Artist’s Statement

Whether painting representational or abstract, the common thread in my work comes from the physical process of painting. When I’m painting my role shifts between composer, conductor, conduit and technician. Often, it involves stopping and “listening” to the painting to understand what it needs to go. This results in a tangible tension, between intention and spontaneity, the planned and the unplanned. The slower dry of oil paint is conducive to my preferred process.

I’m inspired by the gesture of an expressive line, juxtaposed flat and volumetric shapes, and layered color. My paintings combine these visual elements to get at the essence of a subject or the spirit of a moment. I usually start with photos, then layer on personal experience, memories, or feelings to coax something new out of the process.

The best outcomes create a spark of shared recognition with the viewer. From this connection, the meaning in the picture is amplified through another filter of experience and perspective.

Mad about Citrus (self-portrait), 24” x18”, Oil on canvas

Biography

Barb grew up in a large family in Burns, Oregon, and currently lives with her husband in Vancouver, Washington. Creativity has always been important to her whether through crafts and sewing as a kid, to writing and painting as an adult. She studied communications at Oregon State University where she stumbled upon art history. This interest led her to take evening art classes before enrolling and graduating with a BFA in painting from Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon. Post graduation, she painted part time while she earned a living in communications. Now, her passion for oil painting is a priority.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • 2005 B.F.A. Painting Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR

  • 1990s Study in composition, PNCA Continuing Education, Portland, OR

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2008 Solo Exhibition, Sweetie, Seattle, WA

  • 2007 Solo Exhibition, Purdie Rogers, Seattle, WA

  • 2006 Solo Exhibition, U.S. Bank Stadium Branch, Portland, OR

Group Exhibitions

  • 2026 Buds, A. Hall Gallery, Vancouver, WA

  • 2018 PNCA Alumni Juried Exhibition, Portland, OR

  • 2017 Unlimited, PNCA Alumni Show Juried Exhibition, Portland, OR

  • 2016 The Dog Show, Sisters Art Works Entry Gallery, Sisters, OR

    • Jurist: Kathy Deggendorfer, Artist

  • 2015 The Dog Show, Sisters Art Works Entry Gallery, Sisters, OR

    • Jurist: Kathy Deggendorfer, Artist

  • 2005 B.F.A. Thesis Exhibition, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR

  • 2005 B.F.A. Juried Show, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR

  • 2005 Room of Thoughts, 5th Avenue Suites Hotel, Portland, OR

  • 2004 Juried Exhibition, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR

    • Jurists: Sherrie Wolf, Artist and MaryAnne Defembaugh, Gallerist

  • 2004 Gala Exhibition, Swigert Commons, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR

  • 2004 Together for Children Benefit Auction, Black Butte, OR

  • 2003 Together for Children Benefit Auction, Black Butte, OR