A Convergence of Legendary Bourbon, Iconic Cuban Cigar and Masterful Artistry
In an art world where many pieces repeat familiar motifs, Abstract Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year Bourbon with Cohiba Cubana Cigar Painting stands apart as a meticulously crafted statement piece — one that resonates with aficionados of fine spirits, premium cigars, and sophisticated visual expression. This original work by Michael John Valentine, a seasoned creator with over 55 years of artistic practice and academic art training, bridges visual elegance with the cultural cachet of two icons: Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year Bourbon and the Cohiba Cubana cigar.
The Legendary Pairing — Bourbon Meets Cigar
At the heart of this painting’s conceptual allure is its muse — the Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year Bourbon. Celebrated among spirit collectors as a pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship, this wheated bourbon is aged 15 years in charred new oak barrels and bottled at substantial proof, yielding a deep mahogany color with golden reflections and a layered profile of caramel, spice and oak richness that defines its luxury standing.
Paired visually and conceptually with this bourbon is the Cohiba Cubana cigar, an emblem of Cuban tobacco excellence. While the specific tasting profile of cigars varies, Cohiba’s reputation evokes rich earthy notes and a refined smoke experience that complements the bourbon’s warmth — together conjuring the ritual of thoughtful indulgence. (Cohiba Cubana represents one of the most esteemed Cuban brands, known broadly among cigar connoisseurs.)
Visual Alchemy — Colors, Texture and Technique
Rather than presenting a literal snapshot of bottle and cigar, this artwork transforms its subjects into an expressive abstraction. The dominant palette pulses with deep ambers, layered ochres and smoldering darks — hues that echo aged bourbon’s richness and the velvety wrap of a Cuban cigar. Subtle glints of amber and cream guide the viewer’s eye across the canvas, hinting at luminous liquid, glowing cigar band, and ephemeral smoke trails.
Valentine’s process elevates the piece beyond basic reproduction. Starting with a foundational image, he applies overpainting with acrylics in multiple stages, building complex surface layers that introduce depth and movement. These deliberate acrylic layers — signed by the artist in acrylic paint on the front — impart a dynamic texture that both absorbs and reflects light, making each viewing angle reveal something slightly new. A protective glazing culminates the process, enhancing the piece’s visual resonance while ensuring durability.
This mix of photographic reference and painterly intervention produces a mixed-media richness that distinguishes original exemptions from mechanical prints. Each canvas — even within the same edition — bears slight variations in brushwork and sheen, giving collectors a sense of owning a piece with individual character.
Certificate of Authenticity and Collector Formats
Accompanying every original canvas is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), solidifying its place as a legitimately signed work by Valentine from his Lake Norman studio in Cornelius, North Carolina.
The painting is offered across several formats to meet varying collector intentions:
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Exhibition Canvas in multiple sizes — rolled in a sealed tube and ready for framing.
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Matted Prints and Glossy Poster Prints for more accessible display options.
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Round Peel-and-Stick Decals that offer personality beyond gallery walls.
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Limited floating-frame canvases that present the artwork ready to display.
By shipping unstretched originals in protective tubes and sleeves, collectors have the freedom to select framing that best suits their environment — a choice often appreciated by serious collectors who wish to integrate works into curated spaces such as private bars, lounges or galleries.
More Than Mass Market — Local Studio Advantage
In an era where many visuals of branded spirits and cigars are digitally reproduced in mass quantities, owning a work from this series means having an original creation directly tied to its maker. The artist’s formal education at Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine and Professional Arts degree and more than five decades of practice bring a level of informed craftsmanship that can only be appreciated through direct engagement with the medium.
Collaborating with a local artist like Michael John Valentine — who maintains a dedicated studio and gallery — gives collectors a story and connection that goes beyond acquiring a common print. This provenance of personal creation, rooted in the artist’s lifetime of skill and exploration, appeals to those who view art as an investment in both emotional depth and aesthetic distinction.
Placement, Display and Collector Appeal
This abstract piece resonates ideally in settings where luxury spirits and cigar culture are celebrated: a private tasting room, an executive office, interior walls of a custom home bar or a refined lounge space. The combination of color richness, symbolic content and textured surface invites both contemplative appreciation and conversation among peers.
Collectors seeking to differentiate their collection from generic framed liquor advertisements or print posters will find in this painting a multi-layered work that echoes both personal passion and cultivated taste.
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The Exhibition Canvas comes in 3 sizes and goes through several steps that include overpainting with acrylics, signing with acrylics on the front and a final glazing to protect the canvas before being rolled in a sealed tube then a box ( shipping is free in the USA )
The Matted Prints come in 3 sizes and are shipped in a box. ( shipping and handling is free in the US)
The Glossy Poster Print measures 16 x 24 and arrives in a sealed tube that is placed in a box. ( shipping is free in the US )
The 4 Inch Round Peel And Stick Decal is perfect for many applications beyond cars and comes in a sealed envelope ( shipped for free )
Please e-mail fineartbyval@gmail.com
