"A few weeks before Christmas it was a tradition that everyone helped with the decorations," the artist recalls. 'With excited anticipation the kids brought the box of holiday lights and garlands from the attic. Grandpa supervised the job. He knew where all the decorations went and even offered his 1940 Ford pickup as scaffolding to help trim the highest point.'"

" 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."