Et in Arcadia ego

by Alden Cole on January 17, 2013 · 2 comments

SOTA Muralacrylic on gypsum mural, in the w.c. at SOTA – Spirit of the Artist, 1022 Pine St., Philadelphia PA 19107

My friend Frank Burkhauser the genius behind SOTA, where I have sold a significant number of luminaries since we met over a decade ago, enlisted my help in converting his funky old bathroom into a classy, memorable water closet. Part of the plan includes a mural that I painted in several sessions directly on wall-board. Started Sunday 10.21.12, with return sessions on the weekend 11.4-5.12, and a final session on Saturday 11.24.12.

The central portion of the mural is a beauty; on a very difficult surface to move however. It’s a piece of transience. The learning process was worth the effort though. I am much hipper to the plusses of working in acrylics versus oils, much as I love oils. Fast drying time with the ability to glaze color over color almost immediately is the primary benefit for me. Not to mention the benefit of cleaner air resulting from working with water rather than solvents.

SOTAWCDoorSaturday 12.29.12 the first session painting the door, which was reworked Sunday 1.6.13. In Progress… The view through the trees is based on the view of Center City as seen from Bartram’s Garden in West Philadelphia.

 

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Frank January 19, 2013 at 10:39 pm

You’re the genius behind the landscape in the WC! Thanks so much for your work on this. It adds so much to the vibe at SOTA. And it should be mentioned that the door is the view of Philadelphia from Bartrams Garden.

Reply

Burnell Yow! January 21, 2013 at 4:26 am

I love the mural! The colors are so rich and the figures as trees is brilliant!

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: