An original oil painting by Northwest artist, James Macko, "Barnum & Bailey Blonde" is considered to be one of his signature pieces. In my collection since the mid-80s, the "Blonde" is finally being set free.

According to the artist, this painting was dubbed "A circus icon" by A. Dean McKenzie, Professor emeritus at the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, and (at the time) an art historian for the Smithsonian Institute, and expert in Byzantine iconic art. Prof. McKenzie is said to have appraised this painting at $12,000 dollars when first completed, but the work did not stay on the gallery circuit very long! There is no written record of McKenzie's appraisal.

One characteristic of the "icon" (two-dimensional) style, is the glazing and layering of thin coats of oil paint and varnish, smoothing the surfaces of the canvas, giving it a ghostly appearance, a combination of both intense and subdued colors as if they have been pushed into the back of the canvas. The technique also tends to "antique" the painting, revealing hairline cracks in the outer varnish layer that gives the impression of age. The ornate gold frame was chosen by the artist to enhance the "old circus" feel.

The Barnum & Bailey Blonde follows you with her eyes as you move around the room. The subtlety of the prism color dots in her eyes create the illusion. Your eyes are immediately drawn to hers because of the stark red circus paint around them.

The dimensions are:  H 34 1/4" x W 24 3/16"  (H 37 7/8" x W 27 3/4" with frame).

ASKING PRICE: US$6,900, including shipping within the U.S.A. (PayPal accepted)

A one-of-a-kind series of originals by James Macko, the "Lady in Fur" paintings were purchased by Macko fans in the mid-80s, almost as soon as the paint was dry. In each work, the level of detail in the fur, the lady's eyes, and her hair, is incredible, almost photographic. Number 4 in the series, "She Wants What She Gets," is a masterpiece.

As with other female portraits, Macko has captured the magic of "following eyes." Although she is looking to the viewer's left, as you move around the room, the eyes seem to focus just to your left. Virtually every hair on her head and in her coat has been painstakenly painted. You will be compelled to reach out and feel the soft fur coat.

The dimensions are: H 39" x W 29 1/4" (H 41 1/2" x W 31 1/2" with frame).

James Macko is most recently heralded for his portrait of Lady Di, the late Princess of Wales, which was given as a gift to a historic pub in England called "Princess of Wales."

ASKING PRICE: US$6,700, including shipping within the U.S.A. (PayPal accepted)