Tag Archives: painting

Puzzle: Violin by Victoria Francés (from Favole book)

Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 48.26cm x 68.58cm
Producer: Heye, #29197
Artist: Victoria Francés
Notes: Victoria Francés was born on October 25th, 1982. From her early childhood she was fascinated by the beauty of the forest in Galicia, where she spent much of her infancy. After traveling to cities like London and Paris she was hypnotized by the atmosphere there, the same that brought to life legendary masterpieces of Gothic literature. Her illustrations and sketches recall the dreamlike world of Gothic Romanticism.

Influenced by pre-Raphaelite paintings, she chooses subjects that take us to a symbolic, magical and ancient world. All the sufferings of the outcast of this world is shown in dark castles and mansions with flickering lights, with the distinct influence of Goethe, Edgar Allan Poe, Baudelaire and even Bram Stoker. [Fan site, since the official site is currently in Spanish only]

[Victoria’s] first illustrated book, Favole, a remembrance of Verona, Venice and Genoa, was first released on 23 April 2003. [Wiki]

Puzzle: Country Living by Thomas Kinkade

Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 69cm x 51cm
Producer: Ceaco
Artist: Thomas Kinkade
Notes: “In the country, wildflowers grow in profusion. To me, these bluebonnets, scotch broom and wild poppies symbolize the abundant blessings of Country Living; these are the tangible pleasures that surround you day in and day out where the air is pure and the sun is bright. This scene might be found any place where the hills and valleys are alive with nature’s harmony – the Texas hill country, the Smoky Mountains, the rolling Cascades, or even my native Sierra foothills.” [Thomas Kinkade, on the puzzle box]

Puzzle: Pisa in Motion by Robert J. Crisp

Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 48.26cm x 68.58cm
Producer: Heye, #29121
Artist: Robert J. Crisp
Notes: Pisa is a city in Tuscany, Central Italy, on the right bank of the mouth of the River Arno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the capital city of the Province of Pisa. Although Pisa is known worldwide for its leaning tower (the bell tower of the city’s cathedral), the city … contains more than 20 other historic churches, several palaces and various bridges across the River Arno. [Wiki]

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: Torre pendente di Pisa) … is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the Cathedral and the Baptistry.

The height of the tower is 55.86 m from the ground on the low side and 56.70 m on the high side. The width of the walls at the base is 4.09 m and at the top 2.48 m. Its weight is estimated at 14,500 metric tons. The tower has 296 or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase. Prior to restoration work performed between 1990 and 2001, the tower leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but the tower now leans at about 3.99 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is displaced horizontally 3.9 metres from where it would be if the structure were perfectly vertical. [Wiki]

Puzzle: Feeding the Geese by Nicky Boehme

Size: 1000 pieces, 1 missing
Dimensions: 73cm x 48.57cm
Producer: The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, #44714-2
Artist: Nicky Boehme
Notes: There are three living genera of true geese: Anser, grey geese, including the domesticated goose and the Swan Goose; Chen, white geese (often included in Anser); and Branta, black geese, such as the Canada goose.

The term goose applies to the female in particular while gander applies to the male in particular. Young birds before fledging are called goslings. The collective noun for group of geese on the ground is a gaggle; when in flight, they are called a skein, a team or a wedge; when flying close together, they are called a plump.

Geese are monogamous, living in permanent pairs throughout the year; however, unlike most other permanently monogamous animals, they are territorial only during the short nesting season. Paired geese are more dominant and feed more, two factors that result in more young. [Wiki]

Puzzle: At the Fountain by Barbara Mock


Size: 1500 pieces Dimensions: 60cm x 90cm Producer: Jumbo International, Amsterdam, #00681 Artist: Barbara Mock Notes: A fountain (from the Latin “fons” or “fontis”, a source or spring) is a piece of architecture which pours water into a basin or jets it into the air either to supply drinking water or for decorative or dramatic effect. Fountains were originally purely functional, connected to springs or aqueducts and used to provide drinking water and water for bathing and washing to the residents of cities, towns and villages. Until the late 19th century most fountains operated by gravity, and needed a source of water higher than the fountain, such as a reservoir or aqueduct, to make the water flow or jet into the air. In addition to providing drinking water, fountains were used for decoration and to celebrate their builders. Roman fountains were decorated with bronze or stone masks of animals or heroes. In the Middle Ages, Moorish and Muslim garden designers used fountains to create miniature versions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France used fountains in the Gardens of Versailles to illustrate his power over nature. The baroque decorative fountains of Rome in the 17th and 18th centuries marked the arrival point of restored Roman aqueducts and glorified the Popes who built them. [Wiki]

Puzzle: Magic Fire by Nadia Strelkina


Size: 750 pieces
Dimensions: 51cm x 68cm
Producer: Lafayette Puzzle Factory, Goldenline Fairies series, #3921
Artist: Nadia Strelkina
Painting: photo
Box: photo
Notes: Within a work of fantasy, magic can function to move the plot forward, providing both power for the hero of the story and power for those who oppose him/her. The use of magic is often transformative of the character, if not the world.

