Testing the waters

I got the photo for this painting from a high school classmate. This is her daughter and grandson. I very much like the story it's telling, as well as the late afternoon lighting.

Bogart

Meet Bogart. His owner brought him to my house for me to take pictures of so I could do a painting. I've never had such an easy photo session! This dog was completely focused on his owner the entire time. (Who happened to be holding a tennis ball!!) I've never seen such a level of loyalty and love that this dog had for his owner...and visa versa. I strived to portrayed that in Bogart's expression.

Gracie and Lambeau

Two beautiful labs who are best buddies. I met their owners at an art show in Geneva. They were visiting from Ohio, and on a whim, they decided to go to this art show and they saw me. They're very glad they did.

Rebel

Rebel is almost twelve and was recently diagnosed with cancer. Hopefully he'll pull through. I'm glad I was able to create a painting that shows the love and devotion this old boy has for his people.

Sipho

This little boy's name is Sipho. He has the most expressive eyes! I changed the lighting when I did this pastel so he was looking towards the light. I call this piece "Into the Light".

Holly Beth

I went to my first Saddlebred show earlier this summer to see my friend show her horse Holly Beth. I was amazed by the spirit of these beautiful animals and wanted to convey the excitement and movement in this oil painting.

If you would like to purchase this painting, it is available for $500.00 (includes frame) the size is 28 x 22. Please click on the "Buy Now" buttong below or email me for purchasing details. Shipping is extra depending on your location, please email me for details.

My email is artworkbybarb@yahoo.com

Coral

I just love the big blue eyes of my nieces' daughter Coral. This is the second time I've done a head study of her. She's a beautiful girl.

Cool Springs, AZ

A client of mine bought this old, abandoned gas station that was pretty much a pile of stones and rebuilt it into a museum just outside of Kingman, Arizona on Route 66. When I was commissioned to create this painting, the building was only half done. The original of this pastel painting on Wallis sandpaper is presently displayed in the Pontiac Museum in Pontiac, Illinois. One of these days, my husband and I'll are planning on driving Route 66 in our Mustang and visit this gas station.

Cooling Off

My mare, Heather, loved to stand partially in her stall to cool off. She always had the choice of going in or out. She never really went all the way in, like she thought some imaginary door would bang shut behind her if she did! Gotta love it.  This pastel on Wallis sandpaper is available for sale for $225 framed and measures 14 x18. Please click on the "Buy Now" button below, or email me for purchasing details. Shipping is extra depending on your location and you can email me for details.

My email is artworkbybarb@yahoo.com

Barb and her Pony

This is my one and only self-portrait in my favorite car. When I did the painting, I put the car on a tropical beach instead of my driveway. I've had many fun "rag top" rides in this car.

1960 Corvette

Boy, they sure knew how to make cars back in the day. This hard top convertible is one of my favorite cars. I did this pastel painting on sandpaper for a client that also has a Mustang. The fun part is creating the shiny metal and the reflections on the chrome.

1965 Mustang

I love the Mustang! Especially the early ones. It's also one of my daughter's favorite cars. I painted this pastel of a Mustang grill for her 16th birthday, as I couldn't get her the real deal!

Kittens in a suitcase

I saw these kittens years ago at an animal shelter event. They looked so adorable in the suitcase. This pastel painting on sandpaper measures 16 x 20 and is available for purchase for $300.00. Please click on the "Buy Now" button below or email me for purchasing details. Shipping is extra depending on your location, please email me for details.

My email is artworkbybarb@yahoo.com

Linus

Linus the cat is my daughter's pet. She rescued him from a barn last year and is doing very well now. He has beautiful markings on his body.

Doggie Paddle

Everytime I look at this pastel painting, I think of hot, summer days and want to jump in a pool myself! I love how the puppy's little ears are floating on the water. This painting always makes me smile.

Eileen

My late mother-in-law was also an artist. We used to always critique each others work. Eileen worked primarily in oil and she always inspired me. I painted this piece after she passed away as a tribute to her.

Melissa in the Hammock

My daughter, Melissa, was in our hammock late one afternoon. The sunlight and shadows on her face really make this painting, which was done with pastel on sandpaper.

Sargent Joshue Ritchie

My son-in-law, Josh. He served in the army for quite a while. Thankfully he is now home, safe. We're very proud of him. This painting was done with pastel on sandpaper

Lorraine

I love to do paintings from old photographs. My mom was about 3 or 4 when she sat for the photograph. When I found the picture, it was badly faded. Being able to recreate it in pastel brought it to life again. I like the way only one sleeve is poofy, her thick tights and laced up boots and her sedate smile. Whenever I look at it, I feel my mom is here.

At the water pump

I found the  photograph that I used to create this drawing when I was at my parents house years ago. My mom said they were relatives of her family and the picture was taken in the 40's. I love the pose of both subjects. It's almost comical the way the woman is standing. You can definitely tell this is from a long time ago. I also felt that graphite was the better medium to use.

If you are interested in purchasing this drawing, it is available for $400 framed and measures 28 x 22. Please click on the "Buy Now" button below or email me for purchasing information. Shipping is extra depending on you location. Please email me for details.

My email is artworkbybarb@yahoo.com

Bailey

Love the soulful look in Bailey's eyes. You just want to pick him up and cuddle with him. It feels like his eyes follow you around the room.

If you are interested in purchasing this oil painting, it is available for purchase for $350.00 and measures 14 x 18. Please click on the "Buy Now" button below or email me for purchasing details. Shipping is extra depending on your location. Please email me for details.

My email is artworkbybarb@yahoo.com

Chicken in her coop

I saw this chicken at the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society (HARPS) in Barrington Hills, Illinois. She was a rescue too! I loved how the sunlight emphasized her beautiful feathers.
This painting was done in pastel on Wallis sandpaper and measures 11.5 x 11.5".

Cowboy Ron

"Cowboy Ron" is my father. When he was a bus driver for school kids, this was the name they gave him as he was always wearing a cowboy hat. I love this graphite drawing because my Dad's face tells a story. This drawing was entered into the Richeson75 Portrait competition and is a finalist. I will let everyone know the final outcome in September. Stay tuned! This commission example measures 17" x 15". For more commission examples, please go to my website at http://www.artworkbybarb.com/.

Chloe

One of my favorite subjects to paint are my grandchildren. Here, Chloe is wearing her aunt's sunglasses. The reflection of our straw umbrella, the palm fronds, summer blue sky and brilliant sunlight remind me of summer days. This commission example is pastel on Wallis sandpaper. For more commission examples, go to my website at http://www.artworkbybarb.com/.

Young girl in white shirt

The lighting on this oil painting is what makes it very dramatic! I also love the looser style of painting.

If you are interested in purchasing this oil painting, it is available for purchase for $75.00 framed and measures 6 x 10. Please click on the "Buy Now" button below or email me for purchasing details. Shipping is extra depending on your location. Please email me for details.

My email is artworkbybarb@yahoo.com

Bay Horse

Horses...can't get enough of them! I love to paint horses, ride horses and just be with them, and have done just that for most of my life. The oil painting on canvas of this bay horse was from my imagination. It measures 18" x 24".