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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 pursue a BFA in drawing and painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Barbara’s work has been in local, national and international shows including multiple Academy of Art University Spring shows, the Art Show at the Dog Show, the International Society of Acrylic Painters and Main Street Gallery, Groton, NY.
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.
Still life painting also has a place in Barbara’s work. She likes to capture her subjects with good light / dark contrast which brings a sense of three-dimensional depth and “air” in each piece. Flowers and glass have been some of her favorite subjects.
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