click to enlarge
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Barbara Scullin
There is magic in seeing and being able to visualize a finished painting.
Nature is a major influence on my shapes and compositions. My paintings are a form of creation, a means of staying in contact with nature and sharpening my perception. They are abstract, hard-edged, soft-edged records of an artist's imaginings of nature. I want the paintings to have an inescapable impact, touching the viewer with a blending of technique, observational insight and intense emotional response. The aim is to attract the viewer with a dramatic and bold composition and then hold his attention with the subtleties of line and color.
Color, line and shape are carefully placed creating spatial excitement, holding the whole painting together. The paintings have a sense of openness and a limitless range of vision. Though some areas have great simplicity of color, the paintings are compositionally exciting and spatially expressive.
My paintings look into nature, not at it, and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
When creating figures for my paintings or drawings, I work directly from life. Initially, I choose a pose for the subject, then make several loose sketches. It is important to find the right position and scale for the figures so they will occupy that unique space which is meant solely for them.
Once satisfied with the composition, my imagination takes over. Facial features are not the primary concern for me - I prefer to focus on shapes and angles, and capture the `feeling' of the subject. It is essential for me to render the human form into shapes instead of lines. In certain instances, the lack of facial detail allows the observer to identify with the subject.
I want the paintings to contain the essence of felt emotions and let the art, which is created, depend upon the organization of the shapes in a carefully planned and unified whole.
I grew up in Rockland County, NY and earned my BA from the College of New Rochelle. I studied painting with Carl Molno, Paul Wood, Edgar Whitney, Bruce Dorfman and Roberto DeLamonica.
My works have been exhibited solo and as part of a group at many locations in the Northeast including the Northeast Watercolor Society, National Art League, Salmagundi Club, Gallery Emanuel, the National Arts Club, and the Piermont Fine Arts Gallery in New York; the New Jersey.
Water Color Society, Bergen Museum, Montclair Museum, Nabisco Gallery, and Monmouth Museum in New Jersey; the Metro Toronto Convention Center and the Del Bello Gallery in Canada; and the Salamander Gallery in Essex, Ct.
I have been the recipient of numerous awards and prizes - among them the Gold Medal, Silver Medal of Honor, Bronze Medal, and the Grumbacher Bronze Medallion - from many organizations including the Audubon Society, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, New Jersey Water Color Society, Ringwood Manor Art Association, National Association of Women Artists, National Art League and the Northeast Watercolor Society.
I have served as Treasurer for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and am presently on their Board of Directors. As a member of the Piermont Fine Arts Gallery, I have held the office of Chairperson and have also served on their Board of Directors. I serve as a juror for regional and national shows, teach painting, and offer private lessons.
My works can be found in many private collections
and appear in several publications: