Barns and Belties

This farm in Waitsfield Vermont has fascinated me for the last couple of years. I have painted the front of it, and taken tons of photos in all seasons. For this particular view I was driving a road about a half-mile away when I realized it provided me with a view of the back of these same barns. Using a telephoto lens I took shots with the "Beltie" cows (Belted Galloway cattle) just as the back of the barn. Often called "Oreo Cows" for their black ends and white middle, they add a nice graphic touch. This became my painting. For me it represents the history of Vermont dairy farming with its decaying barns still in functioning and providing views like this one.