In the long tradition of roadside attraction Americana, on I-71 at the half-way point between Cleveland and Columbus sits Grandpa’s Cheesebarn. You will never convince me that Grandpa’s Cheesebarn doesn’t blow Dean & Deluca out of the water. Free samples. Nuts. Spreads. And rows and rows of glorious cheese. All with a candy and fudge shop next door, and an Amish basket maker selling handmade baskets on site.

The conversations I had with a few people while thinking through this painting were some of my favorite creative musings. One discussion involved the concept of painting the barn itself as a wedge of cheese! But, most of the conversations centered on how to create a feeling of mystery about what is inside the magical cheesebarn.