, it's current artists and its incredible location I quickly agreed. (It helps that my old friend Shawn Michael Warren, an ArtPrize buddy, has his work there and is participating in the operations of the gallery!)
This hip gallery is located in the HOT new West Loop district of downtown Chicago. It is located right across the street from the Chicago Google Headquarters!!! Lots of fabulous restaurants in walking distance.
Stay tuned for an announcement as I am planning on visiting in February! Hope to see you there!
August 3, 2019
If you're in the downtown Grand Rapids area on August 9th, I hope to see you at One Trick Pony!
We're having a closing reception for my solo show. I had planned this show a year earlier to coincide with ArtPrize. I had wanted to take this show down and then store my work for a few weeks to display in ArtPrize. Unfortunately, for the first time in 10 years, there was no ArtPrize this year as they have changed to alternating years. I hope to see you in 2020!
March 15, 2019
I'm thrilled to announce that, for the 4th consecutive year, at least one painting of mine has made it into the international Richeson75 art competition! This year, Car Jack was a finalist! I couldn't be happier!
February 23, 2019
If you're in the metro Detroit area tomorrow, February 23rd, please stop by Atelier Art Studio, where I teach. The studio is hosting a pop-up gallery show of my original paintings and limited edition prints. Check out the studio while you're there. It's a fabulous school with a number of high level excellent instructors that teach drawing and painting.
November 21, 2018
FINALLY!!! I'm proud to announce the completion of the 12th painting in my I DO Know Jack! series!
Car Jack is a 36" x 36" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. This is a commissioned piece by a metro Detroit car collector who owns this 1955 Porsche Continental convertible. (Thanks Barry!) The car is a beauty and the painting was a genuine challenge and a blast to paint!
So, it is not available for purchase, but limited edition prints ARE available. Click the link below to see the details of my limited time discounted price on half size signed and numbered limited edition prints. If you're interested in a full size giclee canvas print please email me.
CAR JACK LIMITED TIME OFFERporsche #porschecontinental #chrome #redcar #idoknowjack
September 7, 2018
A quick update in regards to my latest I DO Know Jack! painting.
I have been pretty mum about my current painting because, unlike my previous ones in the series, this one is commissioned. With everything happening the past two months I am not as far along as I'd like to be but it is progressing nicely. I still have a LOT more to do but I wanted to give you a sneak peek.
A very cool couple who collects cars approached me to use one of their cars in a painting when I mentioned that I was planning on painting Car Jack. They invited me over to see their gorgeous and cooler than cool 1955 Porsche Continental!!! (It really is a stunning car!) After a photoshoot day I have been working on it for several months.
Between preparing to teach painting at a local art school (more on that soon) that required me to work on an oil painting as well as a small jack painting for two local art festivals, I have been chipping away at Car Jack.
I don't think I've been more excited about a past painting! I can't wait to finish it!!!
Here is the first public peek at the full painting. Hope y'all like it! (Especially you, Barry and Glynette!)
#porsche #porschecontinental #chrome #redcar #idoknowjack
September 7, 2018
I will be at the Arts and Apples Festival in Rochester Michigan this Saturday September 8th doing a demo of a small acrylic jack painting. I will be at Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market on Main Street in downtown Rochester between 3pm and 7pm. Feel free to check out Bizzy Buzz, and stop by to chat. I'll be happy to answer questions about my painting.
Hope to see you there!
August 18, 2018
In 2015 I won the annual MI Great Artist competition with the first five paintings in my I DO Know Jack! series. I was lucky enough to hold the title for two years as they skipped 2016! For this year's marketing to attract artists to submit their artwork, they posted their interview of me that was done a year ago. Here it is. And...no...the shirt is not for sale!
August 17, 2018
I am extremely proud to announce that five of my paintings were accepted to be exhibited at the prestigious Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan across the street from The Townsend Hotel. This is one of metro Detroit's most notable galleries for the past 4 decades. Even more exciting is the fact that in less than two weeks being at the gallery, Jack of Clubs sold to an Arizona art collector! They received the painting AND the vintage persimmon wood driver that was used in the creation of the 36"x36" acrylic painting.
