Cathedral Park and the Wedding Party

                                                                 “Get Your Kicks on US 26”

Hello Dave’s blog audience - you six or seven online warriors, you!  What do you think of my latest painting title?  Clever huh?  Alright first off, I apologize for my not-so-subtle reference to the classic Nat King Cole song romanticizing historic Route 66.  Route 66 is/was the highway in the pre-Interstate freeway era that connected Chicago with Los Angeles.  Acclaimed songwriter Bobby Troup's lyrics included passed thru towns Joplin, Kingman, Barstow, Gallup, Flagstaff, Amarillo, San Bernadino, etc.  These names became the backbone of this frequently covered song and gave it the spirit of “road trip.”  I tried to capture that same spirit with my latest painting.

     

To most Oregonians, US 26 is the highway that leads to Mt. Hood and connects Central Oregon to Portland.  To me, it’s a lifetime of memories of road trips past.  I grew up in Bend, having been born in Portland.  With family in both cities, this road is travelled as much by me now as it was then, and always, ALWAYS during the Holidays.  My earliest memories include names like Wemme, Zig Zag, Government Camp, Welches, Rhododendron, Warm Springs, Madras, etc.  I incorporated those names, albeit subtly, in the vintage frame in which I placed this 15” x 24” piece.  From a marketing standpoint I hope it resonates with others with similar memories…but if not, maybe with people who have a few bucks to spend on ORIGINAL art for their mountain cabin.   

Thanks for reading, you six or seven – please forward this on to people you think MIGHT be interested.