I have been photographing brick wall ghost signs for nearly 15 years now. Finding these beauties is much harder in Oregon than it was in Colorado. Back in that sunny, dry, high-altitude state, brick wall ghost signs seemed to last forever due to climate, lead-based paint and plenty of brick walls. Here in Oregon most buildings are made with wood siding and with all of the rain we get here ghost signs don’t have a chance.

My favorite ghost signs were painted back in the days before the concept of being political correct entered our awareness. Today we could never talk about “Whisky for Medicinal Use” or “Indian Traders.” Even advertising explosives just doesn’t work these days.

Here is the design for a new card I created using some of my favorite wall dog signs. A small project for a light day in the studio.