MT. VERNON - An eastern Iowa artist is working on a larger than life project, even though this week's wet weather is making it hard for him. Mt. Vernon native Mark Benesh is using a lot of paint, when he can find it.

Its understandable that Benesh might get distracted. For the time being his art studio is an easel's throw from Highway 30. But this artist doesn't seem to mind the traffic.

"When I'm focusing on the painting everything else goes away, its actually quite relaxing up here," said Benesh.

Benesh is a commissioned painter hired to turn an old barn into a wonderful canvas at a road side gallery. On Wednesday, he was twenty feet up, leaning over scaffolding recreating this Iowa original, Grant Wood's American Gothic.

Four days in and Benesh says the hard part is already over.

"The old man is great because he's got all these great wrinkles in his face and its so much easier and she is like painting babies, its like one big pink blob," said Benesh.

Benesh says its about an 8 hour project but because of the rain it may take almost two weeks. If he had it his way Benesh would be painting everyday rain or shine.

"I love doing this stuff, its one of my passions if not the passion, except for my family of course," said Benesh.

Benesh will be showcasing some of his smaller works of art this Sunday at the Grant Wood Art Festival in Anamosa. But if you want to check out his current work in progress, the barn is at 1278 Highway 30 near Palisades Kepler State Park.