Ratcliff Family Barn
Double-Dutch doors and sliding doors were placed on each end of this dairy barn. Twice a day the herd would enter, be milked and continue through. The barn is currently used for chickens and other farm animals, rather than for dairy.
A bit of interesting history surrounds this barn. The farm is located near the Newport Chemical Depot, previously known as the Wabash River Ordnance Works. During WWIl the United States Army purchased the 260-acre farm, including this 1918 barn and home. After the war, the family repurchased the farm in order to maintain their family and farm history.
After a number of visits to this barn, I chose to capture the early morning sun illuminating the east gambrel end. The cast shadows glowed with cool colors announcing the coming season. The warm colors of fall in the surrounding vegetation complement the cooler hues in the shadows. The barn fits comfortably within its setting. I chose an 18 x 30 inch panel and completed the oil painting in my studio, in January 2016, using location sketches, note and photographs.
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.
