PAINTING WITH LIGHT
'Painting with light' is all about photographing projected images that surprisingly are not often projected on to a screen. John discovered the projector really is a magical magic lantern! Computers and digital images were unknown at the time when some of his finest pictures were created (some of them nearly 50 years ago). Yet they have stood up to the test of time and are still considered exceptional, making quite a statement!

It was by chance, seeing an image projected, partly on the curtains and wallpaper that started this unique art form. By moving the projector and focusing on to other objects, noting how they distorted the image and influenced the texture and shape, led to the idea of photographing what could be seen. Then by adding more projectors he was also able to blend different images too and so ‘painting with light’ began.

John started with an idea and experimented with various images, but he explained that sometimes something unforeseen happened, that sent him down a totally fresh route to create a very different picture than was originally planned, it is these ‘inspired accidents’ that have since turned out to be his very best works.

The London Salon Trophy
The first time this much coveted International artistic photography trophy had ever been awarded for a colour photograph was in 1967. Presented to John N. Cohen for his creation 'Spirit of Spring', he was also the youngest Salon member ever to have received it. 'Spirit of Spring' was created by his own technique of 'painting with light' that enabled him to blend a portrait transparency with a negative of a tulip on the same emulsion. His technique involved photographing masked projected images that were not always projected on to a screen.

Subsequently he had over 20 One-Man Exhibitions of his photographs (some were sponsored by Kodak) 2 held in New York, 4 in London, The Edinburgh Festival and many other UK & USA Cities. Attracting the attention of Cecil Beaton C.B.E., Sir William Russell Flint R.A. and Lady Clementine Spencer-Churchill. Favourable reviews and comments were published in 'The Times', 'Arts Review', as well as in many other newspapers and photographic magazines.

These pictures are now offered for sale as Limited Editions of just 8. (They should all be treated as watercolour paintings and not displayed in direct sun light, but these pictures do have a very long colour life).

Any picture purchased, is sold on the clear understanding, that if it is not right for the purchaser (for whatever reason) a full refund will be made on the safe return in perfect condition (within two weeks of the delivery). Only the return cost of the delivery and insurance is not included.

The copyright of the picture is retained by the artist and no reproductions can be published or sold by the purchaser without prior written consent.

"I use pure photography to express ideas, or thoughts, rather than reality. I trust that my pictures will intrigue, cause interest and be appreciated as very original art works. My technique involves photographing projected images rather than computer manipulation."

"Uso puramente fotografia para expresar ideas o pensamientos, mas que la realidad. Confio que mis creaciones intriguen, provoquen interés y que sean apreciadas como obras de arte originales. Mi técnica implica el fotografiar imagenes proyectadas sin hacer uso de ningun tipo de manipulacion computarizada." John N. Cohen

These pictures are available in various sizes up to 150cm x 107cm approx, but in total the limited edition is 8. Although any size can be provided and the total limit of 8 will still apply. Also the right is retained to also reproduce these pictures, but only as very small size prints (such as for greeting cards). Much more information can be found at www.artist-john-cohen.net