"As a young boy our local speedway held tremendous fascination for me," the artist remembers. "Whenever I got a chance I stopped by to see what was going on." In this intriguing new image a couple of kids carefully watch as Tim puts some finishing touches on his car. Other drivers mill around, making sure their cars are tuned and ready to go. Even the fire truck has arrived to watch the preparations. "Tim was a father figure to us boys," Mr. Barnhouse recalls. "He was a local guy who shared in all the community enthusiasms. His shop was always open to offer advice or order parts for drivers."

"Collectors tell me they often put themselves in my art. It's a way we all can relive some of the happiest moments of our youth."

Dave Barnhouse recreates the best of times in his definition of rural and small town America. His portraits are glimpses of life the way he remembers it from his childhood. Barnhouse is a self-described "country boy" from Richmond, Ohio who grew up in small towns and connects physically and emotionally with those environments.

Barnhouse's work captures the Americana genre, as he works with illumination and adds a nostalgic touch to give viewers the feeling they are actually present and part of the painting."