Thanks Gerard!
June 23, 2018
I'm humbled to announce that my five entries in the 2nd Annual Experience Art Rapids show received the
People's Choice - Body of Work Award.
June 8, 2018
I'm excited to announce an upcoming art show that five of my I DO Know Jack! paintings will appear in. It's Experience Art Rapids! in beautiful Elk Rapids in northern Michigan. This show is like a mini ArtPrize where there are a group of juried awards and a group of public vote awards. It runs from June 9th thru June 22nd. My artwork is at Wittbrodt Waterside Properties at 212 River Street and half size prints can be purchased at the Pop-Up store at 134 River Street.
I'd GREATLY appreciate your vote if you're in Elk Rapids during the show. Thanks! Enjoy the show!
#IDOKnowJack #artcollectors #michiganartist #detroitartist #artrapids #experienceartrapids #wittbrodt_waterside_properties #contemporaryart #fineart
April 27, 2018
I am proud to announce that my painting, Jack on the Rocks, was accepted into the 2018 Biennial All Media Exhibition - Terrain at the Detroit Artists Market (DAM). The show runs from April 27th thru May 26, 2018.
This is a wonderful exhibit of 40 outstanding artists jurioed by Jim Nawara.
#IDOKnowJack #artcollectors #michiganartist #detroitartist #detroitartistsmarket #DAM #contemporaryart #fineart
February 22, 2018
If you're in the Ferndale, Michigan area on Saturday March 3, 2018 between 6:00pm and 10:00pm, please stop by
Urbanrest Brewing Company for the Vie en Mars art and music event. A handful of my "I DO Know Jack!" signed and numbered limited edition prints will be available at very special show prices!
The special musical guest will be Jackson Smith, the son of rock legend Patti Smith!
I'll be there throughout the event so please stop in, have a beer, and say hello!
#IDOKnowJack #artcollectors #michiganartist #detroitartist #urbanrestbeer #jacksonsmith
January 26, 2018
Announcing the 11th painting in my I DO Know Jack! series...Gutshot Jack. Like most of my paintings in the series it is 36"x36" acrylic on stretched canvas. "Gutshot" is the modern term in poker for when one gets the exact card they need on an Inside Straight. In this case, the "jack" fits nicely to form an Ace high Straight.
January 23, 2018
Well, time to report the good news and the bad news.
Yes... the good news is that my painting Jack the Ripper did actually appear on NCIS: New Orleans on the 1/23/18 episode called "The Tie That Binds".
The bad news? It was blurry and in the background. I recently sent CBS about a dozen image files of my other paintings as they said they may be interested in using them in future episodes of their shows. Fingers crossed that the next one will be in focus!
January 21, 2018
Really excited to announce that I received a national award for my painting, Jack of Clubs from the National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society!!! They give out just 10 Awards of Excellence in each of their exhibits and I got one for the NOAPS 2017 Fall Online International Exhibit.
January 20, 2018
Proud to show off my new badge of honor! Just received this digital signature badge from The Artist's Magazine. My painting, Jack of Diamonds, was a finalist in the 2017 Annual Art Competition. What an honor to receive this especially since there were over 7,100 entries!!!
January 5, 2018
It was a perfect sunny, albeit frigid, day for a drive to Canton, Michigan with my wife, Wendy. We finally delivered the two original paintings that Steve and Kirk purchased at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids during ArtPrize.
Jack and Coke and Jack of Diamonds look absolutely perfect in their stunning home! We were blown away by their beautiful decor and wonderful hospitality. They were quick to point out that my paintings cost them much more than the purchase price as they decided to remodel their entire living room in the near future to compliment the paintings!!!
While it was a bit sad to let them go, I am much more excited that they found a great home where others can see them first hand and up close!
THANK YOU so much Steve and Kirk!! Happy New Year and may they adorn your walls through much happiness, good health and prosperity!
