Description

A Place of Refuge by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

A Place of Refuge by P. Buckley Moss is a richly symbolic numbered, limited edition giclée, created in 2007, and belonging to both the P. Buckley Moss Historic Landmark Collection and the P. Buckley Moss Owl Collection. This evocative rural scene brings together land, wildlife, and heritage to tell a story of protection, sanctuary, and quiet resilience.

At first glance, A Place of Refuge draws the viewer into a peaceful countryside anchored by a timeworn barn—an enduring emblem of shelter and history. In the foreground, an owl perches calmly on a rustic fence post, its presence steady and watchful. The owl’s wide, attentive gaze suggests wisdom and guardianship, reinforcing the idea that this landscape is not merely a place, but a haven. Beyond the fence, a horse moves gracefully across an open field, adding a gentle sense of life and motion to the otherwise still scene.

The layering of elements in A Place of Refuge—the weathered fence, reflective water below, open pasture, and distant barn—creates depth while guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition. Subtle reflections and delicate plant life near the waterline add texture and quiet beauty, suggesting balance between nature and human stewardship. The scene feels safe, familiar, and emotionally grounding.

Style & Technique

Rendered in P. Buckley Moss’s signature American folk art style, A Place of Refuge combines architectural simplicity with organic detail. Moss’s thoughtful use of line and color allows each element to breathe without overwhelming the composition. The barn is intentionally understated, its structure softened by gentle hues and atmospheric distance, while the owl is given clarity and presence, anchoring the foreground.

As a giclée, A Place of Refuge captures Moss’s delicate color transitions and layered textures with exceptional fidelity. Soft blues, warm earth tones, and muted greens blend seamlessly, creating a tranquil palette that enhances the artwork’s emotional impact. The fence lines and reflections introduce subtle geometry, balancing the fluidity of the natural surroundings.

Moss’s ability to merge wildlife, landscape, and architecture is on full display here. In A Place of Refuge, every element serves a purpose—nothing is decorative without meaning. The result is a composition that feels intentional, timeless, and deeply comforting.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of A Place of Refuge is protective, peaceful, and quietly hopeful. P. Buckley Moss often explored themes of sanctuary—both physical and emotional—and this artwork embodies that concept beautifully. The owl, long associated with wisdom and vigilance, symbolizes guardianship, while the barn represents continuity, safety, and human connection to the land.

A Place of Refuge suggests more than a geographic location; it implies a state of being. This is a place where one can rest, observe, and feel secure. Moss’s inspiration is rooted in rural Americana, where barns, fences, and open fields are more than scenery—they are keepers of memory and tradition.

For many viewers, A Place of Refuge evokes feelings of comfort and reassurance. It resonates with those who seek calm in nature and meaning in quiet spaces, offering a visual retreat from the demands of modern life.

Placement & Gift Ideas

With its layered symbolism and soothing palette, A Place of Refuge is ideally suited for living rooms, studies, offices, libraries, and bedrooms. It also works beautifully in a hallway or entryway, where its welcoming sense of protection sets a calming tone for the home.

This artwork complements farmhouse, traditional, rustic, and Americana-inspired interiors, while also serving as a grounding contrast in more contemporary spaces. Displayed alongside other works from the P. Buckley Moss Historic Landmark Collection or the P. Buckley Moss Owl Collection, it creates a cohesive and meaningful gallery presentation.

As a gift, A Place of Refuge is a thoughtful choice for nature lovers, owl enthusiasts, barn art collectors, and admirers of symbolic artwork. It makes a meaningful present for housewarmings, anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, or collectors marking a special milestone. Its message of sanctuary and protection gives it lasting emotional resonance.

Whether acquired for personal enjoyment or shared as a heartfelt gift, A Place of Refuge offers a timeless reminder of the comfort found in familiar landscapes and watchful guardians.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs)

---

🎨 Fun Fact:
Owls have long been symbols of wisdom and protection in art and folklore, often representing guardianship over sacred or safe spaces—making them a natural choice for Moss’s sanctuary-themed compositions.

🖼️ Collector’s Insight:
Collectors highly value A Place of Refuge for its inclusion in both the P. Buckley Moss Historic Landmark Collection and the P. Buckley Moss Owl Collection. Released in 2007 as a numbered limited edition giclée, it reflects Moss’s mature storytelling style, where landscape and wildlife come together to convey deeper emotional meaning.

2017

Image Size: 8-1/2 x 13 inches.

Gettysburg, PA. A Place of Refuge features the McPherson Barn, one of many barns used as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. The barn is still standing today.

🎁 Available through Canada Goose Gallery in Waynesville, Ohio — your trusted source for the art of P. Buckley Moss.