After graduating from Leeds University, Barbara practised as a printed textile designer in England, France and America.

 

"Her sense of pattern and rhythm developed in this period can be seen in work developed at Dartington Print Workshop"

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Recently she has been producing large paintings that incorporate portraits and figures,

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"I have always drawn from life, and currently am trying to create a sense of emotion, an atmosphere, a presence, a sense of being, a moment , a fleeting mood. I think this has come from recently having grandchildren watching those fleeting moments of emotion , lost for ever , but bringing such joy"

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Barbara worked as the head of several Art, Design and Architecture Schools in England and Scotland. She has travelled extensively in China developing Art and Design Education at undergraduate and postgraduate level. She is a retired professor of Art and Design.

 

Ten years ago she decided to concentrate on her own practice setting up a studio in Brittany France.

 

Having  recently  returned to the UK she is currently living  in Totnes Devon.

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She works in oil on canvas, on paper in watercolour, acrylic, graphite, charcoal, pencil: 

 

This is indicative of her often changing influences, always informed by daily life, fashion, street culture, the human figure is currently frequently seen in her work.

 

Her work is often  informed by emotional responses to and interpretations of physical surroundings, the challenges of life- drawing and painting, or inspirations gained from the work of other artists currently ,Rodin, Joffe, Auerbach, Ocean.

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She has exhibited in France and the UK, as well as with Design Council travelling exhibitions in the UK.

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