American Graffiti Tribute Art by Elise Durenberger, 2023

2023 was a wonderful year for a car show. Happy people, shiny cars out and about in the fair town of Petaluma, Ca.  From sun up to sun down, the Cruisin' the Boulevard's Salute to American Graffiti was full of smiles and lovely energy. It's something to experience if you can make it out to our show, the second part of May, each year.  

Here's my blurb about this piece as it appeared in the Petaluma History Museum last May - Sept., 2023:

The latest, 50th year movie anniversary, Cruisin’ the Boulevard painting is our grand tribute to the late Bo Hopkins, his unforgettable bad-boy with a possible heart of gold persona in “Joe” the leader of the Pharaohs, and the brilliantly illuminated scene depicting Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) staring deeply into the storefront full of televisions situated on Kentucky Street, circa 1973 (when the movie was filmed). We were working on this concept prior to the loss of Bo, but the scene took on new importance once we learned that we would not have him there to preside over this theme. At the suggestion of the board, the Curt/TV scene was central, but the artist was then tasked with filling in the rest of the story. When Elise learned that building at 147-149 Kentucky Street had once been the opera house, designed by Brainerd Jones, she enthusiastically dug deeper into historical photos where she finally figured out the mystery of the red-light-cast during much of that scene as the Pharaohs convince Curt to “take a ride.” She discovered that there was a rotating neon sign that read “WILSON’S” and “FURNITURE” on opposing sides. Visible in a reflection of the parked car where Curt’s “butt had been parked,” you can see the sign rotating in real time in quick moments of footage, although the sign as a whole does not appear in the shot. Her quest for the deepest minutia of historical detail keeps our artist invigorated and returning year after year with new material.

“Take a Ride with the Pharaohs” by Elise A. Durenberger ©2023Original, Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30”  $4,000.00         

*For purchase information, please contact me: mamacow@comcast.net

7 years of American Graffiti Art on display at the Petaluma History Museum, 2023

 

That first hour of the wee-morning when we set up for the day

Kentucky Street at dawn is a glorious treat for the eyes

Looking upwards on Western Ave. is such a lovely and historic view

 

My cute mom and me 

Customer-ready in the booth!

A darling customer and me posing with her new artwork and "the best seat in town!"

 The American Graffiti Car Show hosted by Cruisin' the Boulevard, Inc., is a grand time. 

Here's hoping you can join us, May 16th, 17th & 18th, 2024! 

Happy Motoring

American Graffiti Tribute 2019

Looking back to 2019, it went by in a flash... (of rain & lightning) Although our big day on the streets where this scene went down was rained out just as we were opening my booth, we still managed to enjoy the event. Super fun Cruise-In dinner and one of my favorite paintings, great people and tremendous effort...   Here's what was reported on how that art came to be:

The ultimate spotlight was placed on the artwork for 2019. That was the year we finally paid tribute to the outrageous shaving cream caper at the corner of Western Avenue and Petaluma Boulevard. Our artist reveled in the use of light, historical signage and perspective, incorporating the Linch Jewelry neon sign for the second time (the first was in 2015), adding a beloved board member to the playful liquor sign just for fun and remembering Carithers grand, cursive brand, where Western begins to recede into the background. Other notable additions incorporated into the fine art included a reflection of the grand Masonic Clock tower in the Carithers’ window, the old fire pole and the abstinence fountain, where the artist added the engraved words: your mama’s car. If you don’t know the relevance of them, time to review American Graffiti and some of the most creatively provocative insults between two leading men battling for fast-car bragging rights. As is custom for the event artist, Elise plants details in so many crevices of her creative work, we’re still discovering them! “Spotlight on American Graffiti” is a highlight of paint and imagination.

“Spotlight on American Graffiti” by Elise A. Durenberger ©2019
Original, Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30” $4,000.00

"Spotlight on American Graffiti" ©2019 by Elise Durenberger

Please consider visiting this original painting at the Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952, now through 9/3/23 for their outstanding exhibition on 50 years of American Graffiti.

