Digital Art and Photography by John Corney

Book Recommendation for Digital SLR Cameras

2026-05-18T14:11:51.375-07:00

Note: This post was originally published in 2011, when digital SLRs were still relatively new for most amateur photographers and the question of how to learn them was genuinely fresh. The book recommendation below dates from that era. The post is preserved here as a record of a small, lovely coincidence — two friends asking the same question in the same week.

Mallard duck. Photo by Chantal Manseau, taken at her local lake with her new digital SLR.

An interesting coincidence happened this weekend: two friends had recently upgraded to digital SLR cameras, and both asked me — within days of each other — for recommendations on books or resources for learning how to use the features on their new cameras.

Chantal's Email

My friend Chantal emailed me first:

I wanted to ask you about photography... How did you learn? Do you have a good book to recommend? I'm reading through the camera's manual and while it tells me how to use the camera, I need to learn about all the technical terms and how to actually make the best use of my camera. I went to the lake by my house last weekend and took amazing pictures using the portrait, macro, landscape, etc. pre-settings, but didn't adjust anything manually. Check out the green on the duck picture I've attached!

Let me know... thanks! Chantal

The duck picture, of course, is the one at the top of this post. That iridescent green on the male mallard's head is exactly the kind of detail that makes a new photographer realise their camera is capable of more than their phone — and that makes them want to learn how to coax it out deliberately, rather than by happy accident with the preset modes.

Karen, and the Online Course Problem

The week before Chantal's email, my friend Karen and I had been talking about exactly the same question. We'd looked at online photography courses together — there are plenty out there — but the good ones tend to be expensive, and the affordable ones tend to be uneven in quality. Karen was hesitant, understandably, to commit several hundred dollars to a course she might not finish.

So when Chantal's email landed, with the same question framed slightly differently, it pushed me to think about how I actually learned. And the honest answer was: not from online courses or YouTube tutorials (which barely existed back then anyway), but from one particular book that broke things down in a way that finally made manual settings click for me.

The Book That Worked for Me

The book is The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography by Jim Miotke. Of the various books I'd read on digital SLR photography up to that point, this was the one that taught me the most about actually using the manual settings: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, exposure compensation, composition, and how to work with available light. It was practical without being condescending, and it assumed you wanted to understand why a setting did what it did, not just which button to press.

The book was published in 2005, which was relatively current in 2011 when I wrote this post. It's now quite dated — and digital camera technology, particularly autofocus systems and ISO performance, has moved on significantly since then. The fundamental concepts (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition) are unchanged, though, and a reader picking it up today would still come away understanding the core craft. There are newer books out there I haven't tried; if you'd like a current recommendation as well, that's worth a separate post.

To Karen and Chantal

Good luck to both of you. And be warned: photography can be a wonderfully consuming hobby, the kind that has you up at 5am chasing the light, hiking somewhere uncomfortable in pursuit of a single shot, and saying "just one more frame" to patient friends and family at the end of long afternoons. You may not be entirely the same person on the other side of it. Most of us think that's a good thing.

Disclosure: The link to the book on Amazon above is an affiliate link. If you purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Young at Heart: The Active Seniors Collection + Massive Redbubble Sale!

2026-05-13T15:06:46.601-07:00

Ollie Grandpa

Stepping into the freedom of retirement after a long, 45-year career completely shifts your perspective. You finally have the time to let loose, hit the road, and truly embrace the fun side of life! That joyful, unrestrained energy is exactly what I wanted to capture in my newest Redbubble collection.

I'm so excited to introduce my new "Active Seniors" series, featuring designs that perfectly embody the "young at heart" spirit. The series features a vibrant, adventurous little old lady tearing it up, and a matching active grandpa catching some serious air on a skateboard or cruising on a bright orange motor scooter. Complete with flower-adorned helmets, flying striped scarves, and big, beaming smiles, these characters are a tribute to everyone who refuses to slow down.

These make fantastic graphic tees, travel mugs, or stickers for your own "Famous Five" friend group, your favorite lifelong rider, or anyone celebrating the adventurous side of aging. I love these designs so much that I wear them myself — my neighbors see me out walking my dog in one of my granny or grandpa tee-shirt designs!

Heart Granny

Even better? You can grab these designs at a massive discount this week! Starting tomorrow, May 14th 2026, and running through May 18th, Redbubble is running a site-wide sale with up to 40% off. It is the perfect time to stock up on gifts or treat yourself to a new favorite tee for your next adventure.

Shop the Active Seniors Collection and the Sale Here!

View all my work at Redbubble by searching @kornkobart

Celebrating Aotearoa New Zealand: My Kiwi Pride Collection

2026-03-19T15:23:33.004-07:00

100% Kiwi Typography T-Shirt

My mind constantly wanders back to my homeland of New Zealand, especially after my recent trip there with four of my friends from the U.S. I have only deepened my appreciation for Aotearoa and its unique culture and magnificent landscape.

While I am already counting down the days until my next visit "way down under", I needed a creative outlet to express that connection right now. Between tending to the native Arthropodium cirratum and Pseudopanax ferox flourishing in my garden, I sat down to design something to help others express their Kiwi pride too.

A Tribute to Aotearoa

I am thrilled to introduce my "Kiwiana" collection over on my Redbubble shop. I've created both graphic and minimalist text artworks. These designs pop beautifully on crisp white graphic tees, sturdy travel totes, and die-cut stickers perfect for a water bottle.

Whether you're a proud local, an expat missing home, or simply a traveler who left a piece of your heart wandering the sights of New Zealand, I hope you find something in this collection that resonates with you.

👉 Explore the Kiwiana Collection on Redbubble

View all my work on Redbubble by searching @kornkobart.

Beyond the Horizon: Reimagining the Western Sunset

2026-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Gay Cowboys Riding Horses Into Sunset Mountain Landscape Art

The image of the "lonely cowboy" is a staple of American art. He's usually riding alone, facing a harsh landscape. But I've always been more interested in the stories about partnership.

A New Kind of Happy Ending

With my latest digital painting, "Into the Sunset," I wanted to take that classic western trope and give it a softer, more romantic focus.

The painting features two gay cowboys riding side-by-side, sharing the journey. Instead of a harsh high-noon sun, I chose the "magic hour" — that transition between the warm orange sunset and the deep, cool blue of the night.

Details That Matter

If you look closely, you'll see fireflies dancing in the pine trees. I included them to add a layer of wonder to the scene. It suggests that this isn't just a physical journey toward the mountains, but an emotional journey into a future that is bright and full of possibility.

Add This Story to Your Home

This piece is part of my "Queer Joy & Romantic Stories" collection. It is available on my KornKobArt Redbubble shop and looks incredible as a large canvas print or on a graphic tee.

👉 Gay Cowboys Riding Horses Into Sunset Mountain Landscape Art Print

View all my work on Redbubble by searching @kornkobart.

Finding Warmth in the Wild: A Western Gay Romance Story

2026-01-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

Gay Cowboys Reading Under the Mountain Sky

There is a specific kind of silence out in the wilderness, far from city lights — a quiet that draws people together. With my latest digital artwork, "Under the Mountain Sky," I wanted to capture that feeling of finding your own private world in the middle of a vast landscape.

A Story by Firelight

This romantic image features a gay cowboy couple sharing a quiet evening, settling in against a tree to read by the light of a campfire. It's a simple moment, but it speaks volumes about comfort, safety, and deep affection.

I focused heavily on the lighting contrast to tell this story. The warm, dancing oranges and yellows of the fire represent that safe, shared space of connection. Outside of that glow, the cool purples and deep blues of the twilight mountain range stretch out, emphasizing that all they need is right there in that circle of light.

Celebrating Connection

This piece is a celebration of queer joy and the timeless appeal of a Western romance.

I have made this digital painting available on my Redbubble shop as a canvas print and on a range of other products. It would suit a cozy reading nook or bedroom wall, and it also makes a thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or any occasion that calls for celebrating the romantic in your life.

👉 Gay Cowboys Under the Mountain Sky Canvas Print

View my full collection of LGBT+ art in my Redbubble store.

Botanical Elegance: Capturing the Architecture of the Bearded Iris

2026-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

Purple Bearded Iris Flower — Digital Oil Painting Framed Art Print

There are flowers that are simple and cheerful, and then there are flowers that feel like complex pieces of architecture. The Bearded Iris falls firmly into the latter category. With their upright "standards" and cascading "falls," they have a structural complexity that is mesmerizing to study. They don't just sit prettily in a garden — they command attention.

Moving Beyond Photography

When I set out to create this piece, a standard photograph felt too literal. It captured the shape, but not the feeling of the flower's velvety texture, or the way light plays in the deep folds of its petals. I turned to digital oil painting techniques to interpret the image — softening the edges, leaning into the interplay of light and shadow.

A Study in Contrast

The composition is built on contrast. The cool, vibrant violet and white tones of the iris pop dramatically against the warm, moody golden-brown background. The brushwork is deliberately textured, giving the piece a rich, old-world feel that bridges the gap between classic botanical illustration and modern digital art.

Bringing Sophistication Home

This isn't just a flower picture — it's a moody, sophisticated portrait. I have made this piece, titled "Purple Bearded Iris Flower Digital Oil Painting," available on my Redbubble shop. It's designed for spaces that need a touch of quiet elegance, and looks stunning as a framed print in a study, a hallway, or above a mantle where its rich colours can serve as a focal point. The image is also available on a range of other Redbubble products if you'd prefer the artwork on a tote, a journal, or a throw pillow.

👉 Purple Bearded Iris Flower — Framed Art Print

View all my work on Redbubble by searching @kornkobart.

Step Into an Alien Landscape: The Huntington Library Desert Garden

2026-01-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Huntington Library Desert Garden — Golden Barrel Cactus Landscape

There are gardens that feel gentle and manicured, and then there are gardens that feel like you've stepped onto another planet. The Desert Garden at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, is decidedly the latter. Spanning more than ten acres and home to over 5,000 species of cacti and succulents, it's one of the oldest and largest collections of mature desert plants in the world — and walking through it is an exercise in awe.

Capturing the Drama

The sheer density of life there is overwhelming. It's not just a few potted succulents — it's a towering, sprawling landscape of architectural shapes and incredibly sharp textures.

In taking this photograph, I wanted to capture that sense of dramatic scale. My eye was immediately drawn to the massive clusters of Golden Barrel Cacti in the foreground. I love how the sunlight catches their spines, making them glow almost neon-gold against the darker, towering columnar cacti behind them.

The sky that day perfectly matched the mood on the ground — dramatic, sweeping clouds that provided a soft counterpoint to the spiky landscape below.

