Built to last

[I posted this originally without any explanation but… a couple of hours later I'm writing this about this semi-surreal piece]:

Barns. Barns in the US. Barns back in the day almost all had large chewing tobacco advertisements painted on the side facing the road.

Why? Well…

"Hey Mister Farmer Man, that surely is a fine fine barn you got there."
"Why thankye stranger I'm right proud of it, we raised it nigh on 20 years ago and it's just as sound today as the day it was built."
"It surely is a beaut sir but that old weather beaten, peeling coat of paint just don't do it justice, makes that fine work ya'll did look just a bit tattered don't ya think?"
"That be the truth stranger and I'm right sorry to see it looking so worn, but with the cost of seed and the drought last year, it'll be a while and then a bit and maybe a while more before I can afford to slop some fresh paint along it."
"That is a shame, that is truly a shame to see it lookin' so raggity Mister Farmer Man. Hum now that I think about it maybe we can do a little tradin' that won't cost either of us nuthin but we'll both walk away the richer for it. Now I'm a drummer travelin' in chewin' tobacco heading over toward Shady Grove to stock Mr. Johnson's (Ya'll know Mr Johnson? A right fine man.) general store. Now I can make a littl extra money posting advertisements for my company, Day's Work Chewin' tobacco. Well sir, I can explain to them what a fine view all the folks headin' along the road here in to Mr. Johnson's store have of the side of your barn. I suspect I can get them to paint your whole barn, free for nothing at not one penny's cost to you ifin you let them put a little advertisement for Day's Work 'long this side of that beautiful but paint weary barn!"
"Why stranger, that sound's like a right fine idee!"
"I think so too, Mister Farmer Man, let's shake on it!"]


Watercolors (Creatacolor bricks) and watercolor pencils (Derwent's) on Strathmore's Bristol vellum, 11 by 14 inches.