For information on how to purchase the Cruisin' the Boulevard art, please contact, greg@americangraffiti.net

American Graffiti Tribute Art 2017

I'm sharing another painting of event artwork completed for Cruisin' the Boulevard's annual tribute to American Graffiti, this one created in 2017. This original piece is also featured in the Petaluma Historical Museum for their exhibit on the 50th year celebration of the movie American Graffiti, running 5/18/23 - 9/3/23. 

"The Best Seat in Town" ©2017 by Elise Durenberger

This is the story of how the artwork came together that was created to share for the exhibit at the Petaluma History Museum:

The setting for 2017 was still being contemplated when our artist found herself quite literally crusin’ the boulevard on her way to an event downtown. It was a crystal clear night where the iconic Old Mill was showing off against an elegantly lit sky, boasting our proud American flag in strong, sturdy balance and Elise was mesmerized. She pulled over and found herself directly across from the used car lot that still uses the business office so brilliantly shown in the scene where Toad has pulled over to contemplate his fender-bender while driving Steve’s car, the exquisite Chevy Impala, and is then accosted by a smarmy used car salesman. Elise envisioned these two dramatic settings zipped together in a painting, and the 2017 theme, “The Best Seat in Town” was born.  With a glorious, colorful flapping banner capped car lot, a brilliant, buzzing neon sign and gigantic rocking chair to inspire, the artist studied movie clips and still shots to confirm the signage, and other bits of nostalgic detail from a low-tech, but gloriously festooned time for car sales. The final painting is still one of her favorites and we enjoyed the  use of images in this artwork, especially when considering that the majority of the movie footage is shot in horizontal scale,  missing so much of Petaluma’s skyline charm.  We appreciate being able to have our own stamp of Cruisin’ the Boulevard on the event artwork in Elise’s paintings.

 

“The Best Seat in Town,” by Elise A. Durenberger ©2017                        

Original, Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30” $3,500.00

For information about purchasing the original painting please contract greg@americangraffiti.net

American Graffiti Tribute Art 2015

It's a quick flashback to 2015! In honor of the 50th year of American Graffiti, the Petaluma History Museum is sharing original art from Cruisin' the Boulevard, Inc., that I painted including this exciting piece from 2015, my second year as event artist. Their new exhibit will open 5/18/23 - 9/3/23.

Tenth Year Anniversary Tribute by Elise Durenberger ©2015

Here a piece that was written for the Petaluma History Museum about the 2015, 10 year anniversary event art for Cruisin' the Boulevard, for their new feature on the 50th anniversary of the filming of American Graffiti:

The artwork for 2015 was created with the intention of celebrating ten years of Cruisin’ the Boulevard. The process began with the inclusion of many of the cars from the movie, including some of our regular “star cars” that represent American Graffiti at our annual event. With cooperation of the Petaluma Police Department, we were able to stage the background layout our artist was envisioning, right in the heart of downtown Petaluma so that she could take reference photos to enable her drawing and eventual painting for the year. The number ten is incorporated into the layout in various ways, including the use of ten car “characters.” Toad’s charming Vespa was lovingly featured, since it nearly stole the show in the initial Mel’s Diner scene as it unexpectedly collided with a garbage can as a hilarious result of user error. This famous gaffe made it into the movie and cemented the adorably clumsy authenticity of Toad’s (Charles Martin Smith) character. Other ways the artist signaled our 10th anniversary was by including the number in various business signs and finally by creating a faux advertisement painted in the brick edge of the Masonic Building.  We’ve come to enjoy anticipating how Elise emphasizes aspects of our annual theme in her artwork. This painting was her second on behalf of CTB and continues to be a favorite image to many.

“Tenth Year Anniversary Tribute” by Elise A. Durenberger ©2015
Original, Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30”  $3,750.00

For information about purchasing the original painting please contract greg@americangraffiti.net

Cruisin' the Boulevard with Bo Hopkins and the Pharaohs

 It's that time, again!

