Stephanie Schechter

Rhode Island, USA, State Police, oil, 22 x 24" (56 x 61 cm)

My Inspiration

To me, vintage signs carry significance beyond the words on their surface. These landmarks represent local history, community, design and manufacturing trends, impermanence and obsolescence. In addition to these cultural meanings, I find beauty in both hand-painted typography and the sculptural quality of signs. I have a deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of the sign maker.

I spotted this remarkable sign for State Police Troop D while driving through Danielson, Connecticut. I was taken by the contrast of the sign’s subject matter with its delicate, decorative form. I sensed that the shape of the sign, the ornate support bracket that frames the sign and graffiti-like shadows cast by its neon would create a compelling painting.

My Design Strategy

I took dozens of photos of this sign from multiple angles. When I returned to my studio, I selected the reference photo that I felt created the most dynamic composition.

Working from that photograph, I created a drawing—cropping, editing and adjusting in order to create an impactful image. As in all of my work, I chose to eliminate rust and texture, opting to focus on form. Every element included in the image is intended to enhance the composition and direct the eye. The result is an idealized portrait that reflects what I find most powerful about this subject.

My Working Process

For each painting, I spend many hours developing a precise foundational drawing that resembles a technical engineering drawing. I have found that a highly resolved drawing makes the painting process easier and more successful. Once the drawing is complete, I transfer it to the substrate and begin painting. My approach to painting combines hard-edge technique and carefully blended transitions. I apply paint slowly and meticulously, without masking. I eliminate visible brushstrokes, aiming to create a texture-less surface. Since it takes multiple layers to achieve full opacity, I mix and store large batches of each color to avoid matching issues. More detail and refinement are added with each subsequent layer. I pay close attention to value and hue in order to maximize the appearance of threedimensionality.

Contact Details

Email: stephschechter@gmail.com Website: www.stephschechter.com