Realism | Chris Cook Artist

Frida Lisa

Let me start by saying that this picture makes me smile! I believe that evoking emotion is a very big part of why artist create, and this one is sure to spark a gamut of emotions from art fans everywhere.

This painting has a lot to say. My fist thought in viewing it is how similar it is to da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Chris is a tremendously talented artist, and captures a lot of the essence of the 16th century masterpiece. The second, and probably the most prominent feature of the work is the placement of Frida Kahlo’s face where Lisa’s once was.

Knowing Chris, and his affinity for art history, and classical paintings gives me a bit of insight into this work. I think that it is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek way for chris to make a statement about conventional art, generational “masterpieces” and traditional acceptance of beauty and what “art” can be. I think he takes a stab (a very creative and well executed stab, mind you) at juxtaposing what many might see as two conflicting styles of artwork into one piece. The traditional and classic approach of da Vinci’s work paired with Kahlo’s vibrant and expressive style (not to mention the placement of her eyebrow(s)) speaks volumes.

Chris is a southern artist, but his work is anything but compartmentalized by his geographic location. He boasts a collection of art history books that would rival that of any local library, and he greatly enjoys art from a consumer’s standpoint as well as that of a creator. I think that this piece is a great testament to his knowledge, versatility, and talent as an artist.

Take a look. What do you think? What do you see? How does this painting make you feel?

Chris Cook is a premier southern artist and owner of Madison Studios, a web design, maintenance, and e-commerce and marketing company. For his artist biography, contact information, or to view more of his work, click HERE.

The blue barber shop: Streets of Madison

I have lived in Madison for 20+ years. A lot of things have changed in that time. A lot of businesses have come and gone.

People have moved in…People have moved out…People have passed on…

Through all of the changes that have taken place, there is one part of Madison that has stayed pretty constant (probably due in large part to the efforts of the Morgan County Historical Society) is the look & feel of the city streets in downtown. Riding down Main Street in Madison, GA hasn’t changed very much at all in my 27 years, and from what i’ve gathered it hasn’t changed much at all for a very long time. I think that Chris was able to capture the essence of this block of Main St. very well in this painting. It is a good representation of a Southern artist capturing a glimpse of a place near and dear to his heart.

One of my childhood memories of Madison was sitting in the barber’s chair at the Bulldog Barber Shop on Main Street. I can still remember seeing the bulldog statue, smelling the oiled clippers and freshly cut hair, and hearing the snips of scissors trimming away as I sat in the large leather chair, robed in a smock with a paper turtle-neck to keep the hairs out of my collar. My absolute favorite memory of that barber shop on main street, was knowing that after i’d been still and quiet long enough to get my haircut, the barber would open his desk drawer and hand me a penny so that I could take it over to the gum ball machine and get my prize.

It’s funny to me how much has changed all around the world in my 27 years on the 3rd rock from the sun. What cherish and treasure, however, is the regularity, and consistent beauty that surrounds downtown Madison. The memories that are maintained through the preservation of the homes and buildings of Madison may never be fully understood or appreciated by anyone other than a Madisonian, and I for one am glad and proud to be a part of the glorious stories that are held within.

Jed Hanes

For more information on the artist, Chris Cook, click HERE.

Historic Madison

Madison, GA. – A quaint historic city nestled halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, full of beautiful antebellum homes and pieces of Southern history. Growing up in Madison, I never really understood or appreciated just how beautiful the homes and streets were, and how historically significant the town really is. We all got the “Joshua Hill talked Sherman out of burning the town on his ‘March to the Sea’ ” talk when we were in school, but none of us were really able to grasp all that lies in the history of Madison, GA.

Something else that is unique to living in a town like Madison is the number of tourists, artists, photographers, and other onlookers who spent their afternoons and weekends wandering down the city streets, snapping pictures and taking in the memories of the historic homes and storefronts that the city has to offer. There is no telling how many artists have captured the essence of downtown Madison over the past 200 or so years.

This particular building holds a special place in my heart, as it is located next door to Madison First UMC, my home church. Heritage Hall is a hub for the Historical Society of Madison. The Greek Revival home is a great testament to the Antebellum architecture that permeates Madison, GA year round. There is truly something special about standing in and seeing homes that have been around since the 1830’s.

I think that this piece does a great job of capturing the grandeur of Heritage Hall, and the true spirit of antebellum Madison. When I see it, I am reminded of how truly fortunate Madisonians are to have such rich history all around us. It also serves as a reminder of the timeless beauty and art that are expressed in antebellum architecture.

– Jed Hanes

More Information about the artist, Chris Cook, can be found at http://www.chriscookartist.com/bio.html