Introducing my original, acrylic on canvas painting for this year's celebration of American Graffiti from the wonderful volunteers at Cruisin' the Boulevard, Inc., from Petaluma, Ca.  This year's piece features a tribute to the late, dearly beloved, Bo Hopkins. You can spot references to him throughout this artwork, which had been slated to celebrate Bo, presumably being here to enjoy the spotlight. In his absence, the work moved forward with love and fond memories. It was an honor to weave these concepts together to create a mood that not only remembers Mr. Hopkins, his character Joe, but also reminds us of the iconic beauty of Petaluma, the relative simplicity of a time where cruisin' was a way of life and sometimes you could be invited to "take a ride with the Pharaohs" and still make it off to school the next day.  

This one's for you, Bo!

"Take a Ride with the Pharaohs" ©2023 by Elise Durenberger

The original artwork for this year's celebration of American Graffiti is for sale along with very limited, high quality, archival canvas reproductions as wall as fine art paper reproductions. Please contact greg@americangraffiti.net for purchase information and let him know I sent you!

Thank you for cruisin' on by! 

- Elise

Holiday Art Fest 2022 of Petaluma, CA

It's that fabulous time of year and I am elated to be included in this year's Holiday Art Fest in bucolic Petaluma, CA. This gathering of artisans will be a fantastic opportunity to boost your seasonal spirits and fill your stockings with all kinds of unique creations and spectacular cheer.  I hope you'll add this opportunity to support local artists and immerse yourself in all things HOLIDAY to your calendar.

Date: 11/20/2022 from 10am - 4 pm

Location:  Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave., Petaluma CA 94952

Historic Petaluma and the Movie American Graffiti

 The year was 2014, my first year serving as the Event Artist for Petaluma California's Salute to American Graffiti, a huge 3 day party in celebration of classic cars, talented actors and the town that provided some of the most iconic settings in the classic movie by George Lucas. Setting up for the day long car show, the grande party of the event, gets going before dawn. My first time, tiny booth, super nervous and excited, I snapped a photo that to this day encapsulates the magic of all of the above. I loved it so much that I incorporated it into a painting. This is not official event art, but rather art right from my heart. A love tribute, if you will. 

Daylight On Kentucky Street ©2017 by Elise Durenberger

Cruisin' The Boulevard, Inc., is a group of tireless volunteers who spend a large majority of the year preparing for the annual festival. The event starts with a super fun, spirited dinner party where fans, event staff and VIP's mingle, dine, celebrate and set the mood. The next day follows with a slightly informal car show where anyone can visit and show off their classic beauties in an open parking lot in town. All of this leads up to the BIG day on Saturday where the American Graffiti style cars (some ORIGINAL from the movie and a few clones) make a dramatic display on the exact streets where it all happened. Throughout the rest of downtown Petaluma, hundreds of the yummiest, candy colored custom cars who have been pre- registered are carefully parked to show off their exquisiteness and boy, if you haven't been, I can promise it's a good time! Here's a photo of myself and the timeless beauty, and Oscar nominated actress from American Graffiti, Candy Clark from that very first year, along with the original painting. What a thrill that was!

Candy Clark, Elise Durenberger and 2014 Fine Art

This year's, much anticipated, return to celebration is right around the corner on May 19th, 20th & 21st, 2022. I'm already planning my booth to feature the event art, which is available for purchase in different forms ranging from Original Fine Art Paintings, Limited Edition Archival Canvas Reproductions, Archival Rag Prints as well as greeting cards and postcards. Additionally, I'll have my own collection of classic car fine art including reproductions of the piece featured in this post, "Daylight On Kentucky Street." Speaking of Kentucky Street, here's the shot I took that first morning that reminds me of the treasures of living in Sonoma County and why I adore the work I do. Thank you so much for stopping by! 

