Painting Hornbrook Barn

Hornbrook Barn

Just north of The Grand View Ranch and Mt Shasta, the quaint and picturesque farming community of Hornbrook has become the inspirational location for many of the new paintings that I plan to paint this year. This amazing red barn, just off the freeway near Hornbrook, catches my eye every time I drive to Medford, Oregon to teach painting classes. In my painting of the Hornbrook barn, I wanted to capture the change of seasons by contrasting the fallen dead oaks in the background with the fresh green spring grass in the foreground. I find the ever-changing theme of rebirth and renewal in nature fascinating. In my composition of this painting, I positioned the main focal point just off to the right of the barn, and then added the fence that darts along the foreground to bring the viewer’s eye to the focal point. Before I begin a painting, I think about why I am attracted to the subject that I am choosing to paint, what the message or personal observation is that I want to share with the viewer, and what composition will make my message clear and moving to anyone who sees my painting.

Painting with Intention

A great painting grabs the viewer’s attention immediately, and then holds it so the artist can communicate his message on the canvas. Yes, a message. Many paintings have little to say because the artist did not take time to ask the most important question, “Why am I painting this painting?” Painting is powerful. It is the most expressive artistic medium that there is. Leonardo De Vinci said that painting is supreme of all the arts because one does not have to read, watch, or listen for a long time to understand the artist’s intention. With one careful placement of a brush stroke, an artist can create all kinds of messages and meanings. However, it is all for not if the artist has nothing to say.

The next time you go on location to paint, try doing this before you begin. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to paint this painting?” and “what is the message that I want to communicate?” Then, begin your conversation with the future viewers and reveal your point of view by painting it for them.

I have devoted my life to touch, move and inspire others to see and appreciate the beauty of art and its relationship to nature. And, as we travel through this great land with our 1970 Silver Streak trailer following behind our truck, I passionately desire to share the power and beauty of nature and art with others. For a FREE book on everything I know about painting go tohttp://www.thegrandview.com/