Bringing the Desert Home

This image is a study in rugged resilience, capturing the unique, almost prehistoric beauty of arid environments. I've made it available on my Redbubble shop as "Huntington Library Desert Garden Golden Barrel Cactus Landscape."

The photograph works incredibly well as a large statement piece of wall art, bringing the warmth and dramatic texture of the California desert into your living space. It's perfect for anyone who loves botanical travel or wants to add a touch of the wild West Coast to their decor.

👉 Huntington Desert Garden — Canvas Print

View all my work on Redbubble by searching @kornkobart.

Painting with Light: Bringing the Impressionist Garden Indoors

2026-01-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Impressionist Pink Cape Daisy Painting | Romantic Cottagecore Wall Art

There is a reason why Claude Monet’s water lilies have captivated the world for over a century. It isn't just about the flowers; it's about the light. It's about the way colors vibrate against each other to create a feeling of movement and life.

As a digital artist, I am constantly exploring how to translate that classical "Impasto" technique—where paint is applied so thickly it stands off the canvas—into the modern digital realm.

The Subject: The Cape Daisy

For this piece, I photographed a cluster of pink Cape Daisy (Osteospermum). These flowers have naturally vibrant, gradient petals that range from deep magenta to soft white. They are cheerful, resilient, and visually complex—the perfect subject for an impressionist study.

The Technique: Digital Impasto

In creating "Impressionist Pink Cape Daisy," I moved away from the sharp focus of traditional photography. I wanted to capture the memory of a garden rather than the literal image. I used digital brushes to mimic the heavy texture of oil paint, allowing the edges of the petals to blur and blend into the foliage.

The result is a piece that feels soft, romantic, and sun-drenched.

Styling This Piece

Because of its pastel palette and soft texture, this artwork works beautifully in spaces where you want to create calm. I love how this looks as a large canvas print in a bedroom or as a set of throw pillows in a sunroom. It brings that timeless "Cottagecore" aesthetic into a home without feeling dated.

If you would like to add this eternal spring bloom to your collection, you can find it on my shop below.

👉 Impressionist Pink Cape Daisy Impasto Garden Painting

You can view all my work at Redbubble by searching @kornkobart in the Redbubble search bar

Living Up to the Nickname: The Art of the Sausage Dog Heist

2026-01-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

There are certain universal truths about Dachshunds. They are stubborn, they have selective hearing, and their entire lives revolve around the acquisition of snacks.

We call them "Sausage Dogs" or "Wiener Dogs" because of their shape, but anyone who has owned one knows the nickname runs deeper than that. It's a lifestyle.

Capturing the Chaos

Funny Dachshund Art | "The Sausage Thief" Dog Lover Gift

As an artist (and a fan of dogs with big personalities), I wanted to create a piece that took that nickname literally. I didn't just want a cute portrait of a Dachshund sitting still—because, let's be honest, that rarely happens.

I wanted to capture the pure, chaotic joy of a successful heist.

About This Piece

This digital painting, which I call the "Sausage Dog Bandit," features a triumphant Doxie in mid-stride. He has managed to secure what appears to be his own body weight in sausages, and the look on his face isn't guilt—it's pure victory.

I focused on the details that define the breed: the flapping ears, the determined little legs, and that specific spark of mischief in the eyes. It's a tribute to the fact that despite their small size, they have huge personalities and an even bigger appetite.

The Perfect Kitchen Companion

This design is meant to bring a laugh to anyone who knows the struggle of keeping food out of reach of a determined low-rider.

I have made this piece available on my Redbubble shop. It makes for hilarious kitchen decor (perhaps a subtle warning to guard your own sausages), and it looks fantastic on aprons, mugs, stickers and t-shirts. Anywhere, anyhow you want to show off your Doxie love!

If you have a friend who is obsessed with their Wiener dog, this is the perfect gift that says, "I get it."

👉 "Funny Dachshund Dog Stealing String of Sausages Art" Sticker

By the way, at any time you can find my work at Redbubble by searching @kornkobart in the Redbubble search bar

Chasing California Gold: Capturing the Antelope Valley California Poppy Super Bloom

2026-01-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

There is a specific kind of magic that happens during a California "super bloom." It doesn't happen every year; the conditions have to align perfectly—enough winter rain, the right temperatures—to wake up the desert. But when it happens, the landscape transforms almost overnight into an endless, undulating ocean of vibrant orange. With the good amount of rain we have had so far this 2025-2026 winter in California, there's a good chance of a 2026 super bloom!

I was lucky enough to witness one of these spectacular events firsthand at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve back in 2010, and the experience has stayed with me ever since, long after the flowers faded.

The Experience of the Bloom

Standing on the trails, surrounded by millions of poppies fluttering in the relentless high-desert wind, is an overwhelming sensory experience. The color is so intense it almost seems to vibrate. And believe me that when I first stepped out of the car, the brilliant reflection of light from the flowers actually hurt my eyes! The hills literally glow as if lit from within. It’s a chaotic, beautiful explosion of life in an otherwise harsh environment.

As a photographer, the challenge isn't finding something to shoot—it's knowing where to focus when everything around you is spectacular. While the sweeping landscape shots capture the scale of the event, I found myself drawn to the intimate details that make up that massive spectacle.

California Poppy Super Bloom at Antelope Valley Reserve

About This Piece

This photograph is my favorite capture from that trip. Amidst the sea of flowers, this single bloom stood out, catching the late afternoon sun perfectly.

