This Old House

Actually it’s Bill’s old house.    

My friend (and neighbor) Bill recently sold his palatial Irvington home as part of his process of downsizing.  A single guy with kids at college probably doesn’t need a four story 5,000 square foot home anymore.  At least I don’t think he does.  So it’s the end of an era  – a 23 year era.  

 

Built in 1911 this structure was clearly the centerpiece home for blocks in every direction.  In those days all trees were removed prior to developing a new neighborhood.  I know it’s hard to envision a treeless Irvington but can you imagine the view from the upper floors during those early years?  You could probably see Mt Hood on one side and the west hills on the other.  Today Irvington is defined by its deep abundant canopy and diverse architecture.  The mature homes sit in perfect harmony with the gigantic tree trunks and contorted overhead branches that surround them.   Every block breathes a sense of time and past generations. 

Bill commissioned me to create a painting of his former home.  He wanted something to capture the history as well as his time there.  He also wanted a medium sized piece to fit a wall connecting the kitchen and living areas of his new home.  I took note of the placement and gathered any historical information he could provide.  It turns out a wealthy family named Niedermeyer was an early tenant.  They apparently had a double digit number of kids which I tried to mimic in my composition.  I also added a vintage car plus Bill’s “famous” International Scout.  Anyone who knows Bill knows the Scout. 

No need to frame this painting either.  Its placement on a deep brown wall in a walk-by location begged for a one inch thick canvas.  Why?  This is a rhetorical exercise people… because it gave me the opportunity to paint all the way to the edge – every edge.  This design element allows the viewer to enjoy the image from various angles and hopefully take a little notice too.  

Bill’s words:   “I now have my first ‘Stodd.’”  Thanks Bill!