02242009

Ink Impressions

Enjoy a few Ontario Barn Structures through the eyes of an architect’s pen.

I made a news years resolution to sketch more, and it took me a few weeks to figure out what I was going to sketch. But then is dawned on me…I was surrounded by inspiration, the thing that inspires me in my architecture practice, but also my work with Ontario Barn Preservation…BARNS!

So I started taking stock photos as I traveled the country roads. I may have veered over the line or into the shoulder a few times as I attempted to not stop traffic on my rural routes while taking photos. (I drive a grey Kia Rondo if your ever wondering why someone is taking pictures of your barn!)

So here are some highlights of my work.

I loved the red trim around the lower level windows!
Drive through corn crib, happens to be the one I was married in!
classic Ontario barn, with a beautiful red door at the top of the bank.
A lovely yellow long barn with two banks to the upper level. Located near Amulree
A newer barn with Gambrel roof. A much harder shape to sketch.
Despite your opinions on wind turbines it old technology! Stark contrast between abandoned rusting windmill and progressive green energy!
A barn being torn down. A rare opportunity to see the frame against a beautiful sunset.

I’ve made a few observations about barns as I sketch. Sketching really connects you with a barn. It is a very mindful exercise to understand a barns shape, form, colours, etc. But the one thing it doesn’t reveal is the interiors. The frames are all similar but unique. I have attempted a few interior sketches without much luck, but perhaps my next blog post later this year will have some. Practice makes perfect!

Sketches by Krista Duynisveld Hulshof of VELD architect. Copyright 2020. Please do not use without permission.

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