This is a painting of Lock 8, which is located along the C&O Canal towpath near Cabin John, Maryland. It was built in 1830 to provide shelter for the Lockkeeper and his family. The house was abandoned in the early 1900's and then brought back to life in 2001. I have always been drawn to old houses because of their charm and the history they hold with in their walls. It's so sad to see an old house that once held laughter and tears... empty and crumbling apart and never again containing life. But now...once again, this little house stands tall ... reclaiming its place on the canal. Despite the striking contrast between the various shades of green and the stark white color of the house, you know it belongs there... a bright spot in a dark secluded corner of the world. This 8x10 painting was done with acrylics on stretched canvas in late August of 2009 and won a Champion Rosette in 2010.