 

Commission Work of Santorini Greece

 While most of us were hunkered down close to home during early pandemic, 2020, I spent much of it in Greece. Lucky ME, right!?! Wait. That might be a little misleading... I visited Santorini Greece in my MIND: on behalf of a lovely client who contacted me through my Fine Art Website and asked me if she could commission me to do a series of paintings that would represent her trip there, years prior. I'm not much of a travel girl, myself (#homebody!) but this sounded fun. When I met her in real life, she had a gigantic assortment of photos she had taken and some from adventurous google searches, all splayed out on her kitchen table to entice me and boy! It worked. Not only was I totally inspired to paint something custom, personal and unforgettable for this nice lady, but also I'M READY TO TRAVEL! LOL 

The following are three separate, but complimentary paintings custom created from many different images meant for the client to display in a line, much like a triptych. 

(Not to self: I must get a shot of them living on her wall, but so far she is thrilled!)

Santorini Immersion by Elise Durenberger ©2021 Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 18"

Donkey Delivery in Santorini ©2021 by Elise A.Durenberger  Acrylic on Canvas 24"x18"

Wonderful Windmills of Santorini by Elise A. Durenberger ©2021  Acrylic on Canvas 24"x18"

It's quite a thrill to bring someone's dreams to light with my use of paint and canvas, and this project was EXTREMELY rewarding. Thank you for checking them out. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to leave any of the above here on this post. 

Affectionately, 

Elise

Cruisin The Boulevard, Salute to American Graffiti 2020 - Event Art painted by Elise Durenberger

2020 - the year that put the whole world on pause...

 

In Petaluma, California, the most filmed and featured backdrop for the iconic George Lucas movie, American Graffiti, and the home of a beloved annual car show, Cruisin' the Boulevard, the streets were silent and the crowds did not gather. The PAINTING for the event was, however, completed and will stand by for 2022 when HOPEFULLY we can once again fill the streets with finely tuned, perfectly (or imperfectly!) polished relics from more innocent days. My most ambitious effort yet, it features more automobile characters than even our 2015 piece, which was a celebration of the 10th year of the car show and had 10 different vehicles. The recent painting has 15 cars featured, including two that were not actually in the movie, but were owned by two of the original board members who started Petaluma's Salute back in 2005. I'm extremely proud of the relentless detail and perspective. As usual, I have dropped in many "Easter Eggs" and connections to the many years since the movie and in tribute to the celebration itself.  In spite of the pause, I will be thrilled when this piece graces the cover of the collectible program, posters, t-shirts and banners, etc. I am honored to present...

 

"The Fastest Car in the Valley'" by Elise A. Durenberger ©2020 Acrylic on Canvas

 

This origianl acrylic canvas piece @ 24 x 30" is available for sale. SOLD

For information on how to purchase this, pigment rag or canvas reproductions, please contact greg@americangraffiti.net and definitely visit the Cruisin' The Boulevard website.

Happy Motoring! 

- Elise

Event Art for Cruisin' the Boulevard's Salute to American Graffiti, 2019 by Elise Durenberger

Proud to share my recently completed art for 2019's Cruisin' the Boulevard Salute to American Graffiti. This year's piece, "Petaluma's Spotlight on American Graffiti" was inspired by George Lucas's use of light in the filming of American Graffiti and how the brilliance of Carbon Arc Searchlights enhanced the infamous shaving cream scene, filmed in Petaluma, Ca. 

For six years I have had the privilege of creating the Fine Art backdrop for the wonderful car show and celebration of American Graffiti, hosted by Cruisin' the Boulevard, Inc.,  the most kind-hearted volunteers and truest classic car aficionados I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Painted with acrylic on canvas, my goal for this year was to up the magic of the lighted effects I has hoping to create with paint, while maintaining a balance of subject and composition that worked with or without the graphics that will be layered in for the promotional materials for the event. 

As always, my success is in the eye of the beholder. Here's hoping it works for YOU!

