Ready To Pick Up, 10x8
SOLD
Furey Motors, an auto repair garage opened by my Uncle Louis Furey, has been in Malvern, Ohio for a very long time. Since it predates me, I never even thought to ask just how long. To me, it's been there forever. My cousin Tom now owns the garage and while the car designs have changed, everything else looks virtually unchanged from the way I remember it during our family visits of my childhood.
The garage was a special place. One reason was that Uncle Louis always made sure I had a clean mechanic's rag ready for my back pocket when I showed up for "work." That was cool. Even cooler, however, was that Uncle Louis had one of those old bottle-dispensing Coke machines at the garage AND the keys to go with it. To me this meant the Cokes were free, not just for me, but for Uncle Louis, as well. This being my perception, at even the slightest twinge of thirst, I would hit up my very patient elder for one frosty beverage after another.
In hindsight, I don't know how Uncle Louis weathered this brazen tendency toward self-gratification so magnanimously, but he always did. Louis and my Aunt Alta both passed away several years ago, now. But their seven children, and the two generations that follow them are remarkably similar in their kindness.
14 comments:
Fabulous work, love the story that goes with it! When I was young I had two uncles, John and Paul, who owned a Kirby vacuum cleaner shop. I would haha... "help a little with their files in the summer", and as a reward could help myself to the soda machine that held the Frescas! I don't even know if the shop is still there. Not likely. How cool that the garage is still there and that you have such fond memories.
Wonderful painting and memories!
Hello Stephen, beautiful paintings as always, I've really enjoyed these last few from your recent trip. I love nostalgic paintings and this one in particular, the depth, perspective, and color harmony is spot on.
Many years ago we visited my husband's home town, lots of stories I could share, but the one thing that struck him was the downtown square was exactly the same as he remembered. We were shopping one day in the square and found some plein air art that we both liked of his old neighborhood and the downtown square. We bought one painting, the next day without his knowing I went back and bought the other one. They shipped the 2nd one to me and I surprised him with it at Christmas. Anyway, this artist is very successful and we're thrilled to own 2 of his works, reminiscent of my husband's childhood. Your paintings and nostalgic memories have reminded me of a great Arizona vacation. Take care, Angela
It's alway great to have a personal connection to a painting. I'm sure we all see your love for that place in the painting. O:-)
Greetings
from
Ulrike O:-)
Seriously, I love the way you paint. The car in the foreground, the reflections - great. And what a nice memory. Very well said. I like this painting journey you've been on lately.
This painting says so much even before I read that accompanying story....really wonderful Stephen!
ps. the light is exquisite!
Love both the story and the painting! You have such a way of painting in shadow. The colors are so harmonious and the angles of the buildings are so good. Just a great little scene that really gives that great nostalgic small town feel.
From your description and the beautiful painting, I can practically smell the oil smell of the garage.
I love your Uncle Louis story - clearly his lesson of combining hard work and fun have stayed with his young nephew. :) This painting is full of rich history and feeling. Wonderful in every way!
You have an amazing way of capturing the essance of a scene. I LOVE this painting!!!
This is just such a great composition and I feel I know it...everyone knows this plsce...just right
Great job.
This is fantastic! You always paint buildings so well.
Love the mood of this piece; I'm fond of the little spot of pink at the lower left. Pink is scary in large amount, but a little pop is so effective.
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