December 11, 2017
I'm very proud and excited to announce that my painting Jack of Clubs was selected for an Award of Excellence by the
National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society (NOAPS) in their 2017 Fall International Online Exhibit.
What a nice way to end 2017!!!
My friend, artist Rich Tesner, also was accepted into this show with his fabulous painting titled Wailea Honu.
December 1, 2017
I received an email from CBS Studios asking me to sign a release form to allow them to have my painting Jack the Ripper appear in an episode of NCIS: New Orleans that they are about to film! How exciting!!!! This specific print was the very first full size I DO KNow Jack! canvas print that I sold.
There is no guarantee it will make it through the editing process, but we sure will be watching!
It is set to air on January 23rd, 2018.
September 20th thru October 8th, 2017
ArtPrize Nine was a HUGE success! While I didn't make it into the Top 25, partly because my venue had less foot traffic than my previous venue, sales were brisk of my originals and prints. PLUS, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful and elegant location to showcase the five paintings in my entry. Many thanks to Tim DeGroot and Brian Behler of the JW Marriott Hotel. Wendy and I had a ball as can be witnessed in the video below. It will give you a taste of what you missed. Hope to see you next time!
September/October 2017
I'm thrilled to be back at Lily's Seafood in Royal Oak Michigan!!! Full size giclee canvas prints of all ten of my "jack" paintings are on exhibit as well as about ten of my old paintings and drawings.
They have superb food and beverages so don't miss the chance to wow your visual and culinary senses! My painting Jack and Coke was actually from Lily's bar using their rock glass.
August 26, 2017
Are you an interior designer, decorator or interior architect? Check out my latest social media advertisement for unique artwork with a bold statement for your clients who want something different than the typical landscape, floral or ubiquitous abstract expressionist splash of color. My photorealistic I DO KNow Jack! prints and originals stand out!
August 25, 2017
I am thrilled to announce that The Collector’s Show has accepted A Pair of Jacks into their Fall 2017 exhibit. This show is in conjunction with 2nd Avenue Arts out of New York and ArtPrize. These are biannual shows in Grand Rapids, Michigan in which about 50 to 60 past and present ArtPrize artists’ work is installed alongside original artwork by some of the greatest artists of the 20th century! I will have the awesome privilege of being shown in the same exhibit as Milton Avery, Nell Blaine, Philip Pearlstein, Fairfield Porter, Lois Dodd and others. This is truly an honor!
The show runs from September 14th through October 6th at The Venue Tower,15 Ottawa NW in Downtown Grand Rapids. Opening Reception is on September 15th, 6:00pm-9:00pm and the closing reception is on October 6th.
I'm really excited to see some of the 20th century notable artist's work! A piece by Gerhard Richter was in the Spring show. I am hoping one of his works will be at this show as well. Check out the video below that discussed the spring show. Hope you can make it to the show.
August 24, 2017
Still preparing for this year's ArtPrize 9 in Grand Rapids. Almost done with all of my marketing materials and pulling together last minute logistics. As I did in 2015, I will be staying in Grand Rapids through almost the entire 19 days so I hope you can come visit me at the
JW Marriott Hotel. My five paintings, Jack of Diamonds, Jack and Coke, Black Jack, Jack of Clubs and Jack on the Rocks will be featured on the stone wall as you enter the main entrance. If you're coming to see the incredible event that ArtPrize is, PLEASE vote for my entry of the group of five paintings. My voting number is #64668.
I really, truly hope to see you! If you know what day and time you will be there please email me with that information so that I can make sure I am at my paintings when you arrive. Tell all of your Michigan friends! ArtPrize is genuinely one of the world's most amazing art events...it certainly is the biggest! (September 20 thru October 8, 2017)
Main Entrance of the JW Marriott Hotel
August 10, 2017
The Opening Reception for my solo show at The Art of Custom Framing was a lot of fun! They have a great little gallery space for solo shows as well as a gallery of varied artworks that is worth checking out. My show runs through September 7th. Please come out and check out my original I DO Know Jack! paintings as well as a handful of my older original drawings and paintings. If you contact me and let me know when you're visiting, I'll try to meet you there to chat about the artwork.