Please come and see us, if you can. Cruisin' the Boulevard is held on the same streets where the movie was filmed, downtown Petaluma, Ca., May 18th, 2019. Check out Cruisin's website for the extended schedule of events and details on how to purchase this year's art. Sure hope to see you then!

Warmly, 

Elise

Cruisin’ the Boulevard, Petaluma’s Annual Salute to American Graffiti

 

For the past four years, I have had the honor of being the event artist for a fantastic local event, celebrating the filming and enduring fun of the movie American Graffiti, Cruisin' the Boulevard. Largely filmed in Petaluma, Ca. during the summer of 1972, our town boasts the most notorious movie scene locations, many of which are near to the exact condition they were at the time of the filming, some 45 years later. Voted in 1998 to the American Film Institute's list of 100 superlative films, American Graffiti is a splendid time capsule for the American teen experience of 1962 and a gleaming visual history of downtown Petaluma.

My contribution to the cause has been to create art that celebrated a pre-chosen theme for the year’s event. Three of the following 4 paintings are available for purchase in their original, one-of-a-kind, 24 x 30 inch acrylic on canvas, or as digital, limited edition, Breathing Color canvas reproductions made by Digital Grange. For more information about these specific paintings, please visit the Cruisin’ the Boulevard website and look under Event Art. 

There's plenty of time to make plans to visit this year's Cruisin' the Boulevard celebration and I would adore meeting you at my booth, downtown P-town on May 20th, 2017. Thank you for your interest!

Commissioned Painting - Penngrove California

I was quite thrilled when a friend purchased this painting, spontaneously, a few years back. I was even more excited (and honored) when this same friend commissioned me to paint his family ranch. He is the proud son of Italian immigrants and cherishes this property, dearly. Although I could not get photo resources to help me paint the ranch from the perspective I wished (due to trees and the fact that I'd have to be in a raised angle above a busy road), but I did my best to piece together elements to turn my visual hope into a completed painting.

Here is the final result and detail shots:

Tarca Family Ranch ©2014       36" x 24" Acrylic on Canvas

Once the painting was complete, my handy hubby was kind enough to create this beautiful custom frame made with vintage barn wood. My customer/dear friend and his family were delighted with the result and I am elated to have such savvy "repeat customers!" Win, win one and all!

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. I sure appreciate it!

Cruisin' the Boulevard's Salute to American Graffiti

Original painting by Elise Durenberger. 

24 x 30" Acrylic on Canvas

For purchase information visit:

Cruisin' the Boulevard

I'd like to make a point....

A very tall, proud and memorable POINT!

... and I'm making that point, in the FORM of a card!

That's right, sweet and fun friends of blogland - let us LEAD you...
right out of that SQUARE box you've been crafting in - it's SKETCH
time with Just Us Girls - and WE'RE waiting for YOU! Play with us!

Our, beloved, Dana... {!} is leading us on this LOVELY journey!
She created this SPLENDID sketch to inspire and dazzle us, the
way ONLY Dana can - {who THINKS "maybe TRIANGLE?"}
Yup, it's Dana. Do you feel like this card looks a little familiar?
{tee hee!} Well, don't be too perplexed... you may have seen this
fabulous crafty bit on the pages of CREATE Holidays out on the
stands, right now!!! And ALSO, she has a similar shaped Birthday
card in the pages of the November CARDS magazine ... OMG!

{Rock STAR!} Yeahooooooo!

So, I'm REALLY diggin' the FAB-A-LICIOUS creative vibes
generated around Just Us Girls Headquarters - you BET!
I hope you'll visit my dear friends and fabulous designers
from the JUGS team - they kick OUT some amazing stuff
week after week and, let's face it - we ALL love LOVE! {!}

Dana
Kathryn
Lisa
Andrea
Vicki
Lynn

And this month we're welcoming another fabby, talented JugHEAD
favorite "player" and designer, extraordinaire, Kim O'Connell!
Welcome, Kim! We are SO looking forward to sharing the DT mojo
with lovely you! What fun!

