This is a collection of 81 original works created by the legendary actor and artist Peter Falk. The following is the background of the charcoal drawings and how I, a fellow artist, happened to have the privilege of working alongside Peter Falk as he created this wonderful grouping of figurative gesture drawings and notations ....

In 1987 one of my painting instructors at the Art Students League in New York referred me to Carnegie Hall for a painting studio that became available. It was a coveted opportunity because the studios were rare. In 1990 I was considering traveling for two months and there were few artists I knew who could afford to take over the space. I thought of Peter Falk, whom I had met while studying at the Art Students' League, and sent him a letter to see if he might be interested. He got back to me that while he would not be able to take it over for the two months he would like the opportunity to draw from the model in Carnegie Hall. That is how, for a one week period in 1990, Peter Falk and I happened to share my painting studio and expenses for models. When he left he gave me his 18" x 24" figurative charcoal drawings, a total of 83, in two drawing pads of newsprint. I received a check with Peter Falk's signature for his portion of the models' fees. We worked together during the week of May 16th, 1990 - I know this exact time period because Peter Falk and I discussed the May 16th passing of Sammy Davis, Jr..

While working in my studio he made or received phone calls from, I believe, his agent. During the phone conversations he made notations and drawings on the newsprint pads he was using for the model. The drawings may be described as doodles and the notations include phone numbers, names and rating comparisons related to Columbo for NBC, ABC and CBS. After many years 'Columbo' was just coming back into production and rehearsal. For purposes of authenticity this is remarkably fortunate because his notations establish Peter Falk's handwriting and provide an amazing connection between the actual production of Columbo and his art.

The Studios of Carnegie Hall were an historic haven for creative talent until recently when all the artist/ tenants were forced to leave. A film released in 2010 titled 'Lost Bohemia' chronicles this event and delves into the many famous artists and dancers who had their studios there. I believe Peter Falk was aware of Carnegie Hall's legendary artist's studios and wanted to experience its energy. I am so fortunate to have been a part of such a magical community and environment particularly now because of the forced artistic exodus. The background - 'provenance' - of how the Peter Falk drawings came to be also brings to light the rich creative history of Carnegie Hall. And it includes the historic Art Students League - both further establishing Peter Falk as a fine artist.

The emergence of so many iconic entities: Peter Falk, Columbo, The Art Students League and Carnegie Hall I believe make this collection of beautiful figurative gesture drawings extraordinary and significant. The entire collection has been authenticated by the Estate of Peter Falk. 

I've had the drawings now for 22 years and, while I will be keeping several, would like to make them available to Peter's fans and fans of Columbo - although the two are certainly very similar. I was personally struck by how much of Columbo I saw in Peter for the brief time I
spent with him in my studio.

It was a delight and privilege to work alongside Peter Falk and to bear witness to his incredible dedication and talent .... and beautiful, creative spirit. - May 14, 2012 

For further information please contact us at 847-420-5189