Mormon Row Cowboy Barn — Jackson Hole — A Borbay Painting

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn by Borbay Full Res

When I was commissioned by Matt and Allison to create a Jackson Hole-inspired painting, they wanted me to experience things for myself, so it was wheels up, next stop Wyoming.

Before I arrived, Matt had the idea of painting the famous Mormon Row Barn with a twist… adding the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar‘s neon signs… this turned out to be a winner. And now, on to how this Futurist work was created.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

The rule of thirds will abide — just like The Dude.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

Warm under-painting — preliminary drawing.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

For those curious about where my light-beams and compositional divisions come from… I’ve included my working draft.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

It’s been a long time since I’ve painted mountains, and it feels so good.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

The Tetons, divided into planes of night, twilight and daytime.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

An ill-fated swirly, twirly sky and the pink light beam… beginning to establish the picture.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

The roof of the barn is quite textural — this called for numerous tones and subtle impasto brush work.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

After painting in the green foreground for context, I spent nearly the entire day repainting the sky only to realize I was completely wrong.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

And so, here comes the orange side-beams, and the front door, ajar.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

The painting, here, found balance, and it was at this juncture I knew where I was, and where I was going.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

The temptation to paint-in the signs early on to build confidence is strong. However, I know the wait is important, so I pushed onward, drawing in the fence and balancing tones throughout.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn Painting Process by Borbay

Oh sweet, sweet catharsis. Neon signs. How I love thee. At this stage, all that remained was the barn slats, and a greening of the foreground — a fabulous idea shared by not only Matt and Allison, but Erin, my consigliere.

Mormon Row Cowboy Barn by Borbay Full Res

If the Mormon Row Barn and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar had a baby… boom. Done. Here’s a major thank you to Matt and Allison for the commission and a wonderful visit to Jackson Hole. Now, without further adieu, some vacation snaps from the Tetons.

Moose Crossing in Jackson Hole by Borbay

Welcome to Jackson Hole — here are some moose.

Matt at the Tetons

Matt and the Tetons (they are old pals).

Borbay and the Tetons

A photo of me taking a photo of myself.

Borbay Snake River Madness

Snake River Brewing Company… great place to grab a beer. Don’t forget to take yourself quite seriously.

Matt at Twilight

Sometimes, you  need more time to finish that beer, and the Mangy Moose is happy to provide a roadie.

The Inn Jackson Hole by Borbay

That green light is something out of a Stephen King novel.

Matt Erik and Allison

Matt and Allison making an Erik sandwich of love.

Sun in Jackson Hole

Hot white sun showing many treads… Matt took me snow mobiling.

Borbay in Jackson Hole

Some people have the bow of a ship… I had a piece of strong machinery.

Borbay in Jackson Hole

My hands are up most of the time… fitting, for moments after this photograph, I got cocky, revved my machine up to 52mph, neglected to notice a 90 degree turn, hit a snowbank and flew 20 feet into a snowdrift. My ego was fine after a few beers.

Matt in Jackson Hole

Matt doing a Captain Morgan’s ad.

Sunset in The Tetons by Borbay

Charlie, posing for a slice of pure Americana.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole by Borbay

Here, in the Cowboy Bar, Matt won 3 straight games of pool against yours truly.

Deer Head in Jackson Hole by Borbay

“I still know what you did last summer.”

Skull in Jackson Hole

O’Keeferiffic.

Borbay and the Bear

I can’t bear to leave Jackson Hole.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole by Borbay

Saddle up partner.

Borbay in Jackson Hole

Fun fact — I am the first person to have their photo taken under this archway.

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