Photo realism paintings by James "Kingneon" Guçwa, renowned photorealism artist, featuring his book Signs of Art, a collection of American roadside neon paintings.
photo realistic paintings by James Kingneon Guçwa,
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The "Time to Buy" neon sits atop a liquor store but seemed more appropriate floating in space - like the Starship Enterprise.
Along the Apache Trail in Mesa, Arizona.
Tucson is rich with character and filled with great signs like this.
Along Apache Trail in Mesa, Arizona, sits Buckhorn Baths - a visual treasure!
Utahna was the very first in the series of over 300 roadside neon paintings that I did. It was painted in 1986. When the painting was about halfway completed, I decided to drive back to the site to have a second look only to find it gone forever. On the site is now a faceless, storage facility.
This is the second piece I painted using The Drifter. It's a great old neon in Silver City, New Mexico. Of course, one's not likely to find a palm tree anywhere in town----what can I say? I happen to love painting palm's and the empty space was calling out for one. The first painting using The Drifter could be seen on my American motorcycle page.
* I found El Don years ago and just got
around to painting it. If I recall correctly, the old place was somewhere in
Utah (then again, was it
New Mexico?). As you may have noticed, I just love an old neon that's
faded, peeling and forgotten. By the time I apply the last stroke of paint to
the canvas, it's as if I've rebuild the sign myself and have given it a second
life. Please contact me for more details about the piece or photo's. This
painting includes a new black, floater frame.
And, if you know where the El Don is,
please, let me know.
Arrow Motel was designed and built in the 50's and is still a popular landmark in Espanola, New Mexico. I took the liberty of creating this new environment for the old sign, as it symbolizes a time gone by.
I found Trail Head while east driving through Texas on my way to Austin. The surrounding area it was located in just didn't work for me, so I painted it in the Arizona desert surrounded by Saguaros on a hot summer night, just before sunset.
On a road trip along the northwest coast I found
this great neon. The 101 Diner is located in
Encinitas, CA. It begged to be painted on canvas (panel, in this case).
Limited edition prints are available. Contact the artist for more information.
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Roadside Neon Paintings
After World War II and throughout the 1950's, America experienced a new era of prosperity and growth. It was the age of the Hudson, the Packard, and later the Edsel. These were the days when the summer vacation often meant packing the family ino the car for a cross-country adventure. As vacationers crisscrossed the nation, a need arose for food, rest and comfort on the road between the large cities. To answer this call, hundreds of Mom-and-Pop businesses sprung to life along every highway in the country---the hotel gave way to the motel, just as the restaurant yielded to the diner. Each business, deperately competing with the next, devising bigger, brighter, and better ways to attract and convince the hungry, weary traveler to "turn here." The entrepreneurs concluded that the incorporation of moving parts, bright-flashing neon lights, and scores of blinking bulbs on a sign was an effective method of attracting the motorist's attention.
Since 1986 I have traveled many of America's two-lane highways---including numerous Route 66 excursions---and miles of back-roads, seeking out the few remaining grand classics of the past. Over these years I've painted a total of 235 roadside pieces.
My newly released hardcover, Signs of Art, tells the story and shows the chronology of these works.
Every one of my paintings are available as museum quality, Limited-Edition Giclee's on either paper or stretched canvas. In appreciation of my collectors, I've kept each edition size very small (usually under 100 prints per run). Each of these fine art reproductions are carefully inspected, signed and numbered. I personally guarantee the quality of all my work---if you are not pleased with anything offered on this site, I will promptly return payment in full. Personalized signings are honored. Just ask!
This page contains a few original Roadside Paintings and several that are in print. Please feel free to call with any questions or personal requests. I would also be happy to discuss commissions.
James "Kingneon" Guçwa
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TO PURCHASE SIGNS OF ART
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