Huckstep's Store Oil Painting

Original 5" X 7" Oil on linen board, C. Twomey

Working on a new series, starting with the iconic Huckstep's Garage and Store in Free Union, VA. Just to get there is a pleasure. I head west along Buck Mountain Road, which is on a high ridge overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains on either side. Rolling farmland, critters in the fields, the sun baking the grape vines - all of this leads to the charming and somewhat dissolving village of Free Union.

Having worked on computers since 1978 (Apple II), I've worked a lot with the Filter Gallery. I realize that it is influencing and helping to infuse my paintings with light that I control - light that can suggest a nostalgia, a dreaminess unlike anything else. This exploration is how I arrived at this view of Huckstep's - real, but not quite; a play on emotions and longing for the way things were.

Huckstep's Garage Redux And Beyond

Just finished this latest rendition of Huckstep's Garage in Free Union, VA. This was commissioned by the person whose father actually made the "Huckstep's Garage" sign on the right. This iconic set of buildings just sold, and I'm hoping beyond hope they won't be razed, but rehabbed instead.

This almost brings to an end a large number of commissions I've been working on since October. There's a sea change coming as well. Meaning, I'm feeling an overwhelming need to paint in a vastly new way.

Representational is good. But of late, however, it's not been enough. Having "done" representational and accurate forever, I need to dig deeper and see what's there. There's this unavoidable need to move beyond and into a previously untapped expressiveness. That, I think, will be the next step, and as per usual, I'm gung ho to get going. Look out! No promises being made, but a deluge of energy pouring forth.

Hucksteps Garage III

Huckstep's Garage III

Working on another Huckstep's Garage, the third one. This is the base layer. Subsequent steps will include color corrections, blending and greater detail, especially on the garage to the right. This building really strikes a chord with people.

The focus on this version is the sign on the garage to the right, above the door. The commissioner of this painting has an actual connection to the sign maker, his father, who created the iconic "Huckstep's Garage" sign in the 1960's.

I just love the emotional human connections that keep popping up as I work my way around, painting Albemarle County.

New rumor about old Free Union History: Huckstep's, Maupin's Store, etc., known as the "Free Union Mall (!)" have all recently been put on the market and sold within days for the asking price.

I really, really, hope whoever purchased these irreplaceable landmarks decide to rehab, not replace. There's a great winery just up north on Free Union Road, The Glass House Winery that combined with this historic group of buildings possibly offering touristy services would make a great day drive visit for visitors from around the world to this area.

Quintessential Virginia, indeed.

Twomey's Huckstep's Garage at Sun Down in Free Union Virginia

Huckstep's Garage off Buck Mountain Road

Right down Buck Mountain Road to the west of the Earlysville General Store is Huckstep’s. This landmark building was put up in the 1940’s, and I sure believe it. 

I just loved the way the sun hit it at the end of the day along Buck Mountain and Free Union Roads. A stunning reminder of all that it serviced, I hear it’s just been sold. I really hope they don’t tear it down; it’s too dignified for that.

This original painting will be featured in my upcoming show at Mud Dauber Pottery. And here's a link to Suzanne Crane's Mud Dauber site.