Artist of the Day, September 3, 2026 : Houben Tcherkelov, a Bulgarian painter (#2622)

 Houben Tcherkelov (1970) is a New York-based painter and experimental artist whose work examines how symbolic imagery legitimizes national power. Born in Bulgaria, he studied painting at the National Academy of Art in Sofia, where his early photography, film, and installations critiqued Bulgarian society during its complex transition from communism to a globalized market. 

After studying impasto painting in Amsterdam under Jörg Immendorff, Tcherkelov relocated to New York City in 2000, where he shifted his focus exclusively to textured painting techniques. His contemporary portfolio features intricate renderings of imagery from historic American and international currencies, executed through a sophisticated combination of impasto, glaze, foil, acrylic, and watercolor.

© 2026. All content on this blog is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Houben Tcherkelov or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only

Houben Tcherkelov

5 DM, 2011

5 Euro, 2012

5 Leva Bulgaria, 2012

Quarter, Florida, 2012

$1. Eye of Providence, 2014

$1. George Washington, 2014

$1. Seal, 2014

$5. Abe Lincoln, 2015

$50. Leva, 2016

$100. Benjamin Franklin, 2016

$200. FDR US Savings Bond, 2019

$1,000,000. Marilyn Monroe, 2020

2 Colones Mona Lisa, 2020

500 Pesos. Frida Kahlo, 2020

$100. Benjamin Franklin, 2022

 $100. Statue of Liberty, 2022

$100. Statue of Liberty, 2022

 5 Cent Coin, Thomas Jefferson, 2022

$1. George Washington, 2025

$5. Abe Lincoln, 2025

$10. Alexander Hamilton, 2025 

$10. Alexander Hamilton, 2025 

$50. US Capitol, 2025

$50. 2025

Ferdinand (Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria Coin Edition), 2026

$1. George Washington, 2026

Queen Elizabeth, 2026

Statue of Liberty, 2026

 

Artist of the Day, September 2, 2026 : Sally Stoneman, an Australian sculptor (#2630)

Sally Stoneman is a distinguished multi-disciplinary artist operating from Wolftrap Studio in Maranup, Western Australia. Her practice stands at the intersection of heritage and sustainability, driven by a deep awareness of environmental fragility. By masterfully transforming reclaimed materials—such as the historic Rabbit Proof Fence from the WA wheatbelt and Murchison regions—she translates the complexities of the Australian landscape into powerful visual narratives that bridge historical resourcefulness with modern ecological stewardship.

Her rigorous methodology has earned significant acclaim, punctuated by recurring selections for Sculpture by the Sea in both Cottesloe and Bondi. A defining milestone came in 2018 when she was awarded the Western Australian Sculptor Scholarship for her evocative piece, "Seed." Reflecting its cultural and aesthetic value, this landmark sculpture was acquired by The City of Melville Art Collection and remains permanently installed in the courtyard at the AH Bracks Library for public engagement.

Beyond large-scale sculpture, Stoneman maintains a versatile practice that extends into fine painting. Her technical skill and conceptual depth have consistently positioned her as a finalist in premier Australian art awards, including the Black Swan Portrait Prize, the Mandorla Prize, and the Perth Royal Art Prize for Landscape. With a footprint that spans numerous high-profile exhibitions, her portfolio is held in prominent national and international collections.

© 2026. All content on this blog is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Sally Stoneman or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only

Ms. Sally Stoneman

Sea Form #2, 2009

Sea Form, 2009

In the Dock, 2013

After the Fire, 2014 

Beacon, 2014

 Echium, 2014

Seed, 2014

It’s a Wrap, 2014

Tangled, 2014

Bloom, 2015

Rose, 2015

Strangler, 2015

Echo of the Landscape, 2016

Train Stop, 2017

Tumbleweed in Murchison, 2017

Tumbleweed, 2017

Seed, 2018

Seed, 2018

Seed, 2018

Echos III, IV and V, 2020 

Echos III, IV and V, 2020 

Softly, Harshly #2, 2021

Softly, Harshly #3, 2021

Kilter, 2022

Taisei, 2022

Woven Wildernest, 2022

Treasure, 2026