Napkin Art Studios Year-in-Review 2006.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

17 December 2006

THIS JUST IN...look for my work to grace the presence of Art-O-Mat machines in the VERY near future. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, click here.

12 December 2006

Well...the year is quickly coming to a close and the workload doesn't seem to lighten up any. Everyone is in a mad rush to purchase holiday gifts and whatnot. Even though Christmas is just a few days away, I'm already looking toward 2007. I have a couple of galleries I'll be working close with the first few months, concentrating on some, what I think will be very important work, in the arsenal of what I do best. March 10, 2007 will see the opening of my latest exhibition, "Buy War Bonds" at Carrie Garner's Galleria d'Arte, an event that you won't want to miss.

I also feel its time to really broaden my portfolio, and perhaps go into deeper territory with my paintings. I'm not quite sure what direction to take, so I suppose I'll let the work progress on its own. I still have many new paintings to post on the site, but I think I'll wait awhile until it gets closer to March. Don't want to spoil the party...Anyhoo, I hope everyone reading this has a very Merry Christmas (or other holiday) and a Happy New Year. 2006 has been a really great year for me. I hope 2007 is just as good, if not better. Happy Holidays!

23 Novemeber 2006

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope everybody out there in the world has a great holiday, spending time with family and friends, and stuffing themselves full o' carbs to gear up for the marathon shopping on 'Black Friday'. With that said, if you happen to find yourself in the Nashville, TN area, The Arts Company now has in stock Series 2 of Napkin Art Studios' Micro POP pieces. I created about 40 new pieces for them for the holiday season, which you can get a sneak peak here. It may take me a few days to post all of the individual images, but you can see sneak peek thumnails of each one. I'm also doing some special edition ones for select friends and family, and will probably continue the tradition every year. Coming soon, I'll deliver the Micro POP batch for Carrie Garner's Galleria d'Arte in McKinney, TX. These babies have become quite popular since their debut in September 2006, I may just have to give up all my other paintings and concentrate on Micro POP...nah...prob not. They are highly collectable and really inexpensive. They also make for great stocking stuffers, too! But anyhoo...

In other news...the next show has been scheduled at Galleriai d'Arte. The show is slated to open March 10th, the second Saturday of the month. The theme: "BUY WAR BONDS". A few new works from the series are posted in the paintings section, but look for future editions to appear in the upcoming weeks. This promises to be a HUGE show! I'll post more info/ideaology behind the theme later. So...with that said, enjoy digesting all the turkey and football. I'll see you guys again soon.

16 November 2006

Ahhh yes...the holidays are quickly approaching, and that means Micro POP: Series 2 is now available! The Micro POP works will now be available exclusively through two of my favorite art galleries: The Arts Company in Nashville, TN, and Carrie Garner's Galleria d'Arte in McKinney, TX (visit the 'shop' for more details.) Frankly, they get more foot traffic than I get web traffic, so it was a 'no-brainer' decision. If you are interested in carrying the Micro POP line in your gallery, please contact me here. I'll post a sneek peek of 'em soon. If you can't get your hands on a Micro Pop piece from your favorite gallery, you can still see them on the site. And speaking of Micro POP...holiday orders are being taken for customized pieces. Order by December 10th and you'l have it in time for Christmas. Just tell me what you want on your piece, and I'll cook it up for ya. (Offer limited to the first 10 people only! Limit one per person/per household.) $15.00 covers your piece and shipping. Not a bad deal for one-of-a-kind art, huh? May the holiday shopping marathon commence!

02 November 2006

Busy, busy, busy. That's the usual routine around these parts. Not much to update on the arts scene right now, but I do have some new paintings in the works. I'm sort of in a experimental phase, at the moment, so I'm sort of taking the time to test out the new work, and see what kind of response it gets. Other than that, nothing new. BUT...I did want to take the time to gloat about the last couple of days of all the great live music that I've heard over the last few days. My friend Andrew and I cruised down to New Orleans this past weekend for Voodoo Fest, taking in the great weather, atmosphere and music. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were on top of their game, closing out Saturday's festivities with an exciting jam with The Meters. Social Distortion rocked their heavy guitars and graveled vocals for about an hour; top notch punk rock with a twist. You gotta love anyonbe who can pull off Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" with that kind of ferocity. On Sunday, we were treated to a great set by Pete Yorn, Kings of Leon and one of my favorites, The Flaming Lips! The Lips are the only band I can think of since Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention that has that kind of 'circus' on stage. The set was covered with women in alien costumes, men in santa get-ups, super heros galore, and all of the confetti and ballons you could ever want. Wayne Coyne, the Lips' frontman, came out into the crowd in his clear plastic bubble, oftentimes standing in glory at the scene that was going down. We skipped out on Duran Duran (boo hoo) to head back home.

