The Old Ford Truck on Highway 96 Acrylic Painting

Show off your country style with this 1941 blue pickup truck acrylic mixed media painting! Featuring an old Ford truck nestled in the barn of an an old grist mill farm in Fort Valley, Georgia, this painting will bring a lifetime of rustic charm to your home or office! No need to take a road trip down Highway 96 in Georgia - this beautiful piece of art is all you need! However, if you’d like to see the truck for yourself plan that road trip today. It’s been sitting in the same spot for nearly 50 years and is an iconic landmark. 

• Hand Painted Original
• Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas: 18" x 24"
• Varnish Finish: Gloss
• Orientation: Landscape
• Framed (available for local pickup only)

Frames and/or matting in reference photos are not included and are for display ideas only.

ALL PAINTING SALES ARE FINAL

 The Story Behind This Painting?

In August of 2023, my husband, William and I embarked on a mini vacation to Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head, South Carolina. The road stretched out before us, winding through picturesque scenes of countryside charm. As we cruised along, William’s eye caught a glimpse of something intriguing tucked beneath a covered area of a weathered barn. An old Ford truck, its body a testament to years gone by, sat nestled in the barn's protective embrace.

Since I was asleep as we passed the barn William decided to press on, allowing the truck to remain a mysterious curiosity for the time being. Little did I know that this truck would soon become a focal point of our journey, weaving its way into our memories in unexpected ways.

Our time in Savannah and Hilton Head were a delightful time of exploration, historic charm and coastal beauty. As all good things must end we had to return home, retracing our path along Highway 96. William remembered the old Ford truck and the promise of inspiration that it held, envisioning the truck as the centerpiece of my next painting.

This time he slowed down as we approached the barn. I had no idea why he stopped so I asked and he said he thought this would be a good subject for my next painting. I looked out the window and saw a barn and replied, “Yes, the barn would make a nice painting.” Then he said, “Open the door and look behind you.” And, when I did I was in total amazement! The afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the weathered wood, revealing the aged yet enduring presence of a 1941 Ford pickup.

There she was…a beautiful old truck tucked away under a covered area of the barn. It was as if we traveled back in time gazing upon a truck used by many who worked the farm. After taking many photos we spent a moment there, soaking in the atmosphere of the land, before reluctantly returning home. 

During the long drive home I decided to learn more about the truck and did a quick internet search which revealed the old Ford pickup was no ordinary relic. It was a local legend, an icon of Fort Valley, Georgia, often serving as a backdrop for joyous celebrations and snapshots of important moments. It was even a focal point for another local artist, Cheryl Bush who also painted the truck and many other interesting subjects along Highway 96.

This humble truck, untouched and unmoved for over half a century, had become a silent witness to the lives of generations. It had stood the test of time, remaining steadfast in its place for over 50 years on the farm, a symbol of endurance and authenticity.

As I started working on my painting, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the truck. Its presence, once a fleeting roadside curiosity, had transformed into a source of inspiration that resonated with our journey, both literal and metaphorical. Each brushstroke seemed to breathe life into its worn features, and the canvas began to tell a story of its own—a story of discovery, inspiration, and the beauty of the unexpected.

And so, that old Ford truck on Highway 96 became more than just a random sight along our travels. It became a cherished memory, a muse for creativity, and a reminder that even amidst the rush of a journey, taking a moment to pause and explore can lead to the most remarkable and meaningful discoveries.