THE ART OF CUSTOM FRAMING SHOW VIDEO
July 1, 2017
VERY excited to announce that I was juried into a group show in Laguna Beach, California! One of the elite art towns in America!!! Jack and Coke was accepted to be part of the Spectacular Exhibit at Las Laguna Galery.
From the exhibit webpage:
" We received 206 entries from 10 different countries from around the world, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In addition to international submissions, the gallery received entries from 32 different states. From the entries, the gallery selected 25 works from 16 different artists. The works selected are sure to be labeled diverse, engaging and spectacular. "
May 1, 2017
I'm extremely proud to announce that my painting, Jack of Diamonds, was juried into the National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society 's 2017 Spring International Online Exhibit. Considering the level of talent and gorgeous and creative paintings that won awards and were included, I am honored just to be accepted. Click the link below to check out the winners and all of the fabulous paintings!
May 1, 2017
The received my first report of my I DO Know Jack! reproductions being on display with JACK Entertainment! Here are the first pics from JACK Casino Cincinnati:
#JACKEnt #JACKEntertainment #casino #Cincinnati
May 1, 2017
Just found out that the introduction to an article in the Oakland County business magazine, Prosper, was about me and even included a photo. This was a spinoff article leveraged from a different full feature article in a different periodical. I had no idea it was also in Prosper.
#oaklandcounty #detroitartists #michiganartist #prospermagazine
April 29, 2017
Today, all (10) of my current "jack" prints can be seen hung together for the first time. They are at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan. In addition, there are a handful of older original paintings and prints also on display as part of their Healing Arts Program. If you're at or near the hospital, please check them out!
#HenryFordHealthSystem #HenryFordNews #IDOKnowJack #reflections #chrome #photorealism
April 1, 2017
Announcing my latest in the I DO Know Jack! series of acrylic paintings...Jack and coke! Am now taking pre-orders for prints. Click on the SPECIAL OFFER tab for details.
#Coke #wood #jackdaniels #IDOKnowJack #reflections #chrome #photorealism
March 15, 2017
I'm extremely proud and excited to announce that FOUR of my paintings were accepted into the 2017 Richeson75 Still Life and Floral Exhibit. Jack Richeson & Co. is a longtime art supply manufacturer and distributor and they also have the Richeson School of Art in Kimberly, Wisconsin. Every year they have a handful of competitions, by category, open to artists from around the world. They choose 75 finalists, thus the name of the competitons.
I'm especially proud of the fact that only 4 of the 75 finalist paintings chosen for inclusion were acrylics and I had THREE of them, "Jack of Diamonds", "Jack of Clubs" and "Black Jack". The vast majority of finalists are oil paintings.
The online version of the exhibit AND the awards announcement will be made on April 1st. I will post an update at that time.
Online version: 2017 Richeson75 Still Life and Floral Exhibit
February 19, 2017
I'm happy to announce that I am now a member of the National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society.
February 1, 2017
I'm proud to announce that the Detroit Home Magazine February/March 2017 issue included a short feature on me! It is always a humbling experience when someone of their stature appreciates my artwork. (They are a division of Hour Magazine.)
You can check out the article at:
January 10, 2017
Announcing my latest in the I DO Know Jack! series of acrylic paintings...Jack of Clubs! This was a challenge and a blast to paint! Am now taking pre-orders for prints. Click on the SPECIAL OFFER tab for details. Whoever purchases the original, they will also get the left handed wood driver that was used as a prop for the painting!
#Golf #Golfing #Sand trap #IDOKnowJack #reflections #chrome #photorealism
Jack of Clubs
December 2, 2016
Proud to announce that the amazingly entertaining retail gift store, Leon and Lulu, in Clawson, MI is now carrying my “I DO Know Jack!” note cards. Probably the most fun store, NO LIE, that you will ever see! Stop in, say hi, choose from an infinite amount of items from a $3 candy bar to a $2,500 designer couch. And be sure to pick up a few of my cards for the holidays!