I wanted to isolate the subject to highlight the incredible texture of the petals. They have an Almost metallic sheen, drinking in the sunlight against the soft, blurred bokeh of the field behind it. This image captures the raw energy of spring and the delicate resilience of California’s state flower.

Bringing West Coast Sunshine Home

I knew immediately that this image needed to be shared as prints. It is the perfect way to bring a permanent splash of West Coast sunshine into your home, regardless of the season.

I have made this piece, titled "California Poppy Super Bloom at Antelope Valley Reserve," available on my Redbubble shop. It looks particularly striking as a large art print to brighten a hallway, or as a vibrant throw pillow to add a pop of color to a neutral living room.

If you want to own a piece of this fleeting natural phenomenon, you can grab a print via the link below.

California Poppy Super Bloom at Antelope Valley Reserve

View all work in my Redbubble shop by searching @kornkobart in the Redbubble search

The Tail End of the Donkey: A Kiwi Summer Memory

2026-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

NZ Farm Nostalgia — Girls Riding a Donkey

At first glance, this illustration looks like a charming storybook scene — three girls on a donkey ride at sunset, golden light on the hills, native New Zealand cabbage trees (Cordyline australis) standing tall. But for me, it's a direct window into my mother's childhood.

A True Story from Grandad's Farm

Mum and her older sister used to spend their summer Christmas holidays at their grandfather's farm in rural New Zealand. It was the classic Kiwi upbringing — long days outside, freedom to roam, and warm summer evenings.

A neighbor's girl down the road owned a donkey, and naturally, Mum and her sister wanted to ride it. They would pile onto its back for trips down the farm tracks. But there was a distinct pecking order — and my mother, being the youngest of the trio, was always allocated the "tail end."

As the image captures, while the older girls got to face forward and steer, Mum was made to sit right on the donkey's rump, facing entirely the wrong direction. Her job was simply to hold on tight and not slide off as they trotted along.

Holding On Tight

That look of concentration and slight apprehension on the face of the littlest girl at the back? That's Mum just trying to stay on. And in a way, it feels like a small metaphor for how she lived — facing whatever direction life put her in, holding on tight, and getting through.

I hope you enjoy how NZ Farm Nostalgia captures the specific geography of a New Zealand farm at sunset, but even more, how it preserves a funny, very human family story that might otherwise be forgotten — a tribute to those endless summer days at Grandad's.

Available at Redbubble

The image is available in my Redbubble shop in both vertical and horizontal formats to suit different products. If you're looking for something that would make a great companion for a lazy New Zealand summer holiday, this would be the perfect NZ farm life jigsaw puzzle.

👉 NZ Farm Nostalgia Jigsaw Puzzle

View all my work on Redbubble by searching @kornkobart.

Which AI Did a Better Job Finishing This Painting: ChatGPT or Gemini?

2025-12-28T16:37:34.037-08:00

When my friend Raymond Neher passed away, I inherited several of his works, including an unfinished painting depicting a group of people seated on a park bench in New York's Central Park, where Raymond lived for a while before moving to San Francisco. The figures, clothing, and composition were unmistakably Raymond — calm, frontal, emotionally restrained — but large portions of the painting were never completed.

Recently, I decided to run a small experiment. I asked two different AI systems — ChatGPT and Gemini (Nano Banana) — to finish the painting, giving both the exact same prompt:

"This is an unfinished painting by my friend the late Raymond Neher. I inherited this painting when he died. Can you finish the painting in the artist's style?"

What follows is a direct comparison of the results.

The Images (In Order)

Image 1: Photograph of the original unfinished painting by Raymond Neher

The original unfinished painting by Raymond Neher.

Image 2: ChatGPT's finished version

ChatGPT's completion of the painting.

Image 3: Gemini (Nano Banana)'s finished version

Gemini Nano Banana's completion of the painting.

(See end of post for my own completed version.)

The Original Painting: Clearly Unfinished, But Deliberate

Raymond's original painting Sunday Afternoon in Central Park already contains many of the qualities that define his work:

Front-facing figures with quiet, inward expressions
Carefully balanced composition
Flat but intentional color planes
Emotional distance between subjects

What's unfinished is not vague or accidental. The incompletion is specific and structural — background elements, ground plane, and environmental details were only partially realized.

The task wasn't to invent something new. It was to finish what was already implied.

ChatGPT's Version: Actively Completing the Painting

ChatGPT's response shows clear evidence that it treated the painting as an unfinished artwork, not merely a style reference.

What ChatGPT got right

ChatGPT actually addressed the areas that were incomplete in the original painting:

Tree trunk and foliage. The tree trunk is fully resolved, and the leaves are finished in a way that aligns with the painterly logic already present.
Background greenery. The trees and park depth are completed rather than smoothed over, preserving spatial rhythm.
Pigeons. The pigeons on the sidewalk are clearly finished forms, no longer tentative or partial.
Sidewalk realism. The ground plane gains texture, tonal variation, and visual weight, making the figures feel properly grounded in space.

In short, ChatGPT understood that something needed finishing — and attempted to do so.

Where ChatGPT got it wrong

ChatGPT's version is not perfect, and some changes clearly deviate from the original intent:

The woman seated in the center. Her spoon was changed into a poorly rendered ice cream cone, weakening the original gesture.
The man seated at the right. His ice cream cone developed an unnatural elongated extension.
The woman in pink. In the original, she is applying lipstick. In ChatGPT's version, she ends up holding an ambiguous object that looks like a long brown stick.

