The Renovation of the Historic Fortney

The Renovation of the Historic Fortney is a 16x20 oil painting capturing the spirit of rebirth for one of Viroqua’s most iconic architectural gems. Painted in March 2021, this piece commemorates a long-overdue transformation of the Fortney Hotel—a once-fading beauty brought back to life.

The Fortney, standing proudly on Main Street since the late 1800s, has always had presence. During this period of major restoration, I found myself returning to it again and again in my work. Its tall windows, worn façade, and complex geometry were like a challenge—one that invited me to celebrate both what it was and what it was becoming.

This particular painting shows the Fortney mid-transition, framed in loose brushwork and bold, Fauvist-inspired color. The peachy, sun-bleached walls contrast sharply with cerulean shadows and a vibrant spring sky. I leaned heavily into the influence of artists like Henri Manguin and Albert Marquet—letting contrast and movement tell the story as much as form.

There's something poetic about renovation—peeling away the old, reimagining the bones, letting light in where dust once lived. This piece is a small love letter to that process, and to the way buildings (like people) can be restored with care, purpose, and a new coat of paint.

Whether you're from the Driftless area or just someone who appreciates the layers of history in small towns, The Renovation of the Historic Fortney captures a moment of hopeful transformation.