Last night (Wednesday the 1st) my girlfriend and I went down to The Gypsy Ballroom in Dallas to catch an evening with Beck. How tickets were only $12.00 a pop, I'll never know, but I wasn't going to complain. Hands down that show was the best concert I've attended. The crowd was just wild for the hour and forty-five minute set, rocking out to new material off his latest album, "The Information", and treating us screaming fans to instant classics from his back catalogue. I even managed to snap a few pics on my camera phone, even though photography was 'not allowed.' (See below.) I could go on and on about the show, but I'd rather just save the best moments for myself. Did I mention that actor Giovani Ribisi was present?!? He dawned a crazy Hank Williams Sr. cowboy get-up, complete with vintage Sears & Roebuck guitar and aviator shades. I'm still buzzing over how good that show was! So anyhoo...that about does it. I need to get back to the canvas, now.

15 October 2006

So..."Good Rockin' Tonight" at The Arts Company in Nashville, TN came down this past Friday, and from what I can tell, it was a complete success! Thanks to Anne Brown & Co., Bob Gray and Bill Steber for one fantastic show. I look forward to working with all of you again really soon. There will continue to be work from me circulating at The Arts Company for a while, so stop by the gallery when you are in town, or check them out on their website, here. My work can also be purchased directly through their gallery. And speaking of art galleries, my work will also be represented by Fine Art & Artists Gallery in Washington, DC. Look for my work to appear there sometime before December. (The holidays are quickly approaching, y'know...) Check out their website for more info about the gallery. Trust me...you'll want to! I'll be in some good company with their gallery. In other updates...things are really starting to pick up with work again. Series 2 of the Micro Pop pieces are underway (after a much-needed work break), I'm in talks with some people about doing a really cool rock n' roll mural (more details as they develop) for a business opening up here in Dallas soon, and work for my next show at Carrie Garner's Galleria d'Arte is underway. The show is tentively entitled "Buy War Bonds", but that could change if I get a better title idea soon. Any ideas to share with me? The show is slated for a March 2007 opening, but no date has been set in stone as of yet. I'll keep everyone posted, though. With that said...

If anyone was looking into having some custom artwork created by your's truly, and you want it before Christmas, there may be some difficulty in delivering on time. I'm pretty much booked up through the rest of the year, so if you aren't in a hurry, hit me up, and we can discuss details. The e-mail address is on the 'info' page.

03 October 2006

So...we are making some changes to the website to accomodate all the new work that has yet to be posted. Instead of scrolling down one page for miles and miles to see new stuff, some sub-page links are being created, i.e. the "Blues N' Booze" series. I realized all that work was starting to take over the 'painting' page, and it was getting a bit crazy. With that said, the 'Blues N' Booze' paintings have moved. You'll find the link at the bottom of the 'painting' page. And speaking of paintings, don't forget to check the 'archives' periodically for other stuff. Paintings that are not posted on the main page will be in the archives. The 'info' page will get a make-over here soon, with more links to be added. October looks to be a busy month for Napkin Art Studios, so keep yer' eyes peeled for more new tricks and treats.

29 September 2006

"Routine In Stereo: Life Presented in 3D" came down today at the CCA in Abilene, TX. I understand there was a great turnout over the course of the show, and thanks to everyone who came out to show the love! This summer has proven to be a very productive one, and a very successful one, as well.

Not much else to report, at the moment. Just taking it easy and recharging the batteries, so to speak. For those who want to relive the "Routine in Stereo" experience, click here. Also, I've created some new goodies through Cafe Press, so check 'em out here. As Comedian Dave Attell would say, "Get some sleep."

