Outbuilding, Leelanau County

After printing this image I tried to imagine whether the scene would have appealed to three of my favorite artists, Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, and Andrew Wyeth, each of whose work may be considered an example of modern American Realism.

I think the almost surreal landscape would have attracted Wyeth; the nostalgic throwback, Wood; and the solitude of the scene (especially the isolation of the outbuilding — imposing yet receding), Hopper.

I mention these artists because for many years I’ve been drawn to their work and suspect it has influenced the way I see landscapes and architecture.

This outbuilding resides on the property of Carsten Burfiend, the first settler of Leelanau County. Mr. Burfiend built two farms in the late nineteenth century just north of Glen Arbor. The farm is closed though restored and sits between a spine of dunes to the east and Lake Michigan less than a mile west.

Year: 2013
Location: Carsten Burfiend Farm, Leelanau County, Michigan
Collector’s Edition of 10
Dimensions: 19.5" x 16"