G.K. Chesterton
“The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost—like the last inch of a good cigar.”
BEHIKE Cohiba Cuban Cigar Abstract: A Masterpiece of Luxury and Artistry
In the world of high-end art and collectible luxury, few pieces capture the elegance, sophistication, and nuanced craftsmanship of Michael John Valentine’s BEHIKE Cohiba Cuban Cigar Abstract. This artwork is not merely a visual statement; it is an invitation into a universe where the artistry of fine cigars converges with the abstract expression of urban life, elevated through decades of professional mastery.
At the center of this composition is the legendary Cohiba BEHIKE, one of the most celebrated Cuban cigars in existence. The BEHIKE line represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship in cigar production—its smooth, rich texture, medium-to-full body, and complex flavor profile have earned it global acclaim. In Valentine’s painting, the iconic cigar is housed within its original cedar-lined box, a symbol of authenticity and refinement. The box itself, with its warm mahogany tones and meticulous detail, becomes an integral element of the composition, offering both visual and conceptual depth. The juxtaposition of the rich wooden tones against the abstract cityscape creates a dialogue between tradition and modernity, luxury and creativity.
The backdrop of the piece is an abstract cityscape, rendered with dynamic energy and subtle sophistication. Valentine employs a layered overpainting technique that allows the city to emerge organically, as if the urban environment itself is breathing around the cigar. Each layer—carefully applied over the initial composition—adds dimension and vibrancy, accentuating the textures of both the cigar box and the abstract environment. The city is suggested through geometric forms and strategic color modulation, hinting at towering skyscrapers, reflective glass, and the luminous interplay of city lights.
The color palette is particularly noteworthy, a meticulous orchestration of warm ambers, deep mahogany, gold accents, and muted charcoals. These tones resonate with the natural hues of the BEHIKE cigar and its box, creating harmony across the canvas. Subtle metallic highlights echo the opulence of a collector’s item, while the soft, diffused layering in the background adds an ethereal depth. This is not simply a painting; it is a curated experience, designed to engage the eye, the mind, and the senses.
Central to the value of this work is the Certificate of Authenticity (COA), ensuring that collectors can acquire this piece with complete confidence in its originality. Every aspect of the work—from the intricate depiction of the cigar to the abstract interpretation of the city—is fully certified, reflecting Valentine’s unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in art.
The creation of this piece is deeply informed by Michael John Valentine’s 55 years of experience in fine arts. His mastery spans classical and contemporary techniques, enriched by decades of study and practice. Valentine’s approach is unique in that he collaborates directly with local artists to enhance the depth and resonance of his work. By working closely with a local artist in this project, he ensures that each painting carries a distinctive imprint, a personal signature of craft and collaboration that cannot be replicated in mass-produced works. This collaboration brings a vitality and authenticity to the art that distinguishes it from the generic or commercially produced alternatives. Collectors are not merely acquiring a painting—they are investing in a singular dialogue between decades of artistic wisdom and contemporary creative vision.
The overpainting process is a cornerstone of Valentine’s technique. By layering pigments, textures, and mediums atop the original imagery, he creates a multidimensional surface that evolves with the viewer’s perspective. The process allows light to interact with the painting in varied ways, highlighting the fine textures of the cigar box, the subtle gradations in the urban landscape, and the luminous accents that give the abstract city its energy. This method ensures that no two moments with the painting are identical, offering collectors a continuously evolving visual experience.
The tactile richness of the composition, combined with the abstract representation of a modern city and the precise depiction of the BEHIKE Cohiba, makes this artwork a statement piece for any collection. It bridges worlds—luxury cigar culture, contemporary urban abstraction, and decades of artistic mastery—into a singular, impactful expression. Owning this piece is akin to owning a rare collector’s cigar or a limited edition fine art print; it embodies exclusivity, refinement, and enduring value.
Michael John Valentine’s approach underscores the importance of originality. In a market saturated with mass-produced art, the deliberate choice to work with local talent and infuse the piece with personal expertise ensures that each collector receives a work unlike any other. The interplay of color, texture, and form is not only visually arresting but intellectually engaging. It invites contemplation of the intersections between craftsmanship, luxury, and contemporary artistry.
The BEHIKE Cohiba Cuban Cigar Abstract stands as a celebration of the finer things—luxury, artistry, and a lifetime of experience. Its meticulous detailing, the harmony between the cigar and the urban abstraction, and the richness of its layered overpainting make it a work of distinction in both private and professional collections. For discerning collectors, this painting is more than a decorative object; it is an immersive experience, a convergence of taste, culture, and enduring artistic expertise.
In essence, this artwork is a statement of refinement. It represents the dedication of an artist who has spent over half a century perfecting his craft, who understands that luxury is not just a material attribute but a manifestation of skill, collaboration, and vision. The Cohiba BEHIKE and its abstract cityscape are immortalized through layers of color and texture, forming a dialogue that resonates with sophistication, exclusivity, and the quiet power of true craftsmanship.
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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
