John and Holli Greathouse Barn

This bank barn was built between 1850 and 1860. It features a brick foundation above ground and a beautiful stone foundation for the in-ground areas. Handsomely constructed hand-hewn and pegged timbers are the foundation of this three-bay barn. The upper level has a large door into the center section to allow for wagons, etc. to enter. The two side bays were used for hay and grain storage.

The method used to move the hay and grain to the lower level for the animals is most unusual. A sketch is included that illustrates this unique feature. In the past, the barn was used for dairy. Currently the barn is used for cattle and horses.

Late afternoon, October 2008, was the perfect time to do a painting of this barn. I set up my plein air oil painting supplies and painted as clouds started to roll in. The evening light produced a full range of red hues. The light reflecting off of the south side of the barn turned the reds cooler and lighter than those on the west gable end. Warm hues in the peach family reflected off of the roof's eaves. Spending time with this barn helped me draw out its subtle beauty. I chose an 18 x 36 inch canvas.

This barn painting made possible, in part, by the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

All the barn paintings are for sale.  Please contact Gwen to find out if the painting(s) you are interested in are sold or available.