In order to carry out this function, magic often carries a price, equal to its value.

In most fantasy works, magic is either depicted as an innate talent, is acquired through studying, or is given to someone who makes a pact, usually with a devil, spirit or other sorcerer.

Sometimes, too, a place will have magic; perhaps a certain location is “close to the spirit realm” or there are residues from powerful spells once cast there, or a place is magical by nature, as in the case of an enchanted forest. One such magical place is Faerie or Elfland. Its location may not be fixed — in some cases it acts as a parallel world — but magic is both found and occurs there. [Wiki]

Puzzle: The Wood Fairy by Josephine Wall


Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 48.5cm x 73cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall, #40699-104
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes:  In a sunlit glade, far from human sight the wood fairy happily gathers wild anemones. Full of the joys of spring, she adores the suns warm rays and delights in the freedom of Nature’s woodland bounty. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Child of the Universe by Josephine Wall


Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 48.5cm x 73cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall, #40699-103
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes:  She blows us kisses across time and space, gaining everlasting goodness and energy from her crystal. Legend has it that crystals embody the power to heal and protect so it is no wonder that the child of the universe draws from the crystal before her. Beside her is a galactic jet emitting a flood of charged particles to fill her with light and life. She gently blows her magic kisses across time and space, sending peace and beauty into our world. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Titania & Oberon by Josephine Wall


Size: 750 pieces, 1 missing
Dimensions: 59.7 cm x 39.4 cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall, #40599-104
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes: The inspiration for this image is drawn from the masterly writings of William Shakespeare. Whether he envisioned them the same, I will never know. The King & Queen of fairyland are soaring high with their winged entourage. With the beating of many wings and the heady fragrance of woodland flowers they gather for a moonlit revel. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Leo by Josephine Wall


Size: 500 pieces
Dimensions: 33.02cm x 48.26cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes:  Leo is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Leo. In astrology, Leo is considered to be a “masculine”, positive (extrovert) sign. It is also considered a fire sign and is one of four fixed signs ruled by the Sun. [Wiki]

The Persians called Leo Ser or Shir; the Turks, Artan; the Syrians, Aryo; the Jewish, Arye; the Indians, Simha, all meaning “lion”. In Babylonian astronomy the constellation was called UR.GU.LA – the ‘Great Lion’; the bright star, Regulus, that stands at the Lion’s breast also had distinctly regal associations as it was known as the King Star.

In Greek mythology, Leo was identified as the Nemean Lion which was killed by Hercules during one of his twelve labours, and subsequently put into the sky.

The Roman poet Ovid called it Herculeus Leo and Violentus Leo. Bacchi Sidus (star of Bacchus) was another of its titles, the god Bacchus always being identified with this animal. However, Manilius called it Jovis et Junonis Sidus (Star of Jupiter and Juno).

Early Hindu astronomers knew it as Asleha and as Sinha, the Tamil Simham. [Wiki]

Puzzle: Enchanted Manor by Josephine Wall


Size: 750 pieces
Dimensions: 59.7 cm x 39.4 cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall, #40599-103
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes: Josephine’s work was featured during the making of a television programme called Homes Under the Hammer.

The programme followed the refurbishment of a property called the Windcliffe Hotel on the Isle of Wight, from the auction purchase to it’s conversion into what has become the “Enchanted Manor”. [Josephine Wall’s site]

History of the Enchanted Manor – http://www.enchantedmanor.co.uk/our-story.html

Josephine’s work was featured during the making of a television programme called Homes Under the Hammer.

The programme followed the refurbishment of a property called the Windcliffe Hotel on the Isle of Wight, from the auction purchase to it’s conversion into what has become the “Enchanted Manor”.

Puzzle: Spirit of Flight by Josephine Wall

Josephine Wall - Spirit of Flight, med
Size: 750 pieces
Dimensions: 59.7 cm x 39.4 cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall, #40599-102
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes: The Spirit of Flight, the force responsible for the powers of movement of the wind and air, has gathered around her all the flying things she loves. Birds, insects, flying fish, swirling leaves, seeds of dandelions and sycamore trees, butterflies and fairies all dance around her in a grand array of wild free motion. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: City of Wands by Ciro Marchetti

Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 51cm x 68cm
Producer:  LPF Ltd., Holographic puzzle, #3921
Artist: Ciro Marchetti has had a successful graphic design career that has spanned working in Europe, South America and the US. He is a five-time recipient of the distinguished Photoshop GURU award, and three time winner of the Worldwide Photoshop Competition presented by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. The current content and style of recent illustrations directly reflect his sources of interest and inspiration, allowing him to create richly detailed images that conjure up retro- tech worlds of fantasy and imagination. [Puzzle box]
Notes: Beautiful puzzle and a pleasure to put together, from the same series as Above the Clouds, City of Coins, and Shangri-La Winter, by Ciro Marchetti. It now adorns a wall in my studio as one of my favourites. There is supposedly another one in this series by the same artist, but I have not been able to find it yet.

