A long career in business prepared Barbara Pence for many sudden changes, but nothing could have astonished her more than the accidental discovery of artistic talent. She started doodling one day and was amazed to find she had drawn a perfect flower. This was a defining moment in her life and it was the spark that began Barbara’s art career. She left her high tech job to study drawing and painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco achieving her BFA in 2008.  Barbara’s work has been in local, national and international shows including the Academy of Art University Spring show, the Art Show at the Dog Show, and the International Society of Acrylic Painters.  

Animals have always been a part of Barbara’s life. Her most recent paintings explore the interaction that takes place between owners and their pets.  In her commissioned paintings she works with the owner to take photos of the pet in a familiar environment to create that “perfect” photo of the pet. Barbara also does spontaneous work by taking reference photos where the dogs are: pet stores, dog parks, street fairs and the like.  Regardless of the source, these photos become the foundation for paintings that capture the personality and character of the pet and the relationship between the pet and people.