22 September 2006

I've been invited by Carrie Garner's Galleria d'Arte in McKinney, TX to be a resident artist, which would keep at least 3-4 new works in constant rotation in the gallery. I'm truly honored by the invitation. These are great people to work with! Check out their website at www.carriegarner.com.

20 September 2006

It's official...my summer has finally come to an end. Maybe a little later than most, but the opening of my Nashville show, "Good Rockin' Tonight" officially marks the end of summer for me. The trip down there was fantastic! My buddy Andrew, and my girlfriend, Cara, made the trip down there with me. We stopped in Memphis along the way, to savor their famous bbq, and to see what I like to call 'Mecca', Sun Records Studio. We got the guided tour, saw many Sun 45s that I wanted to steal for myself, and got to see the tiny recording studio that sits at 706 Union Ave. To think that Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King and James Cotton (to mention but a few) walked through those doors and made all of those famous recordings. I've alway imagined Sun Studios to be as big as the largest cathedral the world has ever seen, since the importance of that place is just as big. But alas...it's not. It's still a site to be seen, though. (Check out some of the pics below that we took.) I also got to finally meet Bob Gray and Bill Steber, the other two artists I'm showing with. Not only are they talented artists, but they are also the friendliest and most kind-hearted people you will ever meet. I felt like I gained new friends, rather than artists contacts. Gray, Bill, their friends and family, as well as the Arts Company Staff made us feel very welcome, and were a pleasure to be around. I hope we will all be able to get together again for another show in the near future.

It was a fun trip, to say the least. I don't think I've ever worked this hard, but the pay-off was well worth it. I'm still going through photos, but I may try to post a few more from the trip soon. Until Next time...

09 September 2006

Hoooooooly Cow! The first run of Napkin Art Studios' "Micro POP' pieces are now completely SOLD OUT! I didn't think it was possible, but it is. I guess it will take me a while to replenish the stock, but there will be more pieces to come soon. Look for 'Micro POP: Series 2' to come out just in time for the holidays.

Napkin Art Studios is now offering limited edition post-card sized prints available exclusively through the shop. Each print measures 4" x 6", suitable for framing or mailing, and is limited to only 250 copies each. New (as of yet decided) prints will become available after every month or so, so keep yer eyes peeled for those. Limited edition print sets will also be availble closer to the holidays, too.

The Nashville show, now officially titled "Good Rockin' Tonight" opens Sept. 16th with other featured artists Gray & Bill Stebber. Click here to read the press release. I made the trip down there to deliver all of my artwork last weekend, and it was a long drive. Thnakfully, the weather was nice, and the CD player was still working great the whole way, not to mention that gas prices were cheaper, too. Look for photos from the opening when I get back! -Ciao.

01 September 2006

The spirit of 'Micro POP' saves the day! I received word from family members that my uncle, Patrick Kimbrell, was finally reunited with his 4 year-old daughter, Madeline, after being missing since December 2005. I just want to thank everyone for their support, prayers and positive vibrations for making this a dream-come-true for my uncle and our family. Fret not, though..."Micro POP" will still be around, for those of you who want good art for a swell and inexpensive price. More pieces will be posted soon. I just need a little bit of a break from the crazy summer show schedule.

In other news...new stuff will be added to the Napkin Art Studios Store within the next couple of days. In the meantime, you can check out our Cafe Press store for new shirts and other swell merch. I'm packing up the truck to head off for Nashville, TN on Sunday, since I couldn't find a trucking company willing to deliver my art. Oh well...I sort of like road trips, anyway. "Until we meet again. Don't know where. Don't know when."

23 August 2006

Believe it or not, the work for "We're Rockin' Tonight" (formerly known as "Good Rockin' Tonight"...not sure on the change, but oh well) is almost complete. As of today, I still lack about six piece to finish the minimum, but I think I can squeeze in enough for a full twenty paintings. I'm not as stressed about this show as I was for the "Blues N' Booze" show. Don't know why on that one. either, but something seems to be working out ok. I'll just keep pressing on until I run out of steam, I suppose. "We're Rockin' Tonight" opens September 16, 2006, and I'll have pics from that show posted when I return. Below is a sample image of the 'Skip James' painting that will be included in the show. Until the new work is posted enjoy the photography from the 3D photo exhibit,"Routine In Stereo: Life Presented in 3D." There is even a link at the bottom to read the review from the Abilene Reporter News. "Open Edition" prints are available, as well. If you have a pair of 3D glasses handy, you'll be able to get the 3D effect on screen. If not, well...you can still enjoy the pics, but you're missing out.

"Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" (Skip James) / 16" x 16" / Mixed Media on Wood / *From the "Blues N' Booze" Series.

14 August 2006

Well, well well...What a fun weekend that was! Two art show openings in two days. What more could you ask for? Photos, I suppose (see below.) Many pieces were sold (thank heavens) during both shows, and many people came out to check out the latest work, drink themselves silly, and have an all-around good time. I even managed to raise a good chunk of change for the "Madeline Kimbrell Investigation Fund." It was a great opportunity to get my name and work out there, make some cash, some contacts, and have an evening or two to relax before I have to dive head first into the 'Nashville' show. So, check out the pics from both the "Routine In Stereo" and "Blues N' Booze" shows. For those who came out to 'represent', thank you very much. Everyone's love and support means a lot. Click on the thumb nail image for a larger pic.

05 August 2006

The "micro POP" pieces have finally been listed in the 'shop' section, so check 'em out. Some have already been sold within the first couple of days of listing them, and for that I am grateful! This just means that my uncle is one step closer to finding his missing 4-year-old daughter, Madeline. See the remaining 'micro POP' works of art here. More will be added as they are created, and will continue to be offered until Madeline is brought home safely. For more info on her situation, please see the link in the previous entry.

01 August 2006

Busy, busy, busy is all I can say right now. The "Routine In Stereo: Life in 3D" show is being hung as I write this, I'm wrapping up 'production' on the "Blues N' Booze" show, yet I still have a lot of work left to do for the "Good Rockin' Tonight" show in Nashville. The pieces for the 'Blues N' Booze" show are starting to shape up nicely. As I compare the original three that were done back in January, I can see much progression in my painting. It's amazing to see what unfolds as the series continues. Invitations have been mailed out today for that show. If you want to join the Napkin Art Studios mailing list, just drop me an e-mail with all of our contact info, and I'll add you to the list.

In other news...there is much concern going on right now in my family with the disappearance of my 4-year-old cousin, Madeline Kimbrell. She's been missing from my uncle Patrick for about 8 months now, and all of our friends and family are desperately trying to locate her, and bring her home safely. I'm setting up a benefit to help raise money for legal and investigation fees by offering original works of art...what I like to call 'Micro Pop'. These are tiny works of art (about the size of a pack of cigarettes) that feature various images. Each piece will run about $10.00 and all proceeds will go to www.findmaddy.com. I'm going to try to offer them through the "Blues N' Booze" show, as well as this site and my Myspace page. Take 'em anywhere you want. They're tiny and all original. Hey...$10.00 is a steal, and the purchase helps out for a good cause. I'll be posting those works on the 'shop' page in the next few days, so please check back soon.

20 July 2006

Things are certainly heating up in Big-D...100+ degrees in this lovely Texas Summer Heat. But that's not the only thing heating up. No Sir. I'm currently working on new work for, count them...THREE SHOWS! Of course, if you've been following along all summer, you know that "Blues N' Booze" opens at Galleria d'Arte in McKinney, TX on August 12th, as well as "Good Rockin' Tonight" in Nashville at the Arts Company on Sept. 16th. But...did you know about "Routine In Stereo: Life Presented in 3D" at the Center For Contemporary Arts in Abilene, TX? Yes...a new show back in my old stompin' grounds. The show opens August 8th, with a reception to follow Friday, August 11th from 6-8pm. "Routine By Stereo" explores everyday life in three dimensions, whether it be an action or element in life. They are looking really great, and I can't wait to see them all up on the walls. Take a look at some of the sample images...

"Clean"

"Particulate"

Come by and see this one. I think It's gonna be a smash. I have approximately one week to complete everything to be framed, so keep your fingers crossed that I make it. After the opening week, I'll post all of the images from the show, including some that can only be seen exclusively on this site. (Hey...gives you an excuse to come back for more!) In other developements, I have some new paintings to post, but those will be posted soon. I'm extremely busy, at the moment, but hope to get a break really soon.I hope everyone is having a swell summer so far, and I'll keep everyone posted with updates soon. Ciao for now!

