Meet Barbara, she lives in Bainbridge and creates paintings mainly inspired by myths and legends.

You'll find narrative, and a challenge, as you study her pictures.

Barbara is an oil painter but also enjoys printmaking and sculpting.

She came to painting late and brings a lifetime of both clutter and culture, to her work.

Online gallery
Follow any of the image links to see a full photo of the exhibit.

Barbara tells her own story:

Background

At school, a teacher, looking at a painting I had done, said, "Beautiful colours Barbara, a pity you can't draw". So I thought " I'll just have to be a photographer".

Later in life I studied Modern Arts Debates with the Open University and learned about 'art criticism' which failed to mention how paintings were made, so I decided to learn for myself.

Instead of Art College I spent three years studying with local artists.

About her work

Sometimes I am driven to paint by current events but most of my work is based on myth, history and legend. I use themes that have been used by many other artists writers and musicians e.g.: Adam and Eve, the Madonna and Child and 'Fairy' stories.

The person I am using as a model often sets me off on a different track.

I have a long-term project based on Bartok's opera Duke bluebeard's Castle as well as recently being involved with Nereids (water nymphs).

My painting is often based on people and the human form.

It has a narrative content that is not necessarily explicit and which challenges as well as affects the emotions.

I love the way that I am constantly problem solving when painting. The marks, the colours and the mind have to be disciplined and controlled.

Then again the freedoms of expression are paramount to my work.

Contact

To get in touch with the artist, send an e-mail to: Barbara_Gardner@hotmail.com.