Will Rafuse
"I have been painting neon signs and disappearing storefronts for almost fifteen years. My fascination with neon signs began years ago while driving down the I-5 heading to California. I soon discovered these iconic symbols of a bygone era in America were gems hiding in plain sight. I can only hope to give these nostalgic treasures the justice they deserve by applying my technique of utilizing vibrant color and capturing the intense light & shadows the neon tubing casts." - Will Rafuse
click images to enlarge
Will Rafuse, "Grand View Motel," 2025, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches, $8,400
The Grand View Motel is located at the very north end of Raton, New Mexico, on U.S. 87, close to the old Santa Fe Trail on the southern side of Raton Pass. This sign, along with many other iconic neon motel signs are now vanishing landmarks, endangered because of the advent of the Interstate Highway System and its corporate franchises that have eclipsed travel and small businesses along historic U.S. highways such as Route 66.
Will Rafuse, "Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (circa 1937)" 2025, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches, $8,400
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, is a historic bar and music venue located on the town square in the heart of Jackson Hole, and has been a Wyoming landmark since 1937. The bar is internationally famous for its live entertainment and western dancing. Through the decades, some of the finest entertainers in country music have found their way to its historic stage. Beginning in the 70s and 80s, legends including Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, Glen Campbell and Tanya Tucker performed at The Cowboy. In recent years, the legend has only grown with nearly fifty headline shows featuring artists as varied as Hank Williams Jr., Kevin Costner, Clint Black, Sara Evans, Midland, Riley Green, Randy Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jennifer Nettles, and Carly Pearce. (Million Dollar Bar website)
Will Rafuse, "STARLITE MOTEL - The Diving Lady (Evening)," 2021, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches - SOLD
Will Rafuse, "VILLA CAPRI MOTEL (Coronado, California)," 2021, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches - $9,000
sold works and installation shots, click to enlarge
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Will Rafuse was raised on the Canadian Prairies, and after calling Vancouver home for decades, he spent ten years in Montreal before moving to the East Coast to Saint John, New Brunswick.
A graduate of Capilano University in Graphic Design and Illustration, North Vancouver B.C. Rafuse later partnered with Canadian Art Prints who distributed his images on posters to over 50 countries. His paintings have been featured in many movies and television shows.
Rafuse is a self-taught artist who works exclusively in oils. He is known for his multiple layers of paint, his vibrant saturated colors, and his contemporary realistic depictions of disappearing nostalgic neon signs and urban landmarks.
The artist’s work has been exhibited in many solo and group shows across North America and he has collectors throughout the world.