These mistakes matter. They show that while ChatGPT engaged seriously with the task, it sometimes misinterpreted specific objects and gestures.

Gemini (Nano Banana): Superficial

At first glance, Gemini's version immediately looks less appealing than the original reference image. A closer inspection reveals fundamental problems.

What Gemini failed to do

No meaningful engagement with unfinished elements. The tree trunk, foliage, pigeons, and sidewalk are not meaningfully developed beyond their original unfinished state.
Flattened, desaturated color. Compared to both the original and ChatGPT's version, Gemini's output loses color depth. Greens become muted, skin tones flatten, and the overall image feels dulled and airless.
Loss of painterly presence. The surface feels smoothed and digital, closer to an illustration than a painting.
Style imitation without completion. Gemini echoes the look of the painting but does not resolve its unfinished structure.

The result feels less like a continuation of Raymond's work and more like a generic, mid-century-inspired reinterpretation — competent, but detached.

Final Verdict: ChatGPT Did the Better Job

This experiment wasn't about which image looks "nicer" at a glance. It was about which AI:

Recognized that the painting was unfinished
Attempted to resolve specific incomplete elements
Respected the original artist's compositional logic

Despite its mistakes — and there are real ones — ChatGPT did the better job. It listened to the painting. Gemini largely restated it, and poorly at that.

For a task rooted in finishing a late friend's work with sensitivity and restraint, that distinction made all the difference.

My Completed Version

I spent several hours working from the ChatGPT output to finish Raymond's painting properly. I used Adobe Photoshop (version 27.2.0), Topaz Gigapixel, and Topaz Photo for enlarging, sharpening, artifact and spot removal, noise reduction, and object reinterpretation. To avoid the endless loops you can get into chasing a "perfect" result, I took some minor liberties — for example, it was easier to repaint a new spoon for the woman in the center, who is eating soft-serve ice cream or yoghurt, than to coax the tools into doing it.

Here is my final version, available for purchase as an art print and on other media at my Redbubble shop.

My completed version of Sunday Afternoon in Central Park, available at Redbubble.

I'd like to think Raymond would have approved — or at least argued with me about the spoon.

👉 Sunday Afternoon in Central Park — Art Print

View all my work on Redbubble by searching @kornkobart.

A Silver Fern for New Zealand Aotearoa

2025-12-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Few symbols are as closely tied to New Zealand identity as the silver fern. Simple, strong, and instantly recognisable, it’s a form that carries meaning without needing explanation.

The silver fern is actually the National Symbol of New Zealand (Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand). Did you think New Zealand's national symbol was the kiwi bird? You will be forgiven for possibly thinking that.

This design reinterprets the silver fern in a clean, modern Kiwiana style — sharp leaf geometry, a diagonal stance, and a restrained black-and-silver palette designed specifically for apparel. Arced AOTEAROA and NEW ZEALAND lettering frame the fern without overpowering it, keeping the focus on the symbol itself. Apparel items are on a transparent background to allow you to choose the appropriate color to support the image.

New Zealand Silver Fern Apparel

Like my recent kiwi designs with koru motif pattern, this piece is built to be timeless rather than trendy — something that feels just as right on a t-shirt today as it will years from now.

The silver fern design is now available in my KornKob Art online store at Redbubble across apparel and other merchandise options.

All designs are available in the Kiwiana Collection.

Leave a comment on Redbubble to let me know what you think of this design.

Three Ways to Show You're a Kiwi: A Koru-Inspired Kiwiana Series

2025-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Few symbols are as instantly recognisable as the kiwi bird. Quiet, distinctive, and uniquely New Zealand, it’s an icon that says New Zealand without needing words.

I’ve been working on a small Kiwiana series that reinterprets the kiwi using the koru motif — a form rooted in Māori visual language, symbolising growth, renewal, and connection. The result is a set of three minimalist kiwi designs, each with a slightly different mood, but all designed to work beautifully on apparel.

🌿 The Green Koru Kiwi

Kiwi Design with Koru Motif in Green

The green version feels the most organic and alive. Inspired by native bush and fresh growth, this kiwi is built entirely from unfolding koru forms that follow the natural contours of the bird.

It’s a great everyday design — clean, modern, and unmistakably Kiwiana. The transparent background means it works across a wide range of shirt colours, from warm creams to deep charcoal.

🪶 The Brown Koru Kiwi

Kiwi Design with Koru Motif in Brown

The brown version leans into the natural colouring of the kiwi itself. Earthy and grounded, it feels a little more heritage-inspired — perfect if you like designs that are subtle, warm, and quietly confident.

This one really shines on lighter neutrals and darker bush tones, giving it a timeless, craft-inspired feel.

⚫⚪ The Black & White Koru Kiwi

Kiwi Design with Koru Motif in Black & White

Stripped right back, the black and white version focuses purely on form and rhythm. The koru spirals become graphic and bold, making this the most versatile option of the three.

It works brilliantly on classic black or white tees, and it’s also a strong choice for stickers, notebooks, and wall art.

🇳🇿 Designed as a Set

Although each kiwi works on its own, they were designed as a cohesive trio — the same form, the same koru language, expressed in three different palettes. Whether you prefer colour, earth tones, or pure monochrome, there’s a version that fits your style.

