The painting shown right is a recent one: I have called this beautiful beech tree, “Resilient” because it bears the scars of visitors who have left their marks. On this quiet hillside, the tree stands sentinel to its beautiful setting and to those who have shared their secrets here.
Colour! Cotswolds!
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Find me on Instagram:
#barbarabluecotswolds
My paintings have been described as “vibrant, affectionate and joyful”. I live in the Cotswolds and I paint from the heart: my love of colour and the moods of changing seasons inspire me. I am proud to have trained at the Norfolk Painting School, where I achieved a Diploma. I paint in oils because I love their feel and versatility. I enjoy mark-making using tools other than brushes, and I also experiment with collage and abstraction.
Finalist twice in 2023!
I was a Finalist again at the prestigious Broadway Art Competition last year, having achieved a Highly Commended award in 2022. My 2023 painting (the snow scene to the left) was shown at the exhibition at Bretforton TheatreBarn, a beautiful venue. I was also chosen as Finalist and exhibited at the Bath Open in September ‘23.
A description of my painting process was shown on PaintersOnline in November ‘23.
I was chosen by the Editor of Leisure Painter magazine for “Painting of the Month”, which was featured, together with an article, in the December edition ‘23.
I enjoyed taking part in Cheltenham Open Studios again in 2023, with a painting shown at the Gardens Gallery and some completely new work in my studio at home in Winchcombe. I had good sales and really good footfall as the only COS exhibitor in our small town.
Look for me on Sixteen Gallery Online: I’m featured on their site. I enjoyed my solo show there in February ‘23 and I was back for a week in April 2024. Sixteen is on Montpellier Street. Cheltenham, a beautiful shopping area with other galleries close by. This year, I was absolutely delighted with sales and footfall: thank you to all who visited and bought my work.
Two paintings I’m proud of: (left) “Guiting Power allotments”, which achieved “Highly Commended” at the Broadway art competition in 2022 and sold on first showing, and “Malverns Distant” which I painted in January 2024 and which also sold on first showing, at Sixteen, Cheltenham, in April this year.