Tuesday, May 12, 2009

For Sale on the Tamiami Trail

The former "Twistee Treat," currently resides in Sarasota, Florida along U.S. Route 41, locally known as the Tamiami Trail (the segment of the road that goes from Tampa to Miami). It is closed and for sale, but the sign out front still proudly states, "Vote Democrat, Thank U." Because this is reduced by quite a bit, it is hard to read. I am really drawn to quirky structures such as this one.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I love artists who documents unique buildings that may not be for long because of future development. How big is this painting Paula?

Paula Villanova said...

Thanks Sheila! I love the uniqueness of these little buildings...they make the landscape a little more interesting! The original is 16x20.

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

I saw a lot of these kinds of neat buildings when we did our Route 66 trip last year. Lots of neat hotel signs from the 40's, 50's & 60's. Lovely painting.

Jeane Myers said...

this is wonderful Paula - I really really like the kodak moment of your family...

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

I really love this one, Paula. The painting is lovely and the subject matter is awesome!

Manon said...

The Twistee Treat is so cool! Why don't they build fun stuff like that anymore? Your painting of it is gorgeous Paula!

Vern Schwarz said...

Great painting Paula. I love these quirky businesses, and have often wondered, how did they build that. Definitely an important and interesting part of Americana. I can see why you'd want to record this.

Camille LaRue Olsen said...

The roof looks good enough to eat. It seriously makes me want to hop in the car and go get a dip cone. This painting has a real thumb-and-blankie feeling for me. Might be all the childhood memories tied up in eating ice cream, but I just love this one. It has a very serene feeling to it.

Liza said...

I think I need an ice cream.

Paula Villanova said...

Thanks everyone! I wonder how much longer it will be there...wish I could move it to my yard...would make a great studio!!!

Michelle said...

Yum! I love these whimsical buildings that they don't make anymore. Beautiful work!

L.Holm said...

This is great Paula! Takes me back to my childhood, and our drives along the Tamiami Trail w/my Dad.
I love the cherry on top. fun, and beautifully painted.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

This one is a winner! The subject matter, the size of the 'focal point'... the creamy brush strokes - I give it two thumbs up. I think you should encourage everyone to enlarge it to view - it really makes a difference. Very, very cool.

Paula Villanova said...

Thanks Michelle, Liz, and Kelley. Liz...do you ever get to go back? I love driving in Florida...a very different landscape fro New England!

Dean Grey said...

Paula!

Sheila brought up a great point. You essentially documented this building in time that sadly won't be there much longer.

Thanks for sharing!

-Dean