All three designs are:

Minimalist and screen-print friendly
Created on transparent backgrounds
Designed with apparel in mind first

🛍️ Where to Find Them

The full koru kiwi series is available now in my Redbubble shop in the Kiwiana collection, with options across t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more.

If you’re drawn to modern Kiwiana that’s simple, wearable, and rooted in New Zealand symbolism, I think you’ll enjoy this collection.

Gay Pulp Fiction: My Campy "Bareback on the Range" Valentine

2025-12-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Darlings, the drama has finally arrived.

For my latest Valentine’s Day creation, I wanted to lean all the way into pulp-fiction camp. I decided to blend the opulent, moody lighting of a classical Rococo painting with the shameless, sweaty melodrama of vintage gay pulp fiction illustration. The result is pure, unadulterated camp, and I am obsessed with it. I hope you will be too.

Behold our "suffering" hero, draped across luxurious red satin sheets, a martini catching the candlelight nearby. He’s got the back of his hand to his forehead in the throes of absolute agony. Is it true lovesickness? Or just a flair for the theatrical?

But the real punchline of this piece is the mischievous Cupid hovering above. You’ll notice he isn’t looking at the man he’s supposed to be shooting with an arrow. Oh no, Cupid’s eyes are glued to the true source of desire sitting on the bed: that trashy paperback cowboy romance novel, Bareback on the Range.

It’s cheeky, it’s over-the-top, and it captures that perfect intersection of high art and low culture that I love so much. It's the perfect anti-Valentine for anyone who prefers their romance with a side of knowing humor and a cowboy hat. The work is available at my store on Redbubble: KornKob Art - Gay Valentine's Day Greeting Card

Bareback on the Range Valentine

Let me know what you think of this artwork by leaving a comment at Bareback on the Range Campy Art

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Embrace the Melodrama: A Valentine for the Hopelessly Romantic (and Slightly Dramatic)

2025-12-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

Embrace the Melodrama: A Valentine for the Hopelessly Romantic (and Slightly Dramatic)

Let's face it: sometimes modern romance feels a little... flat. Candy hearts and generic drug-store cards don't exactly capture the earth-shattering, heart-stopping intensity of a grand passion.

If your love language is less "mild affection" and more "Victorian novel level devotion," I have the perfect new design for you.

Introducing: The Baroque Cupid

Forget the cutesy cartoon cherubs. We are throwing it back to an era when love was serious business. This design centers around a vintage illustration of Cupid, bow drawn, ready to do what he does best.

But a mythological god of desire needs a proper setting. I’ve encased him in a deeply ornate, classical Baroque frame, rich with heavy gold scrollwork and deep crimson accents. It’s heavy, it’s historical, and it demands attention.

The Message: Slain by Love

The aesthetic is tied together with text that delivers the ultimate declaration of romantic surrender. It doesn't say "Be Mine." It says:

"You sent Cupid to pierce my heart, Now I'm slain"

It is the perfect blend of passion and just the right amount of melodrama.

Who is this for?

This design isn't for a casual crush. It's for:

The Art History buff who swoons over Renaissance paintings.
The devotee of the Dark Academia aesthetic, whose room is full of velvet and old books.
The partner who understands that true love is a glorious, beautiful catastrophe.

Get the Look

While this design was born to be a dramatic greeting card, its rich gold and deep red tones look incredible across a variety of products. It pops beautifully on dark backgrounds, making for stunning posters, pillows, journals, and apparel.

Vintage Cupid card - You sent Cupid to Pierce my Heart

Let me know what you think of my campy, slightly over-the-top design for this Valentine's Day greeting card by posting a comment on Red Bubble at Vintage Baroque Cupid: Slain by Love by Kornkob Art | Redbubble

Vintage Romance: A Timeless Way to Say "You Are My Forever"

2025-12-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

In a world of digital messages and instant texts, there is something incredibly grounding about the vintage aesthetic. For this design, I wanted to turn back the clock and create something that feels like a keepsake you might find tucked away in an old love letter box from the Victorian era.

This greeting card features a classic botanical border of deep red roses and blue violets—symbols of love and faithfulness—set against a soft, antique cream background. But the real charm lies in the details.

I chose a variation of the classic poem that speaks to enduring commitment: "Roses are red, Violets are blue, You are my FOREVER, My one and my true."

To complete the look, I added a delightful illustration of a cherubic Cupid with his bow and arrow right at the bottom. It adds just the right amount of whimsy and nostalgia.

If you want to move away from the bright, neon aesthetic of modern Valentine’s Day aisles and give something with a bit more soul and history, this design is for you. It’s perfect for long-term partners, anniversaries, or anyone who appreciates the romance of the past.

You Are My Forever Valentine

Let me know in the comments if you prefer this vintage style over modern designs!

Find this and other romantic images suitable for Valentine's Day gifts at my KornKob Art Romance Collection at Redbubble

Roses are Red, Love is Love: A Modern Twist on a Classic Poem

2025-12-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue

We all know the classic rhyme. It’s one of the first poems we learn, and it has graced millions of Valentine’s Day cards over the years. But for my latest design, I wanted to take that timeless sentiment and give it a modern, inclusive update that truly celebrates all love.

I started with a traditional aesthetic—a lush, elegant border of deep crimson roses and vibrant blue violets on romantic cream background. But instead of the usual ending, I tweaked the text to read: "Love is Love, And my love is you."

