Funny story. We were traveling up north on I-75 in lower Georgia when we were directed off the interstate—it had been completely shut down going both directions. Without any signs or knowledge where we were going to get on it again, we followed the stream of cars north on US-41. Several miles along we passed by this empty lot with two signs sticking out of the ground, one a Shell sign, the other a crumpled up mess with some neon. Excited, I told my family that when we come back down we need to look for it again and pull over to take reference shots. I had no idea what exit we got off at, so I had to guess. Fortunately, my family is very forgiving when it comes to sign chasing. We did come back and find it. So curious, I always wondered how on earth that arrow sign became so twisted! Bonus for me, I have seen no other images of this from other mid-century sign enthusiasts.
I've gone back and forth on the composition to choose just the right balance and the right background. Many times over I edit, and also find that telephone lines can help or hinder the balance. In this case, some of the lines stayed. The most difficult part of this painting was actually the background gradient. It had to be built up to the right color and slowness of gradient. There comes a point with watercolor where the paper will no longer hold any more paint (which is why I tend to use Arches paper.)
This piece has done well so far as exhibiting goes. Transparent watercolor on Arches 300 lb cold press watercolor paper.
Original unavailable until November.
Exhibition History: Signs of a Recent Past Solo Exhibition, Cultural Activities Center, Temple, TX, 2020. Texas & Neighbors 35th Regional Exhibition, Irving Arts Center (Online), Irving, TX, 2020, First Place Award in Watercolor. 2nd Primary Colors Online July Exhibition, Featured online through 2025, LightSpaceTime Online Gallery, 2020, Honorable Mention in Painting. Signs of a Recent Past Solo Exhibition, Vivé Les Arts Theatre, Killeen, TX, 2020. Water Media National Juried Exhibition, Dallas Metro Arts Contemporary gallery, Plano, TX, 2020.