Due to the disappearance of old barns in Iowa, I have decided to paint a few more of these relics. These structures are dilapidated and full of great character.

This particular barn is located in northwest Iowa near the Spencer area. I worked from a photo given to me by a friend. There is a solitary hay bale and light post next to the barn. I didn’t notice the hay bale in the photo at first.

This piece was painted “alla prima,” which is done in one sitting. I used a basic mixture of grays and ochres. The foreground was done in the scumbling method with a bristle brush.