The beauty of peeling paint on old houses

Black and white detail photographs of beautifully textured peeling paint on old buildings and vehicles by Keith Dotson

There can be beauty in decay. For a homeowner or facilities manager, peeling paint is a sign of trouble. Repairs will be needed to prevent further rot. But, what about the cases where there is no maintenance, when paint is allowed to undo itself from the surface? Practicality requires the paint be replaced, but aesthetics allows it to carry on in its decay. Practicality and aesthetics sometimes diverge.

Peeling paint brings texture; the character of age and time to a subject. Shiny buildings tell few stories, but decaying buildings have secrets to reveal. They have stories to share, like an elderly person on a park bench, if one has patience to wait, watch, and listen.

The Remains of Utopia, a black and white photo of peeling paint by Keith Dotson. Buy a print here.

Peeling Paint on a Rusty Old Ford Truck (IMG_4960). Click to buy a fine art print.

Painted Wall Detail 01, Miles City Montana (P4105507), a black and white photograph by Keith Dotson. Click to buy a fine art print.

Painted Wall Detail 03, Miles City Montana (P4105509). Click to buy a fine black and white photograph.

Cracked and Peeling White Handrail on the Porch an Old House in Charleston (A0018730). Click to buy a fine black and white photograph.

Decorative Woodwork on an Abandoned House, New Orleans (IMG_3664). Buy a fine art photograph.

Peeling Paint, Downtown Nashville. Click to buy a fine black and white photograph.

Vintage Coca Cola Ad in an Alley, Downtown Nashville (RQ0A4939). Click to buy a fine art print.

Rocking Chair Cat, Lafayette, Louisiana (A0011094), a black and white photograph by Keith Dotson. Buy a photograph.

Rotting Ornate Woodwork on an Abandoned House, New Orleans by Keith Dotson. Click to buy a photograph for your home or office.