09 July 2006

Ok...plug time. So, this past weekend I was able to purchase art for the first time in several years! I like to buy good art from good people and great artists. Check out Andrea Heimer's art and website. Look for her on Myspace, too. This is the piece I purchased, entitled "Crying Girl" (Acrylic on Canvas - 2006).

Also, today marks exactly one month before my opening night of "Blues N' Booze" at Galleria d'Arte in McKinney, TX. I actually went to the opening of this month's artist, Justin Hunt, who does bad-ass paintings of musicians in acrylic paint on glass. The neat thing was that they were framed in old windows and doors. The presentation of them made them spectacular. Some of the portraits featured in the show were The Beatles ('A Hard Day's Night' era), Janis Joplin, Charlie Parker, Billie Holliday, Elliot Smith, Radiohead, Charles Mingus and John Coltrane (just to name a few). I got to meet Justing and talk with him for a few minutes. He seemed really cordial and shared a lot about his work. I just hope that my show is as well-received as his was tonight. Wish me luck, all. In other news, I'm looking into buying a stained glass business for myself. Whether that happens or not is to be determined. I'll keep you posted. I also have many new paintings in the works for both upcoming shows, so as soon as they are complete, I'll post them here on the site. last, but certainly not least, I'll have some new goodies available in the Napkin Art Shop come mid-August, so keep your eyes peeled for that one. Hope everyone had a good 4th!

21 June 2006

The Arts Company show now has a title: "Good Rockin' Tonight: A Tribute To The Blues & Rock N' Roll." Not only is it a nod to the legacy of Sun Records, but it will also pay homage to the musicians that helped bridge the gap between blues and popular music. You''l definitely see many of my favorite blues musicians in the show, but also some of my favorite country and western, as well as rock n' roll players. For anyone who likes music, this may be a show you'll enjoy seeing. And for those of you 'fans' who would like to have an invitation to this or the "Blues N' Booze" show, please e-mail me with your mailing address, and I'll be sure an invitation is sent out to you. In other news, both the "Woody Guthrie" and "(Big Bill) Broozny" pieces have sold through The Arts Company, thanks to Ms. Anne Brown, whom I'd like to thank for her support. Also, I want to thank GrayArt for pointing me in her direction. I feel as though I definitely have had my 'big break.'

Napkin Art Studios now has a new home...still in the Dallas area, but further East in Mesquite. I like it here. The people are friendly, there's good food to eat around these parts, and you can still find vinyl records. What more could you want?

16 May 2006

The 'Blues N' Booze' show has been bumped up to open on August 12. Also, the show at The Arts Company in Nashville, TN has been scheduled to open September 16th with photographer Bill Steber and GrayArt. (Check 'em out!) Now, I just have two words: "ROAD TRIP!" More details to come soon.

12 April 2006

The "Blues N' Booze" series is set to be featured at the Galleria d'Arte in McKinney, Texas (September 9th), as well The Arts Company in Nashville, TN (tentatively in October.) Both shows will feature new originals of Blues Legends Robert Johnson, Son House, Blind Willie McTell, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, R.L. Burnside and more. So far, the series has been well-received, and may only continue to gather praise, as more works are developed. All originals will be moderately inexpensive, and will make for a good opportunity for new art collectors to start building up a unique collection. (With the two shows being scheduled, no new painting commissions will be taken/delivered until after November 1, 2006.)

Oddly enough, I've been getting requests to do some T-shirt art for several bands around the USA. I'm all for that. If any of you guys and gals need promotional / album artwork, let me know. I'm cheap. Heck, I may just want a free album and / or T-shirt out of the deal, and an art credit. So hit me up!

Also, for those of you who are wondering...no new developments with the Butterfly Artworks Tattoo Shop/Art Gallery as of yet. I'll post info once I get info.

24 March 2006

My buddy Andrew gazing upon my latest work at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, during the 'New School' Exhibition Artists Reception on March 19th.

