I work in acrylic paint using mediums and water to begin my process in a fluid state. Sketches made of natural subjects provide a starting point to organize my inventive colors, shapes and marks. It is very important that my painting process feels like a true creation, which culminates in something new. I love that point where I become lost in the painting process; I am not thinking of anything, but intuitively applying colors and texture. The connections between organic forms and the elements of art: line, shape, texture, color and composition are a never ending source for me. I express my wonder of the natural world and our relationship with it through my paintings.

After receiving a B.F.A. degree in 1992, I began a career in graphic design and digital illustration.  I worked for a textbook production company in Arizona for eight years doing digital illustrations. Although I learned valuable skills while working on the computer, I desired a more personal connection with art endeavors. In 2000, I earned a M.F.A. from Radford University in Virginia and that marked the beginning of my journey to more imaginative art making. After moving to Gainesville, Florida in 2001, I began painting full-time. I had a one-woman show at Santa Fe College in 2007, and a second show of my work at the Thomas Center Gallery in 2009, with glass artists Sarah Hinds and Sky Campbell.

Carol Barber
3762 Vineyard Road
Barboursville, VA 22923
phone
540-832-0160
email
carolsart@hughes.net

AWARDS

2010 Accepted into the Thomas Center Galleries Regional Juried Exhibition, juror: David Fithian

2009 Accepted into the Thomas Center Galleries Regional Juried Exhibition, juror: Michael Burban

2009 GFAA Florida Open Juried Exhibit, Honorable Mention Ribbon
juror: Jeffrey Smart Baisden

2008 First Place in the Garden Category of the Melrose Paint the Town Green Event

2007 Acceptance in the International Society of Acrylic Painters
10th Annual Exhibition, San Luis Obispo Art Center,
juror: Bob Burridge.

2007 Award of Merit at the Oak Hall Art Festival

2006 Gold Addy for an interior magazine illustration from the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley (AFRV)

2006 Award of Merit at the Haile Village Art Show

2005 Award of Honor at the Art at the Oaks Show

2003 Best of Show Award for the Gainesville Fine Art Association Members’ Winter Show

2003 Edith Moore Portrait Award for the Gainesville Fine Art Association Members’ Winter Show

2000 Silver Addy for entertainment advertising from the AFRV

1999 Award of Excellence for the Radford University Art Museum’s Student Juried Exhibition

1999 Gold Citation for illustration from the AFRV

1999 Silver Citation for electronic/ digital media from the AFRV

1992 Art Achievement Award, James Madison University