Hello, my name is Barbara, I will be 47 on the 3rd October 2010 and I'm a single mother of four children (who are 22, 20, 17 and 14 years old respectively). I'm very new to the world of art, only beginning to paint during February this year.
Previously I've worked in various administrative roles since leaving school at the age of 16. I commenced employment with the Inland Revenue in 1981. Since then I've worked for a range of Government Departments, a couple of Universities and NHS Trusts. I've had a variety of work titles which have included: Clerical Assistant, Executive Officer, Team Co-ordinator, Personal Assistant and Information Analyst.
Originally from Liverpool, I have been married and divorced twice, lived in Merthyr Tydfil for 7 years (following the divorce from the father of my children and my second husband) before moving to Stafford last August.
This is my first ever entry into any art competition since my O Level in 1980 (and we didn't have the benefit of oil paints when I was at school). The paintings I've selected for this competition include my 2nd ever oil painting. Like everyone who's entered the competition, I've agonised over what to put forward. I've gathered my four children and asked them for their choices out of the 30 pieces I've completed since February this year.
The Lux Veritatis (Light of Truth) was my 2nd oil painting attempt, it's on oil quality paper and measures 20 x 16 inches. Set against the background of the garden here in Stafford, the female figure depicts the Veritatis. I wanted to demonstrate my keen interest in pagan ethics whilst meeting the personal challenge of producing a credible representation inclusive of fine detailed brush work. This piece incorporates numerous and established symbolic references.
Secret Heart (of England), oils on oil quality paper and measuring 20 x 16 inches. This piece was my fourth oil painting and included a range of personal challenges: water, animals, finer detail and more intricate and embedded symbolic references e.g.: Biblical inferences with the trees forming a frame either side (and the 'secret' inverted heart).
Mere Maid was completed in June on box canvas and measures 62 x 52 x 4 cms. The painting extends around all sides so that it can be seen and appreciated from all angles. It's a fantasy sunset over low tide and a quasi self portrait. I wanted to show how, as a 21st century and mid 40s woman, we can often feel at sea and have a coloured (experienced) perspective that can be beautiful with hindsight.
Navy Pier - Chicago, oils on box canvas measuring 92 x 62 x 4 cms. Completed in July this year. This was my first attempt at producing a quality photographic image with oils and first city background scene. I completed this piece within 24 hours of unwrapping the canvas and I'm very pleased with the result.
Shoreline Sunset - oils on box canvas measuring 92 x 62 x 4 cms. Completed last month. A dreamy sunset and reflection over the sea and tidal drenched patches of beach.
As this is my very first venture into the world of art exhibition and competition I would appreciate your comments regardless of whether or not I'm one of the few fortunate to be short-listed. I have no real idea of their individual worth and any advice will be most appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my paintings and I hope you've been able to do so (not sure about the size of the jpgs you've received or the quality).
Barbara
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