Finally, the painting that I commissioned some time ago is now ready and occupying a place of honor in the living room.

It was made by Dutch artist Araun Gordijn. It is an oil on canvas painting, measuring 60 by 90 centimeters. He told me he will call it "Refrigerated Telephones" based on the rather comical phrase on the sign. The artwork was based on an actual postcard from my collection and photo's Araun took of me and my car.

The photo of the painting was taken by the artist himself

The painting combines a few of my ‘loves’: the American roadside, motels and classic American cars.

It shows the Motel Americana on N. Glenstone Ave. in Springfield, Missouri (very close to old Route 66!) with my 1950 Plymouth business coupe in front of it. In the background you see the finished version of the 1959 Edsel Villager that is owned by my good friends Benny and Jeanne Pennings (the real car still needs some work!)

And yes, the big guy behind the Plymouth is me, wearing my best zoot suit.