@leonandlulu #TheShow #IDOKnowJack #downtownclawson
BIGGEST NEWS OF MY ART CAREER!
I am absolutely thrilled, excited and proud to announce that JACK Entertainment has purchased limited digital rights to the first ten paintings in my I DO Know Jack! series as well as any “Jack” paintings I create for the next 2 years! THIS IS HUGE!
JACK Entertainment is a company that is owned by Dan Gilbert, owner/founder of Quicken Loans, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the reigning NBA Champions. They operate 6 casinos in the Midwest and East Coast. They are 100% owners of the 4 casinos in Ohio and Michigan. Reproductions of my artwork will first be seen in the three Ohio casinos and then in the Detroit JACK Casino Greektown in 2017 after their rebranding remodel.
I first contacted the company in February 2016 after hearing that The Greektown Casino and Hotel in Detroit was being rebranded to JACK Casino and Hotel – Greektown. I discovered that they also had JACK Casino and Hotel – Cincinnati, JACK Casino and Hotel – Cleveland and JACK Thistledown Racino. (In the process I learned a new word…racino…a combination race track and casino.) Their press release tag line was “Do you know JACK?”. I obviously had the answer with my series, “I DO Know Jack!”.
The serendipitous connection between my series of paintings and their branding was too incredible to ignore. My first conversations with the President of JACK Entertainment were in April and included discussions about using my artwork for murals and perhaps elevator doors in the casinos. In fact, they even did a test fit of my artwork on elevator doors in May at The Greektown Casino Hotel in Detroit.
The people at JACK Entertainment have been incredibly busy with remodels of all the casinos in their portfolio. After many months of working through the process, we started working on a proposal in September. The project has changed from murals and elevator doors to JACK Entertainment purchasing limited digital rights for the purpose of reproducing a limited number of images (larger than the originals) and framing them for display in public locations within their properties in Ohio and Michigan to start with. As cool as having murals would have been, this is a much better scenario as I am confident that displaying them in this format will certainly lead to a spike in sales of my limited edition prints as the word gets out.
In addition, they will be promoting my artwork and me to a certain degree which is incredibly important because marketing is the one thing artists struggle with the most.
Stay tuned for updates! I will be posting on my website and my Facebook page when my artwork has been installed at each of the locations.
This is a game changer!
Thanks for your support!
October 9, 2016
Many thanks to Cheri and Henry Tarnow (of Tarnow Doors) for their purchase of two of my gicleee canvas prints! I am honored that they chose to include my artwork in their beautiful art-filled home.
June 14, 2016
Last year I got a birthday present when I was notified that one of my paintings would be in the Acrylicworks3 book by North Light Books.
Whaddya know?! I got another great birthday present THIS year! I was just notified that I have been accepted into the prestigious 34th Annual Michigan Fine Art Competition at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center with my painting, Jack the Ripper! My painting is one of 107 pieces of art from over 600 entries, 5 states and 61 cities!
The exhibit is at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham, MI 48009. Gallery hours for the show are June 24-August 26, Monday through Saturday, 9am – 5pm
April 1, 2016
The hardcover book AcrylicWorks3: Celebrating Texture was released today! It is the third in their series of The Best of Acrylic Painting. The book is published by North Light Books which is a subsidiary of The Artist's Magazine's publisher. My painting A Pair of Jacks was selected to be included from entries submitted from all over the world. Proud to be in this issue!
April 1, 2016
I'm proud to announce that three of my paintings were accepted into the 2016 Richeson75 Still Life and Floral Exhibit. Jack Richeson & Co. is a longtime art supply manufacturer and distributor and they also have the Richeson School of Art in Kimberly, Wisconsin. Every year they have a handful of competitions, by category, open to artists from around the world. They choose 75 finalists, thus the name of the competitons.
I'm especially proud of the fact that only 4 of the 75 finalist entries chosen for inclusion were acrylics and I had two of them, "Jack in the Box" and "A Pair of Jacks"! The vast majority of finalists are oil paintings.
