Anyone who appreciates art can find something to appreciate in Neal Barbosa's work.  Maybe you don't approve of painted pants or telephones, and prefer to admire painted canvas instead.  Neal delivers.

Currently living in the beautiful Sonoma County of California, Neal adds color to the grape vined landscape that I recommend you seek out.  The stories behind his artworks are just as interesting as the visuals.  At a time when he was feeling depressed and defeated by the art world, he left his Wanna Iguana painting at a bus stop in Santa Rosa, CA hoping it would find a good home. more

Barbosa's work spans the moody and colorful to the fun and playful.  Vinyl Hat is a simple, yet perfectly fun conversion of an old 33 rpm record into an unforgettable hat.  I'd wear it.

I wouldn't wear it, however, while taking in his portrait of Wynton Marsalis; it's a different mood.  The colors show the depth and feeling of the musician subject.  Pain, angst and smoky clubs are all evident as Barbosa interprets the cover of Marsalis Plays Monk album adding flavor to Marsalis' upward stare.  Follow Wynton Marsalis with Having A Glass of Wine At The Sutton's Place to continue the mood and hushed colors.  Just looking at the wine glass (nearly full) and the grape-colored border inspires the salivary glands to start calling out for a round of cheese to accompany what the eye is devouring.

To return to the playfully creative, Barbosa cut a hole in his Sinatra painting through which people could poke their heads.  I always love art that lets you interact with it.  I feel like the artist wants you to have a good time and reminds you to let your mind wander back to childhood.  It harkens back to the time when you could spend hours playing Let's Pretend with a friend or sibling.  

 Poke your head through and seek out Neal Barbosa.

Click here for his website