I’ve been wanting to paint this sign for well over two years… and, so, Four Seasons Jackson Hole’s Ascent Lounge was the place, and Saturday was the time.
https://www.facebook.com/borbay/videos/1415003478583300/
Here is the entire process, captured in a one-minute time lapse video… thank you Josh D. Reed for the gorgeous jazz track!
I just tell Blake how I’m feeling, he mixes accordingly! This session got off to a late start, due to a Teton Pass RV fire… fortunately, nobody was hurt.
Just me and my paint pen, smashing out this drawing in one go with minimal tip overload. The “G” was no worse for the wear. In other words, a true G.
Do you have the blues? The sky does. The sky does.
Pure, unadulterated cadmium red… then, a mix into brown. Tone-by-tone (loc).
The bright lights make that brown appear lighter than it is… the true colors are quite dark.
Yes, more like this… got in there, painted the sides of the sign, added the tubes… that’s my favorite part. The tubes.
And boom! The Virginian… painted. Want it? Have it. Join me next week at Four Seasons Jackson Hole!
Oh, before I go, a shot of the full moon on my drive home. Mysterious.
I remember when that sign was first painted (The Virginian MOTEL). My father designed, built, and painted it in his shop a block from our house on Aspen Drive. Dad had to purchase a new Boom Truck to install it. Strong winds delayed the installation, but after a week it was hoisted up and welded into place. He was so proud of this particular sign (one of hundreds that he built in Jackson in the late 50’s and early 60’s.) He even let me sign the inside next to his signature with his normal grease pencil before it was sealed up and installed. Chuck Healey, his partner, did all of the original neon tube work, long since replaced. Though it is sad to no longer see the sign as my father designed it, it is still a joy to see that some of his artwork is still up and being used some 50+ years on. Thank you for choosing one of his signs to paint. It brought a big smile to my face to see that it inspired you to do so.
Howdy Lewis, thank you for that amazing comment! I love the history, and really appreciate it… I was instantly drawn to the neons of Jackson Hole, and it has become a major focal point in my work. If you find yourself in the Victor/Jackson area, do let me know, I’d be happy to have you over to the studio. Thank you again.