By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

DAVENPORT, Iowa — The biennial Gathering of the Green event, where John Deere collectors meet, is a good place for artist Bob Facklam to sell his wares.

The Pecatonica, Ill., man displayed and sold his pen-and-ink and colored pencil drawings of John Deere farm equipment, barns, cattle and more during the Iowa gathering. The former educator said he started creating agricultural artwork when he retired about 20 years ago, and started selling his wares 10-15 years ago.
“I’m not sure exactly,” he said.

“This is a great show for a guy like me. I like old country things … old trucks and tractors.”

The rural Winnebago County resident finds inspiration all around him, drawing his own cattle and barns, as well as those of his neighbors. “I started doing pen-and-ink drawings and then people started asking for color,” he said.

“I used to do a lot more shows, but I’ve been getting more commission work,” Facklam added.

Among his commissions is a local funeral home that asked him to provide pictures of all six churches in the community. Individuals have also provided him with photos to draw their tractors, trucks, barns and even a snowmobile.

Although he doesn’t have a website, Facklam’s Art & Design business can be reached by calling 815-239-1164.