Whir Pool
12 x 12 inches
acrylic on canvas
Fern's is an old motel on Route One in Saugus. And while this is not a super old sign, it still maintains a somewhat vintage look to me. People frequently ask me why I choose the signs and buildings to paint that I do. It's hard to say exactly why. Often it is a sign that catches my eye - and most signs that I like are old and - especially - NEON!! I love vintage lettering and graphics - the new signs tend to not have as much character in my eyes.
And sometimes it just happens to be the way the light catches part of a building - the shadows created by architectural details, the shapes and colors. Once again - it is the older buildings that are more interesting to me, the sleeker new designs don't make me want to rush to get out the paints!
I can remember Fern's old sign - maybe 20 years ago? They kept the same shape of the sign - but changed the graphics and color scheme. I love the "retro" feel of the old sign with the architecture of the old motel. I'd love to so a series of painting about motels from an earlier era. And maybe a little road tripping (in the name of research, of course!).
This painting is currently hanging in the Haverhill Arts Association Exhibition currently showing at the Haverhill Public Library through the month of November.
