Money To Burn

Seems kind of ironic to post Money To Burn now, nobody has any and its Christmas! This piece was done some time ago and is now in a private collection. Finding these slides of paintings from years past has been alot of fun to record and now show.This is not one of the best slides but it brought back some fond memories.
 Money is such a great subject to paint, it always gets a reaction from viewers and it has a long history in American Trompe L'oiel Painting.Of all the painters of money I have always felt Otis Kaye is the best. His wit and skill combine for some terrrific paintings, I'm always surprised by how few people are know of his work. He is definately worth looking at.
John Haberle is another, there is a show opening next week of his art at the New Britian Museum Of American Art. He has only 40 known paintings, but yet his influence on American Trompe L'oiel is huge. I'm looking forward to seeing the show. I know he has been a major infuence on my work.

Ben's Box

Going through some old slides I came across some of painting I have'nt seen in years. They are mostly in private collections now. I felt like I was seeing old friends! Over the next couple of days I hope to post a few as I copy them on to the computer.
This is a good example of how I've changed over the years as a trompe l'oiel painter. Now I would not paint the box on the shelf with a background, because this kills the illusion trompe painters are after. The more effective way is to present the box and bill only, no shelf, no background. This would help add to the illusion of reality. I've become a real purist over the years when it comes to trompe l'oiel, the illusion is everything. Please check out my web site there are some good exmples of what I'm talking about.

Finally, A Web Site

Finally I have a web site! Please check it out at http://www.michaeltheise.com/ . There still a little more work to do but at at least there some painting out there to be viewed. A web site is a new venture for me, and any suggestions are welcomed.

A Diamond In The Rough

There are times when a title can be as important as the painting itself. Here a piece of sand paper and a playing card make for a make for a clever play of the phrase 'a diamond in the rough'. The setting is simple as are the objects, but they do present interesting textures that bring the viewer in for closer inspection.

Grant's Bowtie

I enjoy painting money, it's challenging and it's an available subject matter. The fact that it has a place in American art history also makes it appealing subject. John Haberle and Otis Kaye are my favorite painter of currency. Not only do they render the bills to perfection, but they show a clever wit in their work. These artist may also refer to events that are current to the times in which they live in. A clever twist to a trompe l'oiel painting can sometimes be as important as the technical skills it takes to produce the painting.

Keeping contemporary trompe l'oiel fresh with subject matter of today with a nod to the painters of the past, keeps this painting style interesting and a constant challenge.

Bargain Art

For great subject matter you don't have to look very far, or spend lots of money! Thus the name for this piece is 'Bargain Art'. The painting is done on a 1/2 thick panel. The corners are rounded and the piece is not framed. It just sits on a mantel or table. Many people have picked it up and tried to use the etch a sketch or remove the coin. Much to their surprise they find that it is a painting.

This is a nice example of how a frame would hurt a painting not enhance it. Some of the most successful trompe l'oiel painting can go without framing. Once a frame is added it can take away from the illusion. To deceive the viewers eye is always a trompe l'oiel first goal.