Mary barnett headshotARTIST’S STATEMENT

My work has to go through complexity and confusion before finding clarity and purpose. When I start to hum and sometimes whistle, I know I’m headed in the right direction.

When a painting is flowing, honest and spontaneous, time flies and I paint and sing as if no one can see or hear me.

Mary and Gary BarnettABOUT MARY BARNETT

I was born in Amory, Mississippi and have lived my adult life in Colorado, Illinois and Arizona.  Having graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, I have taught art at both the middle and high school levels.

I am married to Gary, my high school sweetheart, and have spent most of my adult life as the wife of a College Football Head Coach.  Our two children and six grandchildren are probably our greatest accomplishments.

RECOGNITION

  • Chosen as one of ten 2012 “Ones to Watch”  Artist Magazine, December 2012 edition
  • Juried member of the Sonoran Arts League

Studied with: 

  • Gerald Brommer
  • Steven Quiller
  • Pat Wolf
  • Chuck Ceraso
  • Betsy Dillard Stroud
  • Jake Gaedke
  • Katherine Chang Liu

“Mary is a keen observer. Whether her content is about nature, or about structure, she often has a poetic and spiritual viewpoint.

Her images showcase her strong expressive ability and fluid brush marks. We’re attracted to these images not just for what she adds, but also what she erases from the surface of the paintings.

In her series, “Painting With Purpose,” Mary finishes each painting with a dedication and purpose to share the beauty and rhythm she senses within, and a harmony which is her world view.”

~ Katherine Chang Liu