Editor's note: Patch today debuts a blog by acclaimed Edmonds muralist Andy Eccleshall. Enjoy!
Today I completed a rather unusual project.
On Lowell-Larimer Road in Snohomish there are numerous farms and old barns set against a gorgeous backdrop of pasture and the Cascade Mountains. One particular barn, belonging to Hagen Farm, was the subject of this week's painting project.
The barn, built in 1931, proudly bears the scars of 81 seasons. Patchy paint, bare wood, rusty nails and sagging siding may suggest some frailty but this elderly lady is as solid as a rock.
Barbara and Jay, the owners of the farm, had seen a couple of pieces I recently completed for the Snohomish Co-op and contacted me to see if together, we could come up with something to dress up one end of the barn.
I asked if they intended to repaint the barn but Barbara said she preferred the aged look and wanted any additions to look like they belonged with the structure, like they'd been there a long time.
I designed a concept and lucked out with a prolonged summer! The owners supplied a bucket lift and we got to work.
The result was a mural which made use of the patina on the building. Areas of the painting were left out to accommodate particularly worn sections, and "Hagen Farm" was added, paying close attention to the patterns of wear and tear.
During the painting process we noticed the slightest trace of some lettering beneath the original paint. It turned out to be an older incarnation of the farm "Violet Stand [or] Ranch." The letters that could still be made out were carefully highlighted within the new mural. A sign of respect to the past generations who had worked the land here.
After several days and a few bucket lift incidents (including getting stuck on the roof:)) we were able to step back and check out the finished result, appropriately weathered, though only a few hours old. I hope the old barn is happy.
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