Citgo Sign Painting En Plein Air by Borbay

Citgo Sign Painting by Borbay

I first set foot on Boston University’s campus as a 17-year-old, 123-pound runner, looking to channel the Terrier. Despite graduating from the College of Fine Arts, I never painted live on the streets of Boston.

So, when I found myself in town for the first time in ten years… I decided to rectify this egregious error. With my penchant for neon, and the recent drama surrounding Citgo… the subject chose me.

Prudential Building Boston Photo by Borbay

Arriving in town, I was pleased to discover this view from my apartment. Prudent to snap a photo, I thought.

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

And there I was, in a park filled with pigeons, with a near perpetual scent of maryjane… set-up, and ready to paint.

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

A quick freehand drawing, under painting, and the identification of all key sign elements.

Paul William Painting Photo by Borbay

During this adventure, I was joined by my college roommate and very close friend — Paul William. He painted three pieces in the time it took me to create one. Clearly, I need some steroids, or at least a barrage of Dunks.

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

Nailing down the major forms… darkening-up the scene… we began painting at 11am, so it required some abstract thought to predict twilight.

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

Everything blocked-in, it was time to paint light… my fave.

Paul William Painting in Boston Photo by Borbay

Here is Paul, painting piece #2… the bus depot in Kenmore Square.

Citgo Sign Photo by Borbay

We weren’t done for the night… but I did snap this photo to guide me on day two.

Paul William Corner Tavern by Borbay

We banged over to my new favorite Boston Bar, The Corner Tavern… they allowed us to set-up and paint late into Halloween night, which was great fun.

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

Still wet from window gradients… my painting for the evening had come to a close.

Paul William Citgo Painting

Paul’s Citgo Sign painting came out wicked sweet. Wicked.

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

And so, day two… overcast, slightly colder, and solo. Fortunately, I had a barrage of visits from good friends… thank you for that Chris (thank you for the burger), Matt (congratulations on #3) and Susan (appreciate the snaps!).

Citgo Sign Painting Process by Borbay

Here, close, I wanted to capture the work in context.

Citgo Sign Painting by Borbay

And boom! 14″X18″ of iconic Boston skyline, captured for posterity.

Brendan Ben Feeney Borbay and Paul William in Boston

Here, during one of our many Corner Tavern trips… I got to hang with artist’s Brendan Ben Feeney (we are currently collaborating on a painting) and Paul William.

CITGO by paul william artist

Oh yes, and you can acquire Paul’s sweet Citgo…

Paul William and Borbay Photo by Brendan Ben Feeney

Ben snapped this shot of Paul and Me, being pensive, enjoying beer.

Neel Evan Borbay in Boston

I met up with my boy Neel for the first time in a decade… ironically, Evan happened to be strolling by, saw us, and joined the fun!

Borbay and Leif-Ann

High School friend and former teammate, Leif-Ann, joined me for a stroll through the city. I was grateful to be walking, because I thought I broke my toe during a hockey game the night before I arrived. Fortunately, it was just badly bruised.

BU Beach Graffiti Photo by Borbay

Some total moron spray-painted the sculpture on BU Beach… shameful on all levels (spelling, execution, location).

And, of course, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to meet-up… Professor Bacevich, Mike, Rick Frank (thank you for the massage!), Bobby, Blaize, Liam and the rest of my crew. Much love and gratitude.

Borbay Boston University

Finally, I had the honor of attending a beautiful memorial service for my college track and cross country coach — Bruce Lehane. Bruce was more than a coach — he was a mentor, a friend, a thinker — someone focused on developing people first… athletes second.  I will never forget you and everything you did for me — thank you Bruce.

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