How it all Began

I began painting in response to an accident that paralyzed my left hand (for several months). That was years ago!! I had been seriously studying acting and film making, and had the instant realization that my training was intended to be transferred to canvas. It wasn't even a decision - no debate. The accident was perfectly timed as I was on my way to college. I didn’t ‘know’ how to draw or paint. I had stopped trying like most kids around 3rd grade.

I sat down with with 'Yes' Album covers - whose artwork on the cover and accompanying posters were created by artist Roger Dean. I enjoying the process and was very easy on myself. I felt it was my purpose to 'figure it out.'

I took a class at college from a gentleman who changed my life. His name was Carl Hertel. He taught at the Claremont Colleges. He never taught 'how to.' He simply asked really hard questions and waited patiently. I think he believed we knew more than we gave ourself credit for. As he became the expectant student who could not answer his questions for us, we all thrived and embraced his challenge. While he was teaching us some pretty complex brain science - optical illusions, visual perception - he helped us make a habit of noticing small details. Meanwhile he seemed to be raising the self-esteem of our whole class. I know the other students were equally amazed at how he so gently nudged us to learn more than we knew we could.

About 5 years ago he came back to the college to speak. He was in his 80's and as wise as ever. (Former) students flew in from around the country. It felt like no time had passed at all. I give Carl a great deal of credit for continuing to inspire me today and will always be thankful to him.

The Other Road

The Other Road acrylic on canvas 12x12x3 $465

Eastern Fields

Eastern Fields - 24 x 36 - acrylic on canvas - SOLD

The Canyon

The Canyon acrylic on canvas 24x30 $1775
From the Inland Escapes series

High above the forest floor
In a clearing eagles soar,
Riding updrafts off the cliffs
Playing, diving catching lifts.
Waterfalls tumble to lakes below
Releasing a constant energy flow.
Beneath the full mood of midday
Lay age old cliffs and hideaways.
Carvings from a time before
Reveal ancient lives, beliefs and lore.
A wondrous trail that feels of love
Leads to higher plains above.
Barbara Ferrier

Best of the Northwest Art Show

Cascading Ascent

Cascading Ascent - 18 x 24 - acrylic on canvas - $950

While I'm doing a show this week (hence the few days without a post), I thought I'd share another from my series of women in sports. I hope you enjoy. Wouldn't it be great to be here right now? I know I'd enjoy the views and work out.

Alki Beach Studio, Seattle

Years ago I shared a studio with several artists. It was a public studio located at Alki beach, a Seattle waterfront park. Some artists would paint from live models while others worked on existing projects. Our models usually stumbled upon the studio while walking at the beach. They would come to pose wearing wonderful clothing and hats. One gentleman artist, Willard, used to constantly exclaim "You just have to nail it from the start! That's the best way to paint a painting." He'd struggle away while the woman next to him, who spent years as a professional portrait painter, simply nailed it every time - It was a very fun dynamic to watch the two of them. To this day I still hear Willard, half enthusiastically and half out of frustration, yelling "You just have to nail it from the start!

I completely agree with him. One of the benefits I find in doing the small daily paintings is that I can be loose and experimental so if I don't nail it, it's easy to move on. But of course 'nailing it from the start' is always the best approach - because those are the ones we all live for - collectors and artists alike. Thanks Willard!!

Summer Dream

Summer Dream - acrylic on canvas - 12 x 12 x 3 - $395

Although it's a beautiful winter and we're not done skiing - it feels just right to dream about Summer. Please enjoy!!

Eventide - 12 x 12

Eventide - 12x12 - acrylic on canvas - $350

Rainbow Shore by Barbara Ferrier

Rainbow Shore - acrylic on canvas - 24 x 24 x 3 - $1575

As someone who loves the shoreline, water in general, etc. this painting was a lot of fun to paint. I've been making these 'square box paintings' for a while (a full description of these deep stretch canvases is laid out below). But the canvasses keep getting bigger and bigger. I started with 8" square, moved to 12" and now this one is 24" square. I'm looking at 30" square one right now and it will be fun also. What's especially fun about these paintings is that the image is painted around the edge to the wall. This adds a new dimension to your room. No frame is necessary.

Jasmine

Jasmine at Dawn 18 x 24 Acrylic on panel; SOLD

I was searching for another image when I came upon this folder. So I thought I'd put this one in the record of some of the work I was doing a few years ago. Enjoy, and by the way feel free to comment on my 'portrait' style.

Island in the Fog

Island in the Fog 10 x 10 x 3 SOLD

Zandar Peaks

Zandar Peaks 16 x 16 Acrylic on Canvas $485

Secret Falls

Secret Falls Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 24 $575

Barbara's Blog

Desert Glow

Desert Glow Acrylic on Canvas 12x24 $575

Forest Steps

Forest Steps Acrylic on Canvas 24x30; $1475

After sketching, planning and laying out this piece, I went in to fine tune the painting with fresh and spontaneous work.

Whisper of the Vines

Whisper of the Vines 10x10x3 $385

This is from my Square Box series. That is what I call paintings that are painted on exceptionally deep canvases, approximately 3 inches deep. The painting extends around the corner and all the way to the wall. These paintings make a large presence in a small space because of the wrapped painting. I use a varnish on these paintings to protect them because they aren't framed.

Endless Trail 12 x 12 x 3

Endless Trail, Acrylic on Canvas 12x12x3. $465
Part of the square box series with Deep stretched canvas stretcher bars. The image wraps all the way around on five surfaces.