“Damn Good Land” 11 x 18” Watercolor on Paper

The kitsch old west travel postcards and souvenirs is my memory of growing up in the west.   Recalling days that stopping at roadside attractions was an open invitation for someone to put a bumper sticker on your car.  I was always mystified by the idea of The Badlands as a child, so played with the concept of good and bad land in this painting.

Wall Drug is an iconic stop along the route across South Dakota.  Positioned ideally for petrol refueling across this long expanse, the town of Wall found pure gold in a glass of ice water.  The draw of a free glass of ice water and 5 cent coffee continues yet today.  Now, it is a fun stop where you can not only get gas, eat but you can even challenge yourself to a quick draw with a machine cowboy.  I’m headed to the Badlands soon, to paint and experience this desolate yet beautiful landscape.