08 March 2006

Some new goodies in the archives! Check 'em out. Also, the blog page has been replaced with a link for my MySpace blogs. I felt it a little redundant to keep up with two separate blog pages. Ah...such is life.

03 March 2006

Here are some pics from the 'New School' exhibition at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, courtesy of Van Moore, BFAC Director.

See my 'Woody Guthrie" Piece on the far right? See it here in the painting archives.

The invitation for the two current shows at the BFAC.

I think everything looks fabulous. I can't wait until I get to see everything for myself, upclose and personal. BTW...anyone interested in attending the artist reception, it's Sunday, March 19 from 1-3pm. All of the 'genius talent' behind this show will be there to welcome you with open arms.

28 February 2006

"The New School" show opens today in Breckenridge, TX, and I hope it's received well by the 'West Texas' public. In other news...still no official word on 'Butterfly Artworks' opening anytime soon, but stay tuned to the news (if there is any...) Over the next few months, there will be some changes to the website, as well as some cool new offerings from Napkin Art Studios. Plans are in the works to offer more exclusive merchandise, like postcards, t-shirts and prints. (I'm taking matters into my own hands, folks!) Also, I'll be putting work up for sale on the website, after the end of March, so keep your lovely eyes peeled. And...if you were looking to see my lastest work from the 'Blues N' Booze' series, they have moved into the 'Paintings' section. Cheerio!

24 February 2006

This just in...

16 February 2006

Here's the information on the Breckenridge, TX show: "The New School: Seven Young Artist Members of The Center For Contemporary Arts" - February 28-April 28, 2006 @ Breckinridge Fine Arts Center (207 N. Breckenridge Ave. / Breckenridge, TX ) Artist Reception: March 19, from 1-3pm. Call (254) 559-6602 for more info, or e-mail them for details. You can also check them out on the web at www.breckenridgefineart.org

Also, click here for some of the 'Close Cover Before Striking' show pics.

13 February 2006

"Close Cover Before Striking" is now open, and runs through March 11. The response has been pretty good, so far. I'll be at the show on Feb. 17 to talk about the work, answer any questions, and just hang out for the night. Also, got some new shirts available with the 'Red Fez Brand' label (as will be seen on a limited edition Zippo soon!) Check out cafepress.com for the exclusive shirts...and buy one, too.

10 February 2006

My Metroplex Art Debut ("Close Cover Before Striking") is about to begin at ArtSix Coffeehouse in Denton, TX (Feb. 13-March 11), so to kick things off, here is a preview of what you will see at the show. Hope everyone can stop by. Have a cup of Joe and help support local arts!

27 January 2006

The work just doesn't stop. I'm just about to wrap on production on my pieces for the 'Close Cover Before Striking' show at ArtSix Coffeehouse, Inc. in Denton, Texas, so be sure to stop by when it opens. (See ad below for details.) Also,Ii'm currently working on stuff for a show in conjunction with established artists Nic Noblique www.nobliquestudios.com in Breckenridge, Tx. Dates for that show will be posted soon. All I know is that I have to be finished by Feb. 20! No pressure there...

17 January 2006

New blog coming soon!

15 January 2006

Two words: therapy. (If you've seen 'So I've Married An Axe Murderer', you get the reference.) Yes folks...therapy is what I need, because I can't seem to put down the brush, nor can I stop thinking about art for five minutes. I'm about to start on my next two series of works, and get away from the easy beat of transfer printing. (It's so much fun, but gets really expensive, really fast.) I'm about to start the "Blues n' Booze" and "Pulp" series of paintings. "Blues n' Booze" is a tribute to the Blues greats, like Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin' Wolf and the like, while "Pulp" is a throwback to the great pulp novel covers from the 1940s and 1950s. The bluesman portraits will echo the portrait style that I have been working at for the last few years, while the pulp novel pieces will attempt to recreate the signature look that most of those cover artists did so well. Portraits are easy. Pulp-era art will be the challenge. You'll see them here first, folks. I have no plans to produce prints based on these pieces, but more than likely, prints will be available. Stay tuned. Ps...new stuff in the archives.

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Thanks for stopping by. New info is always being posted on a regular basis, so come by again soon!

-Jonathon Kimbrell. STAY SWELL!

©2006-2007 Jonathon Kimbrell. All Rights Reserved.