Sunday, July 22, 2012

Old Barns

I painted an old barn for the front of a card to give to a friend of mine that is turning 80 years old next month. She loves old barns. She is the wife of a farmer and came from a farm family.

While I have never lived on a farm I have fond memories of old barns. My Grandfather had a barn full of horses and the occasional cow. My cousins, who I spent many a summer day with, had an old barn full of horses, tack and hay. That smell. Those cool shadows of summer that you don't appreciate any more because of air conditioning. Ahhh the memories. I hope this picture brings back fond memories to my friend.
Do old barns conjur up any fond memories for you?




15 comments:

Teri said...

It is beautiful and so 'barn'; weathered and wonderful. It is perfect for her.

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

What a great painting for a card. I love barns. We have some great ones around here. She will love it.

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
Your barn is great! I bet your friend frames this from the heart card.
Nice way to honor her and stay cool!
I enjoyed your farm memories...
May you have rain and cool temps!
Sherry

Julie said...

My maternal grandparents were farmers! They had a big barn! Mostly I remember not going into it much because it was dark and full of big scary tractors! We used to sit on the porch of Grandmas house overlooking the barn, and shell peas, and snap beans. (Or...we could be washing clothes with washboards and a ringer, or playing in big galvanized buckets of water). That shade and sun, and the smells, and fun were wonderful. I wish my kids and grand kids could have such a place to roam!

Your painted card is beautiful, and so thoughtful, Lisa. Just like you!!!

Jim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jim said...

I love your picture, Lisa. Yes, it brings BACK memories. I am glad you asked.

First is the barn on the farm where I was born and grew up. It is on my blog several places. We milked cows, fed baby calves, kept horses including the one I rode to high school the first two years.

Second is the little barn at the country school. It held six horses. When I first came there all stalls were taken and I had to tie 'Minnie' to a tree.

Jim's OSI
..

PAK ART said...

I love barns too! We don't have many up here, but that's something I always look for when I'm visiting in MO. I love the old big red ones - some of the newer ones look like big aluminum sheds. Someday I'm going to have a big old barn with hay smells in it....and probably other smells too, but I'm going to concentrate on the hay! ha ha ha

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa,

Many people in the UK do not have air conditioning, so sitting under a tree or a in an old barn are still part of life :)
My Gramps neighbour had a large barn were he kept the cows and calves. He used to let us visit sometimes and that would be the first place I would go. I used to just like sitting there.

I love your paining, it is so pretty and I know for sure your friend will love it. So personal, so thought provoking.

soulbrush said...

I have a friend on my atc forum who also loves drawing old barns. This one is fabulous. Love the colour. Hugs to you from a rainy London.

Katiejane said...

I don't have any memories of old barns but I love how they look. This is a very nice sketch and looks like lots of barns around these parts. I'm sure your friend will love this card.

Mim said...

what a lovely painting - the style is great for the subject, and I'm sure your friend will love it.

SandyCarlson said...

That's a beautiful painting! Your friend will love it.

Robin said...

Lisa - the Barn painting is lovely. I am sure your friend will adore it.

Being a *City Girl*, my *Barn Experiences* are limited - but I love the ones I have seen and even visited. My Father's Family were Farmers in Iowa...but sadly, I have never visited there....

I love the sense of peace and security they provide...

Hugs,

♥ Robin ♥

Quiet Paths said...

Lucky friend. Your barn is wonderful. My parents have an old barn on their place which used to also house chickens. It is a big, two story barn which my brother renovated because it was in shocking disrepair. It should last another 100 years or so. Barns are special buildings and I know what you mean about the cool shadows.

marianne said...

Lovely painting and yes these old barns do hold memories. I think of Sweden when I see this!
Your friends will be thrilled!
Have a nice day dear♥