Puzzle: Spirit of the Elements by Josephine Wall


Size: 750 pieces
Dimensions: 59.7 cm x 39.4 cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes: The powerful spirit rises up to fill our lives with all the elements we need to complete the cycle of nature. Raging seas challenge our courage to the limits, teaching us the skills and strength we will need to endure the storms and darkness ahead.

A winter wonderland in which the landscape is transformed into a playground for us, and allows nature to slumber, gathering strength to burst forth in all it’s splendour, as the first signs of spring approach.

As the dark skies clear, and we feel the tranquil breath of spring, we are greeted by a gleaming sun, which colludes with the gentle rain to bring us a myriad rainbows, and to restart the cycle of life. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Unknown by James Coleman


Size: 500 pieces
Dimensions: 48.26cm x 35.56cm
Producer: Sure-Lox
Artist: James Coleman… a name synonymous with tropical rainforests, rich deep woods, and silent deserts. The art created by this talented man continue to delight all.

…Today he continues to illuminate the are world with his vibrant colors, gentle moods, and exquisite detail. His artwork is represented by some of the most prominent galleries in North America, the Orient, and the Hawaiian Islands.

“I attempt to push the statement I am making to its ultimate, both in design and in use of color.” – James Coleman. [Artist’s site]

Notes: I do not have a record of the producer or the name of the puzzle as I do not have the box anymore. A clarification is welcome – if you have any clue as to the details regarding this puzzle, I would much appreciate that information.

Puzzle: Honeysuckle by Josephine Wall


Size: 500 pieces
Dimensions: 33.02cm x 48.26cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes:  Tender trumpets of sweetest honey wind their vines up garden walls, sharing their essence with birds and bees, bringing contentment to one and all. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Honeysuckles (Lonicera) are arching shrubs or twining vines in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 180 species of honeysuckle, 100 of which occur in China; Europe, India and North America have only about 20 native species each.

Many of the species have sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers that produce a sweet, edible nectar. Breaking of the Honeysuckle’s stem will release this powerful sweet odor. The fruit is a red, blue or black berry containing several seeds; in most species the berries are mildly poisonous, but a few (notably Lonicera caerulea) have edible berries. [Wiki]

Puzzle: Masque of Love by Josephine Wall


Size: 500 pieces
Dimensions: 33.02cm x 48.26cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes:  Having danced the night away she can pretend no more.  Struck by Cupids arrow she coyly comes out from behind her mask of peacock feathers to reveal herself for the first time to her masked partner.  Having only been able to look into each others eyes ( the windows of the soul ) she knows their feelings for each other are true, and uncomplicated by physical appearance.  How can she resist when surrounded by the hypnotic perfume of love. [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Capricorn by Josephine Wall


Size: 500 pieces
Dimensions: 33.02cm x 48.26cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes: Capricorn’s form of half goat, half fish derives from ancient Babylonian mythology, in which Ea, the Sea-Goat and Lord of Wisdom, emerges from his home in the sea to bring civilization and knowledge to mankind. In the zodiac, the placement of the constellation represents high achievement. Steady, purposeful, and long-sighted, Capricorns have a plan for the future and set their sights high. They seek security and certainty, and insist that rules be followed. But don’t let that fool you into thinking Capricorns are all work and no play: they have a lively wit, a dry sense of humor, and that rare combination, creativity coupled with organization! [Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Minerva’s Melody by Josephine Wall


Size: 500 pieces
Dimensions: 33.02cm x 48.26cm
Producer:  The Canadian Group, Sure-Lox, Art of Josephine Wall
Artist: Josephine Wall

Notes: As the goddess Minerva glides gently down the eternal river of life, leaving her heavenly citadel in her wake, she sets about her task of composing beautiful music. She is accompanied by her constant companion, and confidant – the ‘owl of wisdom’. Together they travel throughout the world bringing the magic of her melodies to all. Arum lilies bearing candles light their way, and illuminate the wisteria growing from her enchanted harp.Music is a universal language understood and loved by every nation on earth – what a debt we owe to Minerva.[Josephine Wall’s site]

Puzzle: Endless Dreams by Alan Giana


Size: 1000 pieces
Dimensions: 73cm x 48.6cm
Producer: Sure-Lox, The Canadian Group
Artist: Alan Giana
Painting: http://www.muralsyourway.com/imag.aspx?sr=MMIAAG1040.jpg
Notes: Alan’s love of nature and the sea have always been a big part of his life. His appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us, even in our own backyards, plays an important part in creating the inspiring artwork he is known for today. Alan’s paintings of colorful paths, charming country hideaways, tranquil coastal waterways, and captivating Christmas scenes, bring us to peaceful places. Places where we can escape for a moment and appreciate all of the beauty around us. [Alan Giana’s site]