McCARTY GENERAL STORE

This corrugated metal building in Henley, TX was at one time a old general store, if the faded sign on the side is to be believed. Of course, the other sign says Used Cars... I was drawn to it for a couple of reasons, mostly the rusted metal roof and a shady spot to stand for a few hours while attempting the painting. It is right on HWY 290 west, about 5 miles or so outside of Dripping Springs. Luckily, there was plenty of room to pull over and set up to paint as the traffic zoomed past at 70 MPH.

McCarty General Store 9x12"

THE BIG BRIGHT TEXACO STAR

Last year, I attended a plein air workshop with Rusty Jones, and we painted a building that had been the Driftwood, TX post office for many years. It now has Texaco signs and antique gas pumps out front, and Rusty told us the trick would be to paint the enormous red star on the front of the building without making it the focus of the painting.

A few weeks ago, I painted another building with the same problem to solve. This one is on 290 West, between Austin and Dripping Springs. There are several terrific buildings to paint, including one that looks like an old train station, painted a golden yellow. The reason I chose to paint this one was that I found a tree to provide me with a bit of shade. I want to go back to paint the yellow building once it cools down around here, which will probably be October.

Texaco Star 9x12"