Meanwhile - I have to just share a few hoarding.. Ur, uh, I mean
triumphs from the creation of this card. I high-fived myself
for "having" materials on hand, that ... heightened the creative
process for me in ways only a true hoarder.. uh, ur, I mean
COLLECTOR can relate to...


{I know. I'm crazy.}

LIKE a FOX in the TURKEY house!!! THIS paper, my friends,
is from the FEARLESS flyer, from Trader Joe's, this time, LAST
year - and I SAVED it for JUST this card! {Tee Hee}



Combined with {brown!} Nestabling circles from Want2Scrap™,
and OLD stamp from Creative Imaginations, and CURRENT
stamps from Wplus9DesignStudio {*Swoon!}!!! THIS card
WAS... SOOOOOOOO... MUCH.... FUN.... to make!


What a TRULY inspiring composition! I know YOU are going
to love it - so, SERIOUSLY, why hold back? PLAY with us!
WE cannot wait to be inspired RIGHT BACK when we gaze
upon your talented output... {No pressure....!}

Wait - YES, pressure! PLAY WITH US!

{You'll be glad you did!}

Thanks, SO much, for stopping by!

Supplies -

C/S - Stampin' Up!
D/P - Basic Grey; TRADER JOE'S flyer
Stamps - Wplus9DesignStudio; Creative Imaginations
Ink - Stampin' Up!; Versafine
Bling - Want2Scrap™
Ric-Rack - Brytex
Embellishment Thread - My STASH
Die Cut shapes - Spellbinders™
Medallion Punch - Martha Stewart Crafts

Altered, embellished and SPOOKY!

But enough about me...

It's WILDCARD time down there, 'round about "JUST US GIRLS",
creative challenge AVENUE! And WHAT a wild time it is...........

We're taking regular, old FRAMES from fine, to FABULOUS!!!! In our
very own, customized way... What FUN! I sure hope YOU'LL be inspired
to play along! I HAD such a goooooooooood time, getting ALTERED.... {!}

~I wonder why you're not surprised by that.... {?}~

But before I begin to share the exciting details of my crafty
journey... Let me show you THE way to inspiration, for ALL!

Dana
Lisa
Maria
Vicki
Lynn

Finally, we have the darling, Maureen,
our OH, sooooooo talented, guest designer
for the month of October... We are soooo
grateful to her for gracing us with her talent
this month! THANK YOU, Mo!

Meanwhile - want to check out how I took a regular old
Michael's issue frame and ghouled it all OUT for
Hallow's Eve....?????? {I sure HOPE so!}

These frames are beautifully priced, pre-fabbed and faux
wood festooned, but not, exactly.... FABULOUS....

They are GREAT when you want to really SHOW your art
and photography off, but IFFFFFFF you want your frame to
to truly be a part of your fine creation - you HAVE to think a
little bit OUTSIDE of the box. Or, inside the box, as is the
case with my fine WORK STATION! {Love to recycle!}


Various tools of the trade to make the work
fun and easy! Oh, MY!


Sprayed and tanned, and ready for MORE!


Handy, DANDY chicken wire - it's NOT just for chickens!

After frame is appropriately distressed and DRESSED...
Crackle medium is generous applied, and the GAMES
begin - HALLOWEEN style! Why YES, I'm a lil' batty...

Bats + Bling are a FABULOUS thing!

... And GLITTER. So, so MUCH glitter!


I'm SUPER partial to this DARLING black cat,
courtesy of some "elderly" paper from Daisy D's...
In my world, a black CAT is a wonderful sign -
Such a timeless image - perfect for a tad bit
MORE glitter.... SO. MUCH.... GLITTER!




Yes, FRIENDS!!!! That's what I call FABULOUS frame-work!
Glittery BONES and all! What will YOU do with your frame?
My bones will be twitching with anticipation! Yipeeeee!!!!!!!

Thanks for visiting!