An original oil painting inspired by the Oscar ® winning movie, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" .

Painting created by Eternal Sunshine artist Paul Proch ®

	In January, 2005, I was the lucky winning bidder on Paul Proch's eBay auction.  OK, so luck really wasn't a factor.  I bid $1,000 and got it for $510.  He was auctioning off his creativity by offering to paint or sketch anything the winner wanted.  Since Eternal Sunshine is my favorite movie and Paul did much of the artwork for that movie, I thought it would be a cool idea to have him paint my favorite scene from ES.  Little did either of us know at the time that this project would turn into an 8 month labor of love (?).   I'm sure Paul feels like he was in labor for 8 months!  It was definitely worth the anticipation, as you are invited to share the intimate details of the only known Paul Proch ES oil painting on the planet.  Click on the thumbnails for a much larger view.  Enjoy!
	This first picture is an overall view of the painting.  If you own the DVD, the scene I chose is right at the end of Chapter 14, or for those of you who like specifics, it runs from 1:14:36 -1:15:44.  This is where Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey are running on a snow-covered beach in Montauk, NY.  Two random thoughts about the painting:  1.  After Paul finished it, it took 6 months for the paint to dry properly!  2.  The frame wasn't part of the original auction.  I asked Paul to find me the perfect one which cost an extra $250.
	If you've seen the movie, you know that the beach house in Montauk plays a significant role in the plot.  Paul did a fantastic job capturing the house, the yard and the white picket fence.  The original 11" X 14"  painting turned into a "14 X 17" piece because Paul wasn't pleased with the quality of the detail in the smaller size.  "Hmmm, lucky me!"
	Except for conveying to Paul my initial idea for the project, I asked him to keep the details secret as to not spoil the surprise before I actually received it.  He did tell me he managed to somehow work in the movie's most memorable line.  I think it's brilliant what he came up with!
	What the hell is a statue doing in the sand?  On February 27th, 2005 during the Academy Awards, Charlie Kaufman , Michel Gondry and Pierre Bismuth were presented with Oscars for Best Original Screenplay for ES.  I e-mailed Paul the next day and said it sure would be funny to stick an Oscar in the painting......and he did!
	In the actual movie scene, Clementine had orange hair and a blue jacket on, but I wanted to include her "Blue Ruin" hair color and infamous orange sweatshirt, which defined Clem so well and earned Kate Winslet an Oscar nomination.  If you look closely at their expressions, Clem looks happy but Joel looks worried because he knows that this memory is also being deleted by the "eraser guys".
	Another Paul Proch surprise that he kept secret from me until I received the painting:  If you look closely at the snow-covered sand, you can see that Paul mixed in real sand with the paint!  Could it be Montauk sand or sand from an ashtray near the side entrance of the Sheraton Hotel on 7th Avenue and 53rd street in New York City?  I may never know the answer!
	The inscription reads:  For Neil - May your eternal search bring you the enlightenment you seek! - Paul Proch  Feb. 14, 2005    The final ironic twist is that Paul dated it February 14th ---  Valentine's Day -- which also holds special meaning to the ES storyline.
	My painting is now "well hung" in my living room, illuminated by a lamp at night.  It really does make a great conversation piece, not to mention a very effective chick magnet!  "You know Paul Proch??!!"  To which I reply, "Well, he painted me a painting once........"
	New for 2009!   Paul  sent me  some real sand from Montauk State Beach to add to my painting.  Well, I'm assuming that's were he got it.  I haven't seen any stinkin' certificate of authenticity yet.  For all I know, he could have scooped it out of an ashtray in front of some 3 -star hotel in The Bronx !   Anyway, with Paul's instructions and blessings, I got the need supplies (white oil and a paint brush) and finally worked up enough courage to dab a few spots of the painting with a mixture of the oil and sand .  I think it came out pretty good.  And now I'm an Arteeeeest too!  I think I'll paint my kitchen next.
	Close-up of Montauk sand by Oscar statue.
	Final updated picture.  Paul is available for commissioned work.  He's trying to save up enough money to purchase the new Sarah Palin calendar.  Unless you hire him, he might not be able to afford it until the end of the year, which renders the calendar useless.  Much like Sarah Palin.  You can e-mail Paul here.