Artwork Overview
Title: Fuente Opus X Cigar and 15 Year Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Art
Artist: Michael John Valentine
This piece belongs to the artist’s distinguished “Cigar & Bourbon” series — a curated collection featuring iconic cigars from the Dominican Republic paired with legendary bourbons.
Visual Description: Color, Texture & Logo / Backdrop
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Color & Tone: The composition draws on a rich, warm palette evocative of a classic cigar lounge — deep ambers, mahogany, and charcoal tones dominate, echoing the dark, smoky depth of aged bourbon and the earthy, robust wrapper of the cigar. Hints of cream, gold, and soft highlights (on glass, liquid, and cigar band) add a subtle glow, giving the piece life and richness.
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Texture & Brushwork: The work undergoes “overpainting with acrylics” — a deliberate layering that leaves visible brush strokes, imparting depth and dimension. The final glazing seals the canvas, giving a gentle sheen and preserving the tactile quality of the acrylic medium. This hand-applied texture ensures that each canvas — even prints — carries an element of uniqueness.
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Logo / Backdrop Elements: The signature “Opus X” cigar band/logo is a focal element — rendered with precision and highlighted subtly so it stands out against the darker backdrop. Behind the cigar and bourbon bottle, the setting suggests faint abstract smoke tendrils and moody ambience that nod to cigar smoke swirling in a dim lounge. The backdrop is not a literal room, but an atmospheric abstraction — letting the objects float, spotlighted by tonal contrast and brushwork, evoking reverence rather than realism.
Production & Finishing Process
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Mixed-media start: The piece begins on canvas, combining photographic or conceptual composition with painterly intervention — a hallmark of the artist’s signature “mixed media” style.
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Overpainting: The base image is enhanced with layered acrylic overpainting. Each layer adds depth and brushwork texture, giving a one-of-a-kind handmade feel.
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Signed by hand: The artist signs the front in acrylic paint.
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Final glazing & sealant: To preserve the work and unify the layers, a protective glaze/sealant is applied — giving a subtle sheen and long-term durability.
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Packaging: The canvas is unstretched and shipped rolled in a sealed plastic sleeve inside a heavy-duty tube (for larger canvases), to avoid damage during transit. For framed options, the buyer is advised to have the piece stretched/mounted at a framing shop.
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Accompanying Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Every piece comes with a COA confirming its provenance and authenticity — a standard for this series.
Editions, Sizes & Formats
This work is available in multiple formats to suit different spaces and budgets.
| Format / Size | Description |
|---|---|
| 4″ Round Peel-and-Stick Decal | A compact decal version — ideal for cars, lockers, small spaces |
| Glossy Poster Print (16″ x 24″) | Glossy heavy-duty paper print — ships rolled in tube |
| Matted Glossy Prints (e.g. 5×7, 8×10, 11×14) | Smaller prints with mat board, shipped in box |
| Exhibition Canvas — multiple sizes (e.g. 18×24, 28×42, 38×56) | Original overpainted, signed canvas shipped rolled |
| 11×14 Limited Edition Canvas with Black Floating Frame | Overpainted, signed, framed version — limited release |
Prices range broadly depending on format — from budget-friendly prints to lavish canvas editions.
Provenance, Authenticity, and Artist Background
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Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Included with every original canvas work — guaranteeing the piece’s authenticity and linking it directly to the artist.
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Artist’s Experience & Training: Michael John Valentine is a seasoned artist with over 55 years of experience. He began studying art at age 10 in an art institute in Ohio, and later earned a Bachelor of Fine and Professional Arts from Kent State University.
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Studio & Gallery Location: The artist operates a studio and gallery near Lake Norman, Cornelius, North Carolina — making this work a genuine local-studio original rather than a mass-produced print.
Curatorial Notes & Ideal Display Environment
This piece is crafted for collectors who appreciate atmosphere, ritual, and the luxurious pairing of cigar and bourbon culture. It works especially well:
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Above a home bar or in a “man cave” / lounge setting.
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In an office or study, where its warm tones and smoky ambiance can complement wood, leather, or dark finishes.
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As part of a curated collection of spirits-inspired art — ideally alongside other works from the same series for a cohesive installation.
Because of the overpainting and glazing, the piece carries subtle variations in texture and sheen — no two canvases are identical. This uniqueness reinforces its value as a collector’s item.
This is part of a special series with cigars from Cuba and The Dominican Republic
BEHIKE Cohiba | Cohiba | Hoyo | Vegas Robaina | Trinidad | Montecristo |Davidoff | Padron | Fuente Opus X