It is a simple change, but it means a lot. Whether you are shopping for a same-sex partner, a spouse of many years, or a new crush, this design is about stripping away labels and focusing on the connection between two people.

This piece is now available in my KornKob Art Redbubble shop. It looks especially crisp on greeting cards and art prints, but I also love how the floral border looks on home decor items such as pillows.

Love Is Love Valentine's Poem

I hope this design helps you tell your special someone exactly how much they mean to you this Valentine's Day!

Gay Romance: Love in the Moonlight

2025-12-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

There is something undeniably magical about a quiet forest at night, especially under the glow of a full moon. For my latest design, I wanted to capture that feeling of intimate solitude—the kind where the rest of the world falls away, and it’s just two people and the beauty of nature.

This new illustration features a silhouette of a gay couple sharing a tender embrace, framed perfectly by a rustic wreath of twisted branches. I added warm, glowing fairy lights to the heart-shaped wreath to create a contrast against the cool, deep blues of the starry sky and the mossy forest floor. It feels like a secret, sacred spot deep in the woods.

I think this piece is perfect for anyone who loves nature or wants a romantic gift that feels a bit more mystical and serene than the standard red hearts and cupid arrows. It’s available now on my Redbubble shop in time for the upcoming Valentine's Day season! Gay romance art

Embracing Gay Couple Art

Let me know what you think of this moodier, magical take on gay romance in the comments below!

Get Your Christmas Gifts Early — Shop my Store on Redbubble (Sale On Now!)

2025-12-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Ugly Christmas Sweater Mashup

It may still feel early in the season, but Christmas has a way of sneaking up quickly — and with worldwide shipping delays still a reality, now is absolutely the time to start ordering your holiday gifts!

I’ve just added a fresh batch of festive designs to my Redbubble store, KornKob, including the cheerful knitted-style Christmas pattern shown above which makes a perfect Christmas card or a fake ugly sweater when printed on a graphic tee-shirt. Whether you’re looking for greeting cards, stickers, puzzles, art prints, home décor, or clothing, there’s something unique and joyful for everyone on your list.

🎄 Why order early?
Redbubble prints each item on demand, which means production + shipping can take a little extra time during the busy holiday rush. Ordering early ensures your gifts arrive before Christmas (and saves you the stress of last-minute delivery worries!).

🎁 Plus: Redbubble is currently running a sale!
It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on holiday cards, grab a few small gifts, or treat yourself to something festive. Many items are discounted — just look for the sale badge across the shop.

✨ Visit my Redbubble shop KornKob here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/johncorney/shop
(Or click through from any product preview on my blog!)

Thank you, as always, for supporting independent artists. Wishing you a cozy, creative, and colorful lead-up to Christmas — and happy early holiday shopping!

Celebrate the Season with Art: My 2025 Christmas Card & Holiday Collection

2025-11-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

As the holidays draw near, I’ve been creating a new series of Christmas cards and festive art prints — each one inspired by the warmth, joy, and spirit of the season. From classic carols to sunny Southern Hemisphere celebrations, this year’s collection brings together the magic of Christmas from every corner of my world.

✨ Highlights from the Collection

“Silent Night, Holy Night” — a peaceful Nativity under a starry sky.

Silent Night
“The Little Drummer Boy – A Gift of Music” — the tender moment when a child offers his song to the newborn King.

Little Drummer Boy
“Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” — glowing, celestial scenes of light and harmony.

Angels We Have Heard On High
Southern Hemisphere Christmas art — Santa surfing at Venice Beach and Kiwi families at the batch (NZ beach holiday home).

A Kiwi Christmas

Each design was created in a warm painterly style, perfect for greeting cards, wall art, and holiday gifts available on my Redbubble store.

🎁 A Celebration of Traditions

From the sacred to the sun-soaked, these pieces celebrate the many ways we experience Christmas — through music, family, and quiet reflection. Whether you love traditional Nativity art or bright coastal Christmas scenes, there’s a design to bring cheer to your home or a smile to someone’s mailbox.

🕯️ Shop the Collection

Browse the full collection now on Redbubble — available as:

Greeting cards
Art prints and posters
Home décor and apparel
Stickers and gift items

Let art be part of your celebration this year. 🌟

Wishing you peace, joy, and creativity this Christmas season.

Claudio at the Beach – A Campy Tribute to Raymond Neher

2025-10-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Claudio at the Beach — original painting by Raymond Neher, beach reimagining by John Corney.

Today I'd like to share a piece with a particular story behind it. The original painting is the work of my late friend Raymond Neher, a San Francisco artist who died in 2004, and whose humour and warmth lived in every brushstroke. When Raymond died, he left me all of his unsold work — a body of paintings I've come to think of as a quiet ongoing trust, to share where I can.

The Painting, and Raymond

Raymond painted this portrait of a former partner of his — a man named Claudio. What I love about it is the gentle joke baked into its composition. The painting is treated entirely seriously: a centred, almost classical portrait, the figure framed by a dark canopy of black umbrella, the gaze level, the bearing dignified. The mirrored aviator sunglasses reflect a blue sky. The straw sun hat with its red band sits squarely on the head. And the figure holds, with quiet ceremony, a bottle labelled "Beach Party Suntan Lotion."

That's the trick of the piece. It's a portrait that takes its subject completely seriously while letting the props do all the smiling. It's camp in the best and most affectionate sense — Raymond clearly enjoyed the man he was painting, and equally clearly knew exactly what he was doing.

