The following is the background story of the song, Our House.

Since I was lucky to find an image of the original “Our House.” I wondered what it looked like on Google maps. I found a area timeline from 2023 and although it was not apparent at first, there it finally was. This newer image from Google Maps shows major changes to the house. The address 8217 is visible on the fence to the right. My curiosity about this music does not differ from all the other artworks I have painted. If I am to spend weeks on each project, my understanding is to go beyond the music.

How I choose the colors is a process that varies between artworks. If possible, I look for videos on YouTube of the music being preform by the original artist and important covers. This includes the original artist’s official video and any live performances of the music. I also do an internet search to learn the history of the song, and any helpful details of its story, which, for this music, included the design of the original album release.

I must say the official video of Our House surprised and disappointed me. It is only a couple of years old. The original release of Our House was on the album Déjà vu, 1970. But it gave me the colors seen in the 2nd image of Our House, and therefore another connection between the music and the artwork.

Scott Von Holzen