This one-off 24x18 watercolor of the Old Borego Store located in Borrego Springs California was painted and signed by WM J. Bartko in 1961, the year he retired to the area. My late mother purchased this artwork from the artist in 1961. It has been in our family for 65 years, one owner.

Due to moisture and shrinkage in July 2021 I had it professionally restored then had it reframed using TRU-VUE Museum glass.

It is a wonderful representation of this artist’s work and what is today a Historical building, currently under private ownership and conservation.

In November of 2021, I presented an 8x10 framed photo of the restored artwork to the onsite caretaker for display.

About the Artist:

William J. Bartko

Known for: Desert landscape painting

William Bartko was a painter of desert landscapes, especially scenes with smoke trees. For much of his life he earned a living as a sign painter in Los Angeles. When he retired in 1961, he moved to Borrego Springs and devoted himself to fine art painting until his death in 1989.