One of Ames’ most recognizable residents just got a fresh coat of paint for his 15th birthday. Elwood the Gnome, the world’s largest concrete gnome, stands proudly at Reiman Gardens, and thanks to Zook’s Look, he’s looking better than ever.
As Reiman Gardens celebrates its 30th anniversary and Elwood marks 15 years since his installation in 2010, the team at Zook’s Look, an Ames-based painting company, was honored to give this local icon a well-deserved refresh.
Preparing for the Paint Job
Before picking up a brush, the painters carefully prepared the site. They masked off the surrounding area, covering the stone platform and nearby brickwork with brown paper and drop cloths to protect against drips or scratches.
Next, Elwood received a thorough power wash to remove dirt and buildup from years of Iowa weather. Cracks in his hat and other areas were repaired and filled, then primed to ensure a smooth, lasting finish.
The Undercoat and Artistic Touches
With repairs complete, the team applied a black undercoat over Elwood’s entire surface. While it temporarily gave the gnome a spooky Halloween look, this dark base was key to creating depth and realism in the final result.
The painters started at opposite sides of Elwood, meeting in the middle after a few days of careful work. For a short while, the gnome sported a black beard and hair, sparking plenty of smiles from onlookers imagining what he might have looked like in his younger years.
Once the base was dry, the team moved on to detailing. They added subtle shading to his clothes, rocks, and laugh lines using a watered-down paint mix to create depth and natural shadows. For his beard and hair, they used a dry-brushing technique, lightly dragging a small amount of gray paint over the surface so that bits of the black undercoat showed through, creating texture and a “carved” effect.
A Polished Finish for a Beloved Icon
After the final touches were complete, Elwood looked vibrant and full of life again—ready for his milestone birthday celebration. Visitors from near and far came to admire his refreshed look, and he even made an appearance on ESPN during the ISU vs. Arizona game coverage.
The Story Behind Elwood
Elwood was first unveiled at Reiman Gardens on Earth Day in 2010, as part of a special exhibit called A Celebration of Garden Ornamentation. He was sculpted by Andy and Connie Kautza of National Rock and Sculpture, Inc. in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Although Reiman Gardens initially planned for Elwood to be the world’s largest gnome, it turned out that a taller gnome existed in Poland. Even so, Elwood remains the world’s largest concrete gnome, standing 15 feet tall from boot soles to hat tip.
His name, “Elwood,” honors local history. For the first 12 years of Reiman Gardens’ existence, its street address was Elwood Drive. When the name changed to University Boulevard in 2007, the Gardens kept the name alive by giving it to their most famous resident.
About Zook’s Look
Founded in 1995, Zook’s Look is a quality-driven painting and home improvement company serving Ames and the surrounding communities. They specialize in both residential and commercial projects, everything from exterior painting and trim work to kitchen cabinets and interior walls.
The company prides itself on attention to detail and craftsmanship, delivering results that last, whether it’s a local landmark or your family home.
See Elwood’s New Look in Person
Elwood’s fresh “birthday suit” is on full display at Reiman Gardens, and visitors are encouraged to stop by and see the transformation in person.
If your own home or business could use a little color and care, Zook’s Look is ready to help.