What can I say about little Johnny? Well, if you have never heard a little Johnny joke, I am here to tell you, his mama had her hands full. That was the first thing that came to my mind when I started creating this piece.  

While perusing a collection of vintage photographs, I stumbled upon these charming images of children playacting as their fathers or grandfathers, cigar in hand—a endearing scene that feels almost foreign in today’s world. Such snapshots evoke nostalgic memories of my own childhood when a simple trip to the store meant the joy of playacting like my own parents and acquiring candy cigarettes. 

Inspired by one of those photographs, I set out to create a painting that captured the essence of those innocent moments. Adopting a loose painting style, I embraced monochrome hues, predominately working with greyish-blue tones. This specific palette not only conveys a sense of nostalgia but also possesses a versatile aesthetic, making it an elegant addition to a variety of home decor styles. The hidden layers of these hues allow the artwork to harmonize beautifully with differing color schemes, inviting a serene atmosphere into any space it graces.