Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara J. Mason.
Barbara feels her form of communicating with the world is through the expression of art.
She enjoys freely expressing the magnificent abstract and intricate qualities of each subject that inspires her. Pastels and Watercolors are among nature’s brightest and transparent examples of color. They allow her to create captivating combinations as they shift between high contrasts, complex compositions. Barbara feel as if nothing compares to capturing the magic in a still life painting, serenity of nature’s full light, or the crisp elegance of the waves reflecting the newly breaking sun, or the sultry charm hiding in shadows of a portrait or the harsh landscape against a gentle sky. She combines hyperrealism with vibrant color and abstract forms to put a modern twist on the traditional classic images. With each layer of extraordinary detail and color, her intent is to capture the viewer’s curiosity and imagination as the paintings come alive on the surfaces. Each painting is a visual documentation of her journey as a painter.
Born and raised in the Midwestern United States she learned to appreciate the beauty and details in the smallest subjects. Growing up in an urban populated inner city she longed to see the open sky vista and vast ocean and landscape terrain. As an adult she began to travel and fulfill her childhood desire to explore, paint, experience areas around. Barbara has traveled extensively all over the world to gain inspiration for her artwork. In addition to traveling throughout the United States, she has traveled to North and Eastern Africa, Greece, Italy, France, Barcelona, Spain, Northern and Southern Mexico, Turkey, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda.
Barbara’s artwork is collected nationally and internationally by hospitals, businesses, public art programs and private patrons. Barbara’s artwork was recently exhibited at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. She is a Signature member of The Pastel Society of American & the Pastel Society 0f the Southwest, and a recent graduate of The Business Council for the Arts (North Dallas Chapter). As a Business council for the Arts Alumni Barbara works closely with the organization and board to fulfill its mission to bridge creativity with commerce within the North Texas art community. Barbara is the owner of Dragonfly Studio Creations art gallery/studio, and Ndueseason Greeting Card Company. Barbara is a juried member of The International Guild of Realism, Artist of Texas and other local art organizations. She has exhibited her artwork in Springfield, Peoria, Batavia, Chicago, and Bloomington, Illinois: Cleveland, OH.; Atlanta and Norcross GA.; Las Vegas, NV.; Philadelphia, PA.; Wilmington, DE.; Frisco, Dallas, Plano, Southlake, Denton, Irving, Garland, Houston, Clifton and San Antonio, Texas; Wichita, Topeka and Salina, KS.; Detroit, MI; California; Virginia; New York; New York; Rosemary Beach and Pensacola , Florida; Charleston, SC. and Albuquerque New Mexico, Carefree, Arizona and more.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
“When painting I express the abstract and intricate details of each landscape, floral, portrait or still life subject that inspires me. I combine hyper-realism with vibrant color and abstract forms to put a modern twist on the traditional classic images”. I strive to capture the contrast of light and shadows, color, poise, uniqueness and the texture of each subject. Nothing compares to painting a subject in its natural environment or capturing the magic and serenity of a nature’s full morning light, or the sultry charm that is hidden in the shadows. With each layer of meticulous detail and elegantly painted strokes, my intent is to capture the viewer’s curiosity and imagination as the painting comes alive on the paper. Each painting is visual documentation of my journey as an artist”.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
The creative process for artist can be an isolated lonely process that involves long hours in the studio. But once the piece is completed it is important to keep the creative momentum flowing and accompany the artwork wherever it is being exhibited or sold. I make a conscious effort to attend events where my art is exhibited, not only to tell the story behind the creative piece, but also to engage with other like-minded patrons, collectors and artists. I found socializing with other artist and businesses allows me to open up to new ideas and process and keep my finger on the thriving art pulse around me.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Barbara travels and exhibits her artwork locally, nationally and internationally at various galleries and art competitions. Visit her website: www.dragonflystudiocreations to purchase Barbara’s original artwork and for a complete listing of upcoming art events near you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dragonflystudiocreations.com
- Phone: 2144076625
- Email: art4dragonfly@aol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonflystudiocreations/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/barbmasonart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Art4dragonfly
Image Credit:
Original artwork by Barbara J. Mason
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