Barns disappear seemingly every day in Vermont. Often due to weather, deterioration and neglect. Actual working farms are increasingly rare and these small family farms can be difficult to maintain. Maybe that is why I am drawn to them, out of a sense of urgency to capture their beauty while still able. Or maybe it's the nostalgia of what rural Vermont represents, or the hard work and commitment it takes to continue farming against all odds.

Whatever the reason, every time I pass a farm with barns and outbuildings I look hard to see the potential painting each one could represent. In this case the decision was made easier as the cows seemingly answered a casting call and wandered into the composition just as I arrived, and then wandered off a short time later. The late light hitting the side of the barn steals the show here, but so many elements came together to immediately place this scene high on my list of favorite places to paint.