Sheryl Brake Fine Art
FINE ART CAPTURING LIFE'S DETAILS
The Story Behind the Glow
There is just something about a neon sign. Whether the subtle enchantment or the glow of the neon, there is a story of yesterday waiting to be told. My watercolor series, Neon Americana, was inspired by the Doc Holliday Tavern sign in my hometown of Glenwood Springs. Whether it was nostalgia or cherished memories, I knew I had to paint this sign.
These vintage signs, once beacons for taverns, diners, lodges or theaters, now flicker in our memories as symbols of a lost era. Watercolor captures the vibrancy of neon, contrasting light with shadow and permanence with. I find beauty in the imperfections: rusted edges, faded paint, and mid-century typography.
This collection tells stories, inviting viewers to pause and recall places or moments that briefly shone before fading. With Neon Americana, I aim to preserve fragments of yesterday and highlight the beauty in the everyday.
Selected Watercolors from the Collection
The paintings in Neon Americana are created slowly, with close attention to light, shadow, and surface. Each work stands on its own while contributing to a broader, ongoing observation of place and time. The paintings below reflect the current body of work from this collection, drawn from roadside signs and the quiet beauty of aging American places.

Last Light at the Rustic Resort
This painting captures the weathered remains of a vintage roadside sign, the last visible trace of the Rustic Resort that was lost to fire several decades ago.

Kalispell Nights: the Timeless Rainbow Bar
Inspired by a trip to Kalispell, Montana, this painting is a blend of nostalgic Americana and my passion for fly fishing.
Go Deeper: Read the Blog
LEARN MORE
For those interested in how Neon Americana came to life, I’ve shared a reflection on what first drew me to these signs and the process of observing, painting, and returning to them over time. The piece touches on nostalgia, Americana, and the small discoveries that continue to shape this work, as well as why neon remains a quiet but persistent presence in my paintings.

Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner - Wouk in Process

