i just wanted to show you all the greatest picture ever painted

Originally uploaded by ignorant and backward

I saw this at an amateur art show at the Topsfield Fair last weekend, which is a county fair in Massachusetts.

Surrounding what appears to be an Apache version of He-Man are multiple E.T.'s, who look really happy about that glowing orb thing.

Observing all of this with a mixed look of shock and concern is one of the larger monster Muppets, whose name I do not know, despite consulting the Muppet wiki.

Incredibly, this picture was only awarded an "honorable mention" by the fair's obviously inept judges. This was entered in the "adult amateur" category, which may have thrown them off, because this is clearly the work of someone who has the talent of a professional artist.

You might think I'm kidding, but I'm not. Look at these people - they are professional, successful artists, and I can see that the painter of the Apache He-man/E.T./muppetmonster painting has similar skills and style:

Miguel Calderon - you've seen his pictures at Eli Cash's house in The Royal Tennenbaums.

Matt Furie: clearly a favorite of mine, and possible an influence on the Apache He-Man artist as well.

Comments

[Noah Brier]

First off, the painting is amazing.

Second, the character is the Ultimate Warrior: http://ultimatewarriortv.com/

Third, the muppet is Sweetums from the Muppet Movie (he's in the car dealership scene where he's referred to as jack, not his name, but rather his job): http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Sweetums

[amber finlay]

Noah FTW!!! I think that I need to try a little harder to acquire this painting. There was no name on it, but I am going to call the fair people and see if I can arrange a purchase. This may just be the way that I switch careers from marketing to international art dealer.

[Lisa Baldini]

Hey,

You looking into the Cream series that Phaidon publishes. "Its a biennale in a book." Calderon is in the second volume.

[Lisa Baldini]

Hey,

You looking into the Cream series that Phaidon publishes. "Its a biennale in a book." Calderon is in the second volume.

[Lisa Baldini]

Hey,

You looking into the Cream series that Phaidon publishes. "Its a biennale in a book." Calderon is in the second volume.

[Faris]

he was robbed this is awesome.

also see:

http://www.peachstapler.com/the_surrender_18x24.jpg

[Nick M]

:)
Awesome! Thanks a lot for the kind words, I made this lil' thingy and really didn't think anyone else would really actually like it. I did a google search on Topsfield Fair paintings just to see if I could find a pic someone else may have posted of it but I wasn't expecting to stumble onto such a cool review of it.
My painting in last years Tops Fair was much more normal, but if your attending this years, I just gave them a much different painting that still features The Ultimate Warrior.
Again, seriously, thanks for all the kind words on that painting, I'm no pro and I just assume people wouldn't like it cause I really just make these things for my own enjoyment.

[Amber Finlay]

Oh my god! Nick! I've been trying to find out who did that painting forever! I even contacted the Topsfield Fair via their website.

Are you showing anything again this year? I"m going to the fair. Also, if you're willing to sell that painting, I'd be interested in buying! email me!

[Nick M]

Sorry, but I really don't want to sell any of my paintings. I kinda just make them for me, but if I ever decide to I'll let you know first.

You shouldn't have much trouble finding my entry to this years fair. It's somewhat similar, although it's kind of just a big rip-off of a Super/Flash comic book cover.

Again, thanks for the kind words. Hope you like this years painting.