Old Faithful at Lockup Painting by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Old Faithful at Lockup Painting by P. Buckley Moss is a hand-signed original watercolor painting that pays tribute to one of Waynesville, Ohio’s historic landmarks and the heritage of American craftsmanship. Belonging to both the Moss Painting Collection and the Moss Historic Landmark Collection, this work captures Moss’s deep respect for architecture, tradition, and the tools that have stood the test of time.

In Old Faithful at Lockup Painting, a classic red brick building—the Waynesville Lockup—rests quietly on a sloping hillside beneath the soft tones of early winter. In the foreground, the artist places an antique fire wagon, affectionately referred to as “Old Faithful,” symbolizing dedication, protection, and community pride. The wagon’s gleaming metal and curved wheels contrast beautifully against the warm brick and the soft, natural landscape. Bare trees rise in the background, their delicate lines echoing Moss’s folk-art grace and sense of serenity.

Old Faithful at Lockup Painting was also the original inspiration for the limited edition print of the same name, making it a historically meaningful piece that bridges Moss’s love for history with her mastery of watercolor storytelling.

Style & Technique

Rendered in Moss’s signature folk-art watercolor style, Old Faithful at Lockup Painting demonstrates her gift for turning architectural subjects into poetic reflections of heritage. Her careful layering of translucent washes creates texture and depth, from the brick’s subtle warmth to the gleaming highlights of the vintage fire wagon.

The strength of Old Faithful at Lockup Painting lies in its balance—the quiet power of the building offset by the intricate detail of the wagon. Moss’s fine control of line and tone gives the piece a timeless presence, evoking nostalgia without sentimentality. Every brushstroke reflects her reverence for history and her ability to blend structure with emotion.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Old Faithful at Lockup Painting is reverent, nostalgic, and proudly historical. Moss found inspiration in Waynesville’s preserved landmarks, where stories of dedication, community, and service endure through the decades. The painting honors the volunteers, builders, and caretakers who gave their time and skill to protect their towns.

Through the pairing of the historic Lockup and the venerable “Old Faithful” wagon, Moss captures the spirit of endurance—the quiet strength of the past still present in today’s landscape. It is both a remembrance and a celebration of American perseverance.

Placement & Gift Ideas

This original watercolor is ideal for collectors who value history and heritage. Perfect for a library, study, or office, Old Faithful at Lockup Painting adds a touch of dignity and reflection to any space. It also makes a meaningful gift for local historians, public servants, firefighters, and Moss collectors, symbolizing courage, service, and preservation.

The Magic of Owning an Original Artwork

There is something undeniably powerful about standing before an original work of art. Every brushstroke, every layer of paint, every subtle detail carries the hand, heart, and intention of the artist. Unlike a print, which can be duplicated and shared, an original is one-of-a-kind: a singular creation that exists nowhere else in the world.

To own an original is to hold the very moment of its creation, to feel the presence of the artist, and to experience the depth, texture, and energy that can never be fully captured in reproduction.

An original artwork is more than decoration; it is a legacy piece. It carries prestige, value, and a story that becomes part of your own. Collectors often describe the experience as intimate, a relationship with the artist and their vision, while also knowing they are investing in culture, creativity, and something that will endure.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs)

🎨 Fun Fact: The Waynesville Lockup, built in the late 19th century, served as the village’s original jail, police station and firehouse. Its sturdy brick construction and historical charm have made it a beloved landmark in Warren County, Ohio. The “Old Faithful” fire wagon depicted in Moss’s painting represents the town’s early fire apparatus, once used to protect the community long before modern engines. Together, they stand as symbols of service, endurance, and small-town pride.