Patrick G. Smith Traditional Sign Painting & Gold Leaf

08/03/2026

I hadn’t been up north in about three years, and it has always been my ‘to go place’ to visit old friends and see the coast and relax. I had been talking to Sean about the upcoming Conclave, so I made plans to go a day early so I could visit Dave and Robin in Arroyo Grande, before going to Southpaw Signs.
Last weekend the 41st California Conclave was held in Oceano, California and hosted by Southpaw Sign Co. Sean Beauchamp and Eric Malicoat decided to take the helm when Dean Ross and John Studden decided that 20 years was time to hand it over to the new generation.
The Conclave was founded by Rick Glawson in 1986 at his sign shop in Wilmington, California. Lola Grey helped him get started and worked by his side until his untimely death in 2003. After his death the Conclave was continued by Roderick Treese, then John Studden and then Dean Ross. The Conclave is dedicated to the art of glass gilding.
The shop was in full swing on Thursday Feb.26th when I arrived in the afternoon. There were about 60 participants and there was the buzz of conversation as everyone was working on their glass piece and visiting. A bunch of us went to a Mexican Restaurant in town where the food was good and the beer cold. Lots of laughing and talking and it continued when we returned to work. In the morning, breakfast donuts and snacks were provided as well as water, soda and beer. Time was taken for lunch each day and Eric’s chili was delicious as was Debra’s potato salad.
Each night there was a fire pit glowing outside and, on both nights, I played accordion and friends sang along to campfire songs. It was a memorable weekend ending on Sunday.
I was the oldest sign painter at the Conclave and I was there for the first Conclave in 1986, (picture provided) but there were plenty of my friends there who attended the Conclave over the years. I had great conversations with them, and I also met many of the young sign painters and made many new friends.
There is already talk about next year’s events and the continuation of the Conclave. I am really looking forward to next year.
Thank you, Sean and Debra and Eric and Deb, for taking the helm and creating an artistic and welcoming place for us all. The beautiful glass piece brought out the artist in all.
Thank you, Dean, Cynthia and John, for keeping the craft alive and hosting the Conclave for so many years.
Patrick Smith

23/02/2026

The last time I saw Frank Maeson was at The Dalles Walldog Meet. Tom Seibert brought Frank and Sue to visit with old friends. I first met Frank at Rick Glawson's California Conclave back in the late 80's. I believe Frank was there to learn about the art of gold leaf and other related disciplines. I know he was a craftsman in his own right and I remember him doing a demonstration on mold making that impressed us all. We always got along, laughed a lot and he always had Sue by his side. I've always played accordion at the Conclaves. One night Frank requested the Liechtensteiner Polka and I knew it well. Frank started singing and I was surprised and it was a musical moment. I asked him afterwards where he learned to speak German and he said 'I am German' I told him I thought he had an accent 'cause he was from back east. We had a good laugh. Frank was a gentleman and I always enjoyed talking with him and Sue. Life goes on and we stayed in touch on Facebook. Thanks for the memories, old friend. Rest in Peace. You had a good ride. Sincerely Patrick Smith

24/09/2025

23/09/2025

I’ve enjoyed painting this mural and I’m almost finished. I keep making small changes so I decided to step away for a couple of days and post it as is. There’s an interesting back story and I’ll tell it when I’m finished. Take care.

08/08/2025

My stepson Britt, asked me to handletter Gretchen’s racing lawn mower, for her first competition ride at the OC Fair on Wednesday. He’s been doing racing for a while. We went to watch her maiden voyage and she did really well. I loved the noise and yelling and loud music. The announcer was great. Britt posted the event. Anyway lettering the mower hood reminded me of the days when we did all race cars etc. with a brush and one shot. Anne and I had a great time.

31/07/2025

Here is one of the two drumheads I lettered. Again, thanks to all for the input. I lightly sprayed the surface with water and gently wiped with a ‘bounce’ sheet. Two coats of Ronan enamel. Used an A. Handover goose lettering quill and a French Master quill.

31/07/2025

It’s been a lot of work but I’m pretty much finished with the accordion girl. Started on the copy and pictures last week. I forgot what it was like lettering crouched down low, now I remember, but I’m enjoying the journey. I’m using Nova Color and Benjamin Moore. Take care.

31/07/2025

I ordered this product for the first time and the can is a gem. Raised letters and all color. I know most of you will like the container. The product is oil based and I like it. Thought I’d share.

26/07/2025

I’ve been asked to letter a logo on this drum head. Ive never painted on this surface so I’m asking anyone who has, what I should look for. I’ll use one shot white and imitation gold. The drum head is this and made of a black plastic. Thanks in advance.

24/06/2025

Started on my mural a couple weeks ago. I didn’t realize stucco was so rough, or didn’t remember it was. I called Tom Siebert and he said to scrape the surface inside the circle, but I ended up sanding with 60 grit on a 6” polisher, then painted three coats of titanium white. Problem solved. I needed semi smooth for the detail. I’ve done more work since this picture but took a couple weeks break. I’ll post as I proceed. I’m using Nova Color and Benjamin Moore paint. I’m dedicating this mural to New Orleans music and Zydeco Accordion in particular.