"From my perspective, old barns are like works of art, and most possess a unique and individual personality.  In bygone days, placing advertising slogans on the facades of barns was very popular .  Today, one can still see them in various parts of the country.  Recalling my travels through the Midwest, the inspiration for this painting came to me - paint an American Flag on the facade of a barn!  Our flag, a powerful symbol, inspired me to employ symbolism in this painting.  For example, I created the blue sky and the patterns of the fleecy clouds to subtly mirror the patterns of a waving flag.  In order to convey a feeling of optimism, the setting is early spring: The snow is melting, new growth is sprouting, and sunny days lie ahead.  Finally, I think that this old barn stands as symbol for traditional values like hard work, craftsmanship, endurance, pride, and our kinship to the land.  For all Americans, the Flag is an Enduring Legacy, just like the weathered barn"  --Robert Richert