Barn Quilt Project Proposal
This project focuses on creating a barn quilt that merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression. The quilt will honor rural heritage and serve as a vibrant addition to the landscape. The design process will involve extensive research through photography of existing barn quilts to understand their historical significance, composition, and color dynamics. These photographs will inform the planning of my own barn quilt, ensuring a design that reflects both tradition and modern creativity.
Formal Description The project consists of three key components
Photography as Research: I will capture and analyze barn quilts in their natural settings to study their patterns, color schemes, and integration into the environment. This research will be essential in shaping my design choices. By visiting multiple barn quilt sites, I will gain an understanding of how different patterns interact with architectural features and natural surroundings. These images will serve as reference material for determining color harmony, symmetry, and cultural significance, helping to create a unique yet contextually relevant design.
Digital Design Exploration: Using Adobe Illustrator, I will develop digital renderings of potential barn quilt designs. These mockups will allow for experimentation with color combinations and layout before finalizing the physical design. The digital process will include testing various geometric compositions, refining line work, and adjusting contrasts to ensure clarity and visual impact from a distance. By creating multiple iterations, I will be able to compare designs side by side and choose the most effective representation for the final quilt. This phase will also allow collaboration with clients or stakeholders, incorporating feedback to align the design with their vision.
Physical Barn Quilt Creation: A 4x4 ft barn quilt will be crafted for the client, Polk A Dot Dairy. The final design will be selected from the digital renderings and executed using high-quality materials to ensure durability and weather resistance. The creation process will involve precise measurements and careful application of primer, paint, and sealer to produce a professional and lasting finish. Each color will be applied in multiple coats to achieve vibrancy and opacity. Additionally, the edges and back of the panel will be treated to enhance weather resistance. The final step will include securely mounting the quilt in a prominent location, ensuring it complements its environment and remains structurally sound.
Media and Materials
- Plywood Panel (MDO or exterior-grade, at least ¾-inch thick)
- Primer (exterior-grade, oil-based, or high-quality acrylic)
- Exterior Paint (high-quality acrylic or enamel in desired colors)
- Painter’s Tape (for sharp lines)
- Ruler & Measuring Tape
- Pencil & Eraser
- Compass or Stencils (needed for curved designs)
- Sealer (UV-protective and weather-resistant, like polyurethane or spar urethane)
- Sawhorses or Work Table
- Brushes & Rollers
- Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
- Screws & Mounting Hardware (for installation)
Scale of Works
Each barn quilt with be created at a 4x4 ft scale. The digital works will be printed and displayed as well as the physical barn quilt made of wood. Each barn quilt will be created at a 4x4 ft scale, ensuring high visibility and impact when installed. This size is ideal for outdoor display while maintaining a manageable workspace for detailed painting and finishing.
Resource Material & Inspiration
Jim Leuenberger – Project Coordinator, Creator, and Photographer of various barn quilt installations in Shawano, WI
This is where I will be conducting my research and capturing landscape photography images of barn quilts.
Bob Bell Fine Art Prints – Fine Art Photographer of “Driving Backroads”
Driving Backroads – Photographing Quilt Barns (https://drivingbackroads.com/2020/07/06/photographing-quilt-barns/) – Provides insight into barn quilt documentation and appreciation. Also, provides a brief history of the original barn quilt and where it originated.
Shawano Country Barn Quilts Guide (https://www.shawanocountry.com/i/f/files/Visitor%20Info/Shawano%20Country%20Barn%20Quilts%206-28-23.pdf) – Reference for traditional and contemporary barn quilt patterns as well as addresses of viewable and photographable barn quilts.
Timeline for Completion
Week 1-3: Conduct field research through photography, capturing and analyzing barn quilts in their settings.
Week 4: Finalize digital design concepts in Adobe Illustrator.
Week 5: Prepare the plywood panel including cutting, sanding, and priming.
Week 6-8: including cutting, sanding, and priming.
Week 9: Transfer the design onto the panel and begin painting with a layering process.
Week 10: Continue painting
Week 11: Continue painting
Week 12: Compile final images, Adobe Illustrator files, and Barn Quilt.
This project will bridge digital and physical artistry while honoring the rural tradition of barn quilts. By combining photography, digital design, and craftsmanship, it will serve as both a functional and aesthetic addition to the landscape.
Barn Quilt Design
Media: Adobe Illustrator
Dimensions: 4x4ft
Concert Poster in the Style of a Hatch Show Print
Media: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop
Dimensions: 20x30
Sketches of Barn Quilt Ideas
Media: Paper and Pencil
Dimensions: 4x4in
Images from around the world taken in 2024!
