I like to paint farm areas. I also like to paint wetlands. Here is Washington we have lots of wetlands and if you get in the right areas, lots of farms and barns. Standing in one place you can often see the Olympic mountains to the west and the Cascades to the east. we have lots of mountains and snow. The problem is we also have lots of trees that get in the way. The same goes if you are looking for farm land and other things. Those darn trees!
I found a list of historic barns in Washington. Most of the time a historic farm goes along with them. In many cases the farms and barns are in disrepair however many have or are undergoing updating or restoring. Yesterday I started my journey to find them, photograph them and paint some. In most cases the paintings will be studies. Especially in the winter but for many I will either come back or use my study and photographs to do some finished paintings. The following are a few of the barns I found so far. I plan on updating this post as I add to it.
#1 Jerry Weaver Barn 20222 Little Mountain Road, Mt Vernon, WA
You can see this from the road but a better view would be from inside the property.
# 2 Henry Gay Barn 20274 E. Stackpole Road, Mt Vernon, WA
This barn is a ways off the road. You would need permission to get closer. No place to setup on the road.
# 3 Van Thurman Barn 19405 Nelson Road, Mt Vernon, WA
This is a nice barn and easily accessible. The current owners have a organic self serve produce stand in the front. My understanding is they hold dances in it. At least when they are able to.
#4 Produce Stand on Cederdale Road and SR 534. It’s not Historic as far as I know but I took this photo anyway. It is right off the freeway. It’s a produce stand that would be fun to paint.
#5 Summers Barn 13517 Rawlins Road, Mt Vernon, WA
Though this view is from the road there are no trespassing signs all over the site. Nobody was home to gain permission to access. It could be painted from the road.
#6 Sullivan Barn 16214 La Conner-Whitney Road, La Conner, WA
Easily viewed from the street though best painting spot would be on the property.