In Progress: Green Valley Motel

I've always had a fascination with abandoned buildings. I'm not an urban explorer by any means, but whenever I travel along the highways, interstates, or through rural areas you'll find me craning my neck to spy the corner of some mysterious farmhouse or collapsed barn. There's a wonder and haunting beauty to decaying structures and I often find myself imagining past owners, past lives, and the endless scenarios that never happened. Growing up in a 100+ yr old house brought a sense of pride and, even as a college student, I loved the occasional art show in run-down warehouses, sneaking off during the openings to explore, and peering down elevator shafts and hallways while music blared a few rooms over. Most any structure is interesting but while I was setting up GOOD AIR and travelling to and from Fond du Lac for a few days I was reintroduced to a favorite.

​The Green Valley Motel sits just south of Fond du Lac off highway 41. While overgrown in the summer and much harder to spot, thinning trees make it hard to miss, especially with its derelict green sign. I honestly have no idea when it was built, how long it was open, how long it's sat unused, or if it serves a purpose to this day, but every pass heightens the mystery and intrigue. After three days I just couldn't get it out of my head. 

As with most of my art, the intention is not a photo-realistic representation. Even a physical likeness isn't necessary...but a few weeks following the setup I finally got started on The Green Valley Motel.

Right off the bat there's a few things I need to work on. I would like more foliage and a more claustrophobic effect. I want the motel to emerge from the greenery rather than stand like a monolith. I also would like a pastier green. Jewel tones are great, but there's something about that sign I need to come through in the final painting. I've considered adding a sign, but I think I need to get the color right on the building before exploring that route.

Pictures from the Forgotten Wisconsin facebook page.

At the moment I think the building just stands on its own a bit too much. I think the current status will serve as a great foundation for more work, but overall I want the scene to be much fuller. Currently it feels airy and fresh, like just after a summer rain. I'm looking more for stifling and full, like walking through dense brush on a hot day.

Check back in after the weekend for updates and, as always, feel free to contact me about the painting or with any other questions or inquiries.