UPDATE (May 31, 2016):
Super excited to see that they used one of my paintings for the cover!!!!!
Link to the Online version of the Exhibit
December 10, 2015
I am immensely proud and honored to report that I was selected by a panel of judges as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2015 MI Great Artist Competition!!! The Public Awards Ceremony occurred on the evening of December 8th. I am very thankful to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Park West Gallery owner Albert Scaglione, David Gorman - Gallery Director, Kristie Zamora - Arts & Culture Coordinator, my friends and supporters and the judges.
I won $1,500, free framing for the five paintings that I entered, three business classes, the group show, a solo show at Park West Gallery in Southfield and one of my paintings on a poster to promote one of Oakland County’s signature quality of life events.
This entire experience has been incredible!
For more information, here is the recent news article:
October 20, 2015
The largest collection ever assembled in Michigan of my original paintings and limited edition prints will be on exhibit at Lily's Seafood Grille & Brewery starting November 8th and ending the first week of January. On exhibit will be my current series, I DO Know Jack! along with paintings and drawings from the past 30 years! All pieces, large and small, will be for sale so if you have been wanting to purchase any of my artwork, this is the place! AND...they have fantastic food!
Here's a recent article about the show:
Royal Oak Review Article by Victoria Mitchell
October 8, 2015
I am proud and humbled to report that the five paintings in my series, I DO Know Jack!, received enough votes in the ArtPrize Public Vote to make it in the final Top 25 of the Round 1 voting in the 2D Category!!! It is an incredible honor as there were 940 2D entries and there were over 382,000 votes cast. I did not make the Final 5 in my category but I am still a winner!
Thanks to every one of my friends, family and fans who have supported me by Sharing my information on social media and/or purchasing artwork from me! Special thanks go out to Nancy Korte, Charley Honey and Jill and Tony Howard for putting in heroic efforts to assist me! And, finally...super duper thanks to my amazing wife, Wendy...I couldn't have done it without you!!!
September 5, 2015
Apple Jack, the 5th painting in my "I DO Know Jack!" series is complete and ready for ArtPrize!
Check out the fun progression video:
May 5, 2015
WOW!
Fantastic news!!! Five paintings from my "I DO Know Jack!" series have been accepted into ArtPrize 2015!!!
And to make things that much better, the prestigious DeVos Place Convention Center accepted them!
ArtPrize is the biggest art exhibit IN THE WORLD!!!
To get a taste for what ArtPrize brings to the world click On the videos below that give a thumbnail of the beauty, pageantry and exceptional artists that come from around the world to participate in this truly incredible event:
My thanks go out to Bridget and her mother Kathy Healy of Grand Rapids, Michigan!!!
Bridget contacted me through my website to purchase It's All About Ewe for her Mother. One of the most gratifying things for an artist is when one of your creations positively touches another person.
Bridget wanted the print for a Christmas present for her mother, Kathy. I could explain but I'd rather let her emails do that for me:
"My mom and I saw your painting at ArtPrize. We both loved it, especially having spent some time in Ireland, we do have a fondness for sheep. She kept staring at your painting, and said "I just love this one." We had seen a lot of art, [at ArtPrize] but that was the one that really stopped her and kept her attention. I told my dad about it for a Christmas gift for her."
"HI Ken, Merry Christmas! I just wanted you to know that my mom received her sheep print today, and she was so happy! My dad gave her one gift which said it was a coupon to frame her picture. Then she said, "What picture?" . Then he gave her the wrapped print in the box in which you shipped it. She was excited and is thinking about where she'll put it. I told her about the emails between you and me and told her that your painting is still in the Harris Building. She wants to go check it out again because she thought your framing kind of "pulled you in" as you looked at it. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that she was thrilled to see your artwork once again. Thank you very much for getting it to me in time for Christmas. I hope you enjoyed the holiday with your family."
--Bridget Healy
Thanks so much Bridget! I am thrilled that you enjoy the painting, Kathy!
See you at ArtPrize 2015!!!