It’s been two years since my last solo show, so I’m very happy to announce my upcoming exhibit, “Of Use & Circumstance”, opening Wednesday, May 22nd at The Magnolia Theater in Dallas, with Ro2 Art!

Of course, I haven’t been sitting idle the last two years. Taking a bit of a break from the gallery scene to focus on some other art media (such as printmaking) has definitely helped strengthen my art and design capabilities, and I hope this fresh batch of work reflects that. Will be nice to get back into the swing of the gallery world with this first show of the year.

Pictured: Jonathon Kimbrell, “Churchy,” Acrylic & Silk Screen on Wood, 12.5” x 17.75” (2012).

I’ve begun work on a new print portfolio featuring ten old and random mug shots from around the country, most from the 1950s and 60s. These aren’t famous criminals or celebrities with run-ins with the law, or anything like that. They are just your average criminals booked on various charges. I’m still working on the title of the series right now, but the working title is “Uncommon Criminals.” Not sure if it’s quite fitting, yet.

I did some test prints yesterday of the first mug shot. Just a single color on French Madero Beach Speckletone 100lb cover. I really like the simplicity of them. They measure 19” x 25”, and are limited to five (5) test pressings (which is how I now mark my artist proofs and/or sample prints.) The final prints from the portfolio series will have splashes of color in them, making them more visually appealing (I think. We’ll see how it goes…)

Each set of mug shots in the portfolio will be an edition of ten, bringing the entire print run to 200 prints. Both shots will be paired with its corresponding number in the print series, consisting of 20 prints in each portfolio edition. No word yet on when the portfolio will be available, or what the final price will be. I’m hoping soon, but I’m still in the middle of hunting down original mug shots, so I don’t want to rush things. More process pics coming soon.

*I realize it’s bad form to include feet in a photo, but this at least gives you an idea on actual print size.

So, you know how sometimes when your spark plugs aren’t gapped properly, and their misfirings cause your car to run not-so-good? Yeah…well, that is how it has felt in the studio as of late. Lots of misfirings in the creative process, but slowly getting there.

Anyhow, continuing work on the latest painting series, tentatively titled, “Uncommon Criminals.” This diptych is currently in the works, but is taking shape nicely. Hope to have the new series ready to debut by April 2013…

Next up in the Warhol-inspired “Oil Can” print series… “STP Oil Treatment.” We like to joke that Warhol had soup, we have oil. Using the same basic can design as Warhol’s soup can, who used the design directly from a Campbell’s Soup graphic. Bringing it full circle… 

Will be a limited edition print of 20 on some sort of lovely French Paper, and will be signed and numbered. We’ve got some other fun oil can prints in the queue, so keep your eyes peeled.

Finishing up the last batch of commission work for a client/collector in Chicago. Here’s a sneak peek at an Edie Sedgwick “Poor Little Rich Girl” portrait, prior to being stretched on its frame.

Here’s a screen shot of the new Jonathon Kimbrell Fine Art website. Still have to park the main domain (hence the odd URL) but the site is now operational. There are a few things I want to add to the site later down the road, but for now, I’m liking it.

New logo tees now available in our Etsy shop! Now available in S-XL sizes, hand printed with water-based inks! They are pretty comfy, I must say…

One of the other new Marilyn Monroe pieces currently in the works. Acrylic and silk screen on canvas, 24” x 24”. Love the direction these are going, and love getting back into the swing of painting. It’s been nice…

Here’s another peek into the workings of Napkin Art Studios.

Finishing up several new commissions for Pop Chicago Gallery this week, and am really happy with the results so far. Nice to get back into the swing of painting again.