After Raymond's death, the original painting eventually made its way to Claudio himself — which felt right; a portrait of a man belongs, in the end, with the man it portrays. What stayed with me was the image, and the affection in it.

Reimagining the Background

The version above is my own small extension of Raymond's work. I've kept Claudio exactly as Raymond painted him — same hat, same shades, same yellow robe patterned with little fish and suns, same suntan lotion held just so — and reimagined the background, replacing the plain pale-blue field with the ocean and clouds the painting always seemed to imply. Claudio, holding suntan lotion and a beach umbrella, was clearly somewhere. I just thought I'd take him there.

I don't know whether Raymond would have made the same choice, but I like to think he'd recognise the spirit of it. Still tongue-in-cheek. Still very Claudio.

Available on Redbubble

This piece is dedicated to Raymond's memory, and to all the artists who infused their work with laughter, love, and light. Prints and products featuring Claudio at the Beach are available at my Redbubble shop.

👉 Claudio at the Beach on Redbubble

You can find all my work at my Redbubble shop, KornKob Art — or search Redbubble for kornkobart (one word).

March of Regression – The Smartphone Age: A Modern Twist on Evolution

2025-10-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

March of Regression

What began as a celebration of progress has now turned into a commentary on our times — March of Regression: The Smartphone Age gives the classic “March of Progress” evolution chart a modern (and slightly tragicomic) ending.

In this witty semi-realistic illustration, the final stage of human evolution stoops forward, head down, eyes glued to a smartphone — oblivious to the tiny terrified poop emoji right beneath the next step. The concept playfully explores how far we’ve come… and what we might have lost along the way.

The painting style is rich and painterly, evoking the feel of vintage educational charts while delivering a modern satirical punch. It’s both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny — a perfect mix for fans of tech humor, social commentary, and clever visual storytelling.

Whether you see it as humor, art, or a mirror of our digital obsession, March of Regression makes a bold statement on tees, prints, and accessories.

👉 Available now on Redbubble — because evolution deserves a sense of humor.

Check out my complete collection of humorous themes in the Humor category on Redbubble

💩 Don’t Tread On Me! — A Fresh Spin on a Classic Warning

2025-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

Don't Tread on Me!

If you thought “Don’t Tread On Me” was serious business, think again!

These cheeky new designs take that famous phrase and gives it a stinky sense of humor. Our terrified little poop character looks up in horror and defiance as a sneaker hovers inches away — a moment frozen in hilarious tension.

These little poop emojis find themselves staring up at an incoming sneaker, seconds away from disaster. The expressions, and sweat drops say it all — “Not again!” Bold text below the scene delivers the punchline: Don’t tread on me! and You'll Regret It!

This design is made to get laughs. Whether you’re gifting a friend with an excellent sense of humor, or you just appreciate a good poop joke (and really, who doesn’t?), this one’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

It’s funny, clean (well, visually at least), and relatable. Who hasn’t had a close call stepping in something you’d rather not? The art style keeps it bold and crisp — perfect for t-shirts, stickers, mugs, and phone cases. Whether you’re a pun lover, a prankster, or just someone with a good sense of humor, this design is sure to bring laughs.

Don't Tread on Me - You'll Regret It

Anyone looking for a yellow shirt to wear to a No Kings! protest might find the "You'll Regret It" version to their liking. Select the graphic tee version for a yellow background.

Available now on Redbubble for tees, stickers, mugs, and more — because everyone needs a reminder: watch your step!

Visit my Redbubble Store to order "Don't Tread On Me!" poop emoji or the more defiant Don't Tread on Me! You'll Regret It! on your favorite merchandise

Announcing the Diwali Whimsy Collection: Light, Color & Celebration

2025-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

As the nights grow longer and we prepare for festive lights and warm gatherings, I’m thrilled to introduce my Diwali Collection — a set of patterns inspired by the brilliance, warmth, and joy of Diwali.

All across the world, Hindus will celebrate Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) on October 20, 2025.

It’s the heart of a five-day festival of lights, where homes glow with diyas, rangoli (mandala) colors decorate doorsteps, and families come together to celebrate hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. The Times of India+1

✨ What’s in my Diwali Whimsy Collection

From the quiet glow of a diya (small oil lamps) to the playful pattern of petals and light bursts, this collection captures both elegance and movement. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:

Diwali Glow – Celebration of Light — a centered diya and mandala design with soft gradients

Diwali Glow - Celebration of Light
Diwali Fire & Light – Bursting with Motion — energetic compositions of sparks, petals, and radiance

Diwali Fire & Light – Bursting with Motion
Diwali Whimsy – Artisanal Elephants & Peacocks — a folk-art style pattern with iconic Indian motifs

Diwali Whimsy – Artisanal Elephants & Peacocks
Festival Whimsy – Diya & Mandalas — a lighter, airy pattern of diyas, lotus blossoms, mandalas, and stars

Festival Whimsy - Diya & Mandalas

Many of the designs have been created with a transparent background, allowing them to adapt beautifully to a range of apparel colors.

Whether you're shopping for festive clothing, décor, or accessories, I hope this collection brings a sense of warmth, radiance, and joy into your life — and into the lives of those you gift it to.

Thank you so much for supporting my work. Whatever your beliefs, let’s light up the holiday season together!

Visit my collection of Diwali art and merchandise.