Yesterday I drove the ten minute drive down to the Inn at Weathersfield to show some people my Old Barns paintings. I met the folks outside and we opened the big old door and went in. This is pretty much the way it has gone every time I’ve been there. Innkeeper and wonder hostess, Marilee Spanjian, greeted us with a warm smile and a quick introduction. Then, without missing a beat, Marilee gave the guests a mini-tour of the 1792 house. The beautiful open kitchen hearth, the layout of the original building and a little story about the people who turned it into an Inn in the 60s were the topics of conversation. I have visited the Inn and talked with Marilee dozens of times over the years, and every time she expresses her love of that place and tells a new heartwarming story about it.

It’s amazing how these old buildings can grab your soul. When I drive around this area I see these old places. Sometimes they’re falling down or hiding behind an overgrowth of trees, but they still call out to me. Sometimes it’s just a whisper, “you should have seen me when…” and sometimes it really hurts to see them fading away; soon to be gone. But now I’ve discovered a way to memorialize them. I snap a few photos then I go back to the studio and start researching. When was this built? What was its purpose? Who lived here? And the stories I’m able to find connect me to that sagging old barn, or that church with the leaning steeple, or that Inn with so much history. I study the photos I took, searching for clues and a painting begins to take shape. That building guides me in creating my composition. The mood. The past.

Then each night I put the equids (Abner, Thor and Kate) to bed and turn off the lights while I listen to them softly munching on hay in that 200+ year old barn and I rest easy knowing at least this barn’s story continues.

I’m happy to show you the Old Barn paintings that are at the Inn until the end of October. Just give me a call and we can set up a time. Although several are spoken for, those that aren’t sold will be here at my Gallery after that. View the paintings and order beautiful canvas gallery wrapped prints at this link. Mention your favorite in the comments below and you might win a print! Drawing will take place on November 1st for the winner!