Ron English Adds a Little Classic Rock to Some Classic Paintings

Pop Culture artist Ron English has long incorporated pop culture icons into paintings from well-known artists like Picasso, Manet and Warhol.

His "Secret History of KISS" continues the tradition by applying the famous face make up worn by Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss of the rock band KISS onto the faces of maidens and Madonnas in the well-known paintings of the Old Masters.


above: The Rock Band Kiss in full face make-up

These were exhibited as “The Secret History of Kiss” at The Shooting Gallery in San Francisco:

Apples and Oranges:

Bountiful Gene:

Frehley With fruit:

Here Comes The Son:

Kiss Consultation:

King Gene:

Kiss Well:

Kissed By An Angel:

Lady In Waiting:

Peter and Paul:

The Great Paint Baptism:

Kiss The Bride:

Kiss The Bride (detail):



These lesser seen images, below, were on exhibit in 2007 at Basel Miami Beach, courtesy the Shooting Gallery:

Kiss Ace Lamb:

Kiss Monkey On My Back:

Miracle of The Milk Kiss:

The Kissening:


The Shooting Gallery in San Francisco

Ron English

Barbie Goes Psychedelic for 2009: The Mod Squad Collection

For the real collector, there are several lines of Barbie dolls... everything from artist and designer series to DC Comics, Dolls of the world and dolls ranked by 'label' (platinum, gold, etc.). I don't want to bog you down with the details (of which there are many) but instead want to share with you some of the Barbie Dolls you probably had no idea were ever created (unless you have tween girls at home or are a collector yourself). Barbie certainly ain't what she used to be...



The Pivotal Mod Squad collection of Pop Life dolls for 2009 is fun, modern and frankly, fabulous. This new set of Pivotal dolls... the follow up to last year's Jazz Baby dolls brings the new POP Life! dolls.

Retro fashion dolls wear mod shapes in shift dresses and elephant bells, mixed with black-and-white graphics and a burst of color and texture! Celebrate the Mod Era with three fully-posable, Pivotal™ body dolls from the Barbie® Fashion Model Collection.

Based on the Pivotal body, each doll comes dressed in Mod prints and features nostalgic face sculpting. Barbie and Christie share the TNT face sculpt, while Kelly is a Steffie face sculpt.

Mod Barbie:




Mod Christie:



Mod Kelly:




Price approx. $54.95 each. Release date is TBA, but the mod dolls, each sold separately, can be pre-ordered here. Or here.

Other "hip" Barbies worth noting:

2008 Hard Rock Barbie


Buy it here.

Hard Rock Runway Barbie:

Buy it here

And of course, the fabulous "The Birds" Barbie commemorating Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie:


buy it here
If you like dolls, I have some other really cool posts for you:


be sure to see the fabulous hand-painted dolls in the likeness of famous actresses by Noel Cruz here


And the amazing handmade russian dolls by Mooqla here.



And see where to buy lots of cool Pop Culture dolls from the President Elect Doll: Barack Obama, The Big Lebowski to Resevoir Dogs Dolls here

Celebri-Trees: Bid On Christmas Trees By Celebs To Benefit Keep America Beautiful

From October 15 through December 5, Smith & Hawken is holding an online auction of Christmas trees designed by actresses Julianne Moore, Brooke Shields, Angie Harmon and celebrity couple Eva Longoria Parker and Tony Parker to benefit Keep America Beautiful. KAB follows a practical approach that unites citizens, businesses and government to find solutions that advance the core issues of preventing litter, reducing waste, and beautifying public spaces.

Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's Winter Wonderland Tree


Bid on Eva and Tony's tree here

Smith & Hawken joined forces with celebrity stylist Robert Verdi who worked closely with each celebrity to come up with their own individual designs using Smith & Hawken ornaments, garlands, light strings and garden gear."Every celebrity that I called to participate in this fundraiser for Keep America Beautiful immediately said 'yes'," states Verdi. "The holidays are filled with unique traditions, celebrations and memories. Each one of these tree designs captures the essence of holiday warmth and the love of time spent with family and friends."

Snow & Ice Tree by Brooke Shields


Bid on Brooke's tree here.

"This is such a great concept for a fundraiser, and with the A-list stars supporting it, Keep America Beautiful couldn't be more thrilled to be the chosen beneficiary," states Matthew M. McKenna, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. "The funds generated by this auction will help us in fulfilling our grassroots mission to build cleaner, greener, stronger communities nationwide."

Garden Friend Tree by Julianne Moore


Bid on Julianne's tree here.

To participate in the auction, bidders can go to SmithandHawken.com/Trees, pick their favorite tree and click on the "Bid Now" button. The auction winners will receive their trees in time for the holidays.

Angie Harmon's Delectible Delights Tree


Bid on Angie's tree here.


A listing of all products used on each tree will also be viewable online, so consumers can "get the look" of their favorite celebrity-designed tree.


About Smith & Hawken, Ltd.
Smith & Hawken® is the premier authority in outdoor garden living, dedicated to providing products distinguished by authenticity, style and above all, fine craftsmanship. Smith & Hawken's products are sold across the country through 58 Smith & Hawken retail stores, its catalog, Internet site and select high-end independent garden centers. An exclusive line of branded products is also sold at all 1400 Target stores nationwide. Based in Novato, California, Smith & Hawken is a division of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of nearly 1,000 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.