Day Glow Collection

 I curated from my flat file and added a few new paintings to make a collection of original art available with bright optimistic colors to bring happiness to your day! I believe these pieces would coordinate well together in a room or on a gallery wall. Check out the entire collection in my Etsy store. Thank you for your support!

Abstract Workshop for Adults

I have begun teaching an abstract workshop for adults! This is a dream come true after many years of thinking about it. However there is a learning curve for me to get the desired results from the students. One obstacle is trying to explain how I developed from traditional representational art to non figurative abstraction. This process developed for me over many years and I want to give my students the experience in three short hours. I have come to the conclusion after teaching the workshops a few times that I need to develop two classes: one for artists with previous art experience who want to depart and explore new ways of art making and another class for beginners who have limited practice making art. The beginner class would explore the basic elements of design and mark making. I have done this one once before but I need to advertise the classes to two different audiences in the future.

Painting Earrings and Large Paper

Carol Barber's hand painted earrings

Last Spring and through the Summer I started painting on large paper, 18" x 24" and wooden shapes for earrings. I finished the first release of earrings and sold quite a few, so I am working on a second release for November 2nd, 2019. The earrings are very interesting to make. I have discovered I like quick gestures and a scraping technique the best because of the organic feeling to the paint. Sometimes this works easily but sometimes I really struggle with it. So many factors come into play from paint consistency to how much pressure I use with my hand or tool. I have discarded many attempts. I also have to make the two earrings match in mirror image which is an added challenge. The large paper has helped me to produce many pieces quickly and it is surprising how many layers of paint one piece of paper will take.

"All Along the Watchtower", 18" x 24" mixed media on paper

Carol H. Barber © 2019

Prints !!

Check out my new collection, "Touch of Earth", on Fine Art America. This work is from a new series where I am incorporating neutral colors into my palette while exploring line, shape and mark making. The many layers and delicate lines give each abstract piece a rich surface. Fine Art America offers prints in a variety of sizes and on many products. I think the weekender tote bag looks especially nice with my art. Please check it out!

Art on Wine Labels

So excited to start 2019 off this way! My art on two labels of red wine for #chestnutoakvineyard in Barboursville, VA.
I did approximately 11 works on paper and they chose these two.

Work up at Random Row Brewing Company

I had fun hanging pieces together that have never shown together before. Join me for a beer on Wednesday evening, June 6, from 5 to 8 pm to check it out in person. I would love to see you! 

From the Organizer:

Random Row Brewery features Carol Barber for the month of June. On June 6th a reception for the artist will be held 5 - 8 pm. A great time to enjoy art and great beer. Location: 608 Preston A, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Hours: M-F 4:30 - 11, Sat-Sun noon- 9pm, (434) 284-8466

Cheers to 2017!

I was so happy with my studio time this year. Making new connections on Instagram and being involved with the Welcome Gallery in downtown Charlottesville, VA were also some highlights. So many things I want to accomplish in 2018: one is getting my art out into the world in an organized way, working on exciting compositions and bringing the magic of working on paper to canvas. I am also working on my teachers' certification. Hope all of your dreams come true in 2018!

Built on Broken Dreams

18” x 24”,

acrylic on canvas

Spring Blossoms

18” x 18”,

acrylic on canvas
Available

Alternate Paths II

14” x 17”, 

acrylic & cut paper on paper

Alternate Paths I

14” x 17”, 

acrylic & cut paper on paper

Where the Green Grass Grows II

14” x 16”, 

acrylic & cut paper on paper

Towering

14” x 17”, 

acrylic & cut paper on paper

Destination Vacation

24” x 36”,

acrylic on canvas

Available works on paper matted to 8" x 10"

Carol H. Barber © 2017

New Painting

I am happy the composition that emerged in this painting. I painted on raw canvas and I think the novelty of the experience slowed me down and kept me from overworking it. I was surprised that the painting became about texture. The brush strokes did not readily stick to the raw canvas and this gave a dry brush effect. I thought it was going to be more poured stains and look like watercolor. I will now seal the back and the front of the canvas to keep it from shifting in color.

"Soft Landing", acrylic on raw canvas, 25"x 39"
Carol H. Barber © 2017

Pink Notes

This painting, Pink Notes, spoke to me in new ways. I find the process of collage so satisfying and an inventive way of working. I have been trying to bring that way of working into painting. This painting has some collage added to it and it has a history of layers but still retains some of it's initial thin washes. This is the first time I thought of shapes not just coming together to construct something but expanding apart and still relating to each other. I love finding those relationships and to me this is visually composing. I have very limited musical knowledge but this process and painting feels like visual music to me. Notes (or shapes) hanging in the air, expanding and leading to another.

Pink Notes, 12” x 24”,

acrylic and collaged paper on canvas, Carol H. Barber©2017

Sweet Secrets, 8” x 10”,

acrylic and collaged paper on paper, Carol H. Barber©2017