Puerto Vallarta Tree

This painting was a composite of two images taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I found the drink vendor at the north end of the Malecon, and moved him down adjacent to the phone booth-equipped tree. He's selling a refreshing fruit and nut drink--only 12 pesos. This painting was part of the Artist Eye show in Laguna Beach (running until May 31), and sold the night of the May artwalk.

Why So Many Liquor Paintings?

Yeah, why? My obsession with liquor signs, and liquor stores, is not indicative of any alcoholic tendencies (I think). Rather, I put it down to childhood experience, having migrated at age 12 from a semi-dry state (Montana) to California, where there was a liquor store on every commercial block, it seemed. And the corner grocery stores that had sustained my candy habit in Montana were not in evidence in California, so to waste my allowance on sugary treats I had to venture into those liquor stores, rubbing shoulders with alcoholics and other denizens. I think I appreciate the lack of subtlety; the lit signs, the arrows, the appetite-enhancing red lettering. They are perhaps a metaphor for California itself: come, enjoy, indulge, let loose, live. Consequences? You can suffer those in silence, away from the neon glow.

This painting is of a store on Normandie Ave. in Torrance. I love that the more-healthy part of the signage (milk, ice cream) has faded and cracked, but Liquor is still vibrant. Also love the Koren church sign down at the bottom, but that's grist for another post.

Unique Visions Show

 

My work will be featured in the Unique Visions show at Tirage Art Gallery in Pasadena, opening May 21, and running through July 5. They're hanging 4 or 5 pieces, with more hiding in the storeroom in back. Details at http://www.tirageart.com/cexhibit.html.