Why I Said Never to Painting Barns Again and What Changed My Mind

Painting barns used to be something I swore I would never do again. The idea felt limiting, repetitive, and frankly, a bit uninspiring. Yet, recently I found myself drawn back to the subject, choosing to paint "Doc's Barn" during a live paint-along on YouTube. This shift surprised a friend who asked why I once said never and what made me change my mind. The answer is not about being elitist or dismissive. Instead, it reflects the natural path of artistic growth and the unique qualities barns offer as subjects. (If you are reading this before June 11, 2026, here's a link to RSVP for the party)

One of maybe 15 photographs that day we artists visited, I selected this for the online painting party because of its challenges.

The Challenge and Appeal of Painting Barns

Barns are more than just old buildings. They present a variety of challenges that help artists develop their skills:

• Perspective: Getting the angles right is tricky. Barns often have complex rooflines and structures that test your understanding of space.

• Avoiding Nostalgia: Barns can easily look overly sentimental or clichéd. Deciding how to portray them without falling into traditional red or white colors opens creative doors.

• Color Play: Using unexpected palettes allows artists to explore mood and atmosphere rather than just replicating reality.

• Landscape Integration: Barns rarely stand alone. They sit within nature, offering opportunities to practice landscape skills, including working with shadows cast by trees.

• Geometric Contrast: The straight lines and shapes of barns contrast with the organic forms of nature, creating interesting visual tension.

  
  

These elements make barns excellent subjects for artists who want to grow. They are not just nostalgic icons but complex forms that invite experimentation.

Why I Said Never

Early in my artistic journey, I focused on copying favorite artists and replicating what I saw exactly. Painting barns felt like a repetitive exercise that didn’t push me forward. I wanted to explore new subjects, styles, and techniques. Saying "never again" was a way to mark a turning point in my growth, a commitment to move beyond familiar territory.

This decision wasn’t about looking down on barn paintings or the artists who love them. It was about personal evolution. When you grow as an artist, you realize that copying or repeating the same subjects can limit your development. You want to challenge yourself with new ideas and approaches.

What Changed My Mind

The change came unexpectedly when I was searching for a subject for an online paint-along event. I stumbled upon a photo of Doc's Barn, a place I had visited years ago during a plein air trip in Miami County, Indiana. The barn belonged to Doc Musselman, a retired dentist and musician who welcomed artists on his property along the Eel River in Indiana.

Seeing that barn brought back memories of that day and the friends I painted with, two of whom have since passed away. Nostalgia mixed with the realization that barns offer so many artistic opportunities made me reconsider. I realized that painting barns again didn’t mean going backward. It meant embracing a subject that could still teach me new things.

Painting Doc’s Barn Live

Choosing Doc’s Barn for the live paint-along was a way to share this experience with others. It’s a subject that invites:

• Skill-building: Perspective, color, and shadow work.

• Creative freedom: Using non-traditional colors or focusing on mood.

• Connection: Tapping into personal memories and stories.

  
  

The live session allowed artists to explore these aspects together, making the process both educational and emotional.

I made three value studies, changing each one slightly and settled upon this version for the class to use

Lessons from Saying Never and Then Yes

This experience reinforced a lesson I’ve taught many times: never say never. Artistic growth is not linear. What you reject today might become a valuable part of your journey tomorrow. Here are some takeaways:

• Growth means revisiting old subjects with new eyes

What once felt limiting can become rich with possibility when approached differently.

• Personal connection adds depth

Memories and emotions tied to a subject can inspire and motivate.

• Challenge yourself with complexity

Barns combine structure and nature, offering a perfect playground for skill development.

• Share the process

Painting along with others creates community and shared learning.

Final Thoughts

Painting barns again was not a step backward but a step forward. It reminded me that growth involves openness and flexibility. Doc’s Barn is more than a building; it’s a symbol of friendship, memory, and artistic challenge. For artists looking to expand their skills, subjects like barns offer much more than meets the eye.

If you’ve ever said never to a subject or style, consider revisiting it. You might find new inspiration and growth waiting there. And if you want to join a paint-along or explore barn painting yourself, Doc’s Barn is a great place to start.