International Artist Magazine - Issue #68 - "Where's Your Concept"
International Artist Magazine - Issue #65 - Landscapes Challenge
International Artist Magazine - Issue #62 - Favorite Subjects Challenge
About the artist
I have been called a conceptual painter. I believe my education and working career as an advertising and graphic designer, naturally led me in this direction of painting. The Surrealist School of painting in particular appealed to me as I began to paint. Juxtaposing unlikely things together made sense to me.
Until recently I was largely a self taught fine artist learning to paint by studying art books and demo DVD’s. I also visit museums and galleries at every opportunity. For me there is nothing better than to get my eyes on original masterpieces and try and get into the mindset of the artists.
Workshops for me have been the greatest learning experience. Watching professional, talented painters paint in plein aire, a still life or a portrait is invaluable. Watching these painters begin a painting, working through all the steps until it’s completion offers so much insight into their thinking and painting process.
I now have a better understanding of how to begin, execute and end a painting thanks to my mentors like Roger Dale Brown, Jason Saunders, Michael Shane Neal, Dawn Whitelaw and Lou Gordon.
More about the artist
I am a student of painting; where in the process of learning to paint there is room to fail and to try again. This mindset did not come easily for me, coming from a precise, no room for mistakes, advertising and graphic design background.
In my earlier painting efforts I tried to paint the great masterpiece. No more. Now I am relaxed in my efforts in learning how to paint.
In my studies of artists I admire, I discovered that many of them repainted their paintings, correcting those parts they were not happy with. They learned by doing it over and over, taking a “completed” painting down off the wall, out of the frame, and repainting some or all of the painting.
To continue my learning experience, I find that dialogues with fellow artists are invaluable. Discussing their techniques can often help me resolve problems I may be experiencing.
My family and in particular my wife have been a staunch supporters of my painting efforts. My wife often sees things I may have missed and thankfully expresses her thoughts.
I like to enter competitions and participate in group shows. I find meeting competition deadlines keeps me focused and the experience allows me to explore new directions.
"The Dock on the Bay"
Pencil on Paper
This drawing, pencil on paper, was done for a perspective class at The Art Center School in California while I was a student. I actually learned to draw using the three dimensional approach of the illustrator Robert Fawcett, while taking the Famous Artist Correspondence course before enrolling at the Art Center.
This whole scene is made up, drawn out of my imagination without visual reference. The understanding I gained from drawing people and objects in a 3D construction method and how they relate to each other in space has since been the foundation of my art.
J.W. Barnes
Professional Experience
• Art Director - for several advertising agencies including McCann Marshalk
• Art Director – CBS Records (Sony Music). Designed album packages for major artists including Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Charlie McCoy, Charlie Daniels and Asleep at the Wheel.
• President and Creative Director of graphic design firm, Barnes & Company, Inc., specializing in gift products design, logo design, and market support materials and music album packaging. At Barnes & Company, designed albums for The Judd’s, Waylon Jennings, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson. Designed over 1,500 album covers for nearly 200 music artists.
Memberships
• The Chestnut Group
• The Art Group
• Nashville Artist Guild
Education
The Art Center College of Design, Los Angeles, CA A degree (with honors) in Advertising and Design
West End High School, Birmingham, AL. Graduated class of 1955.
• Student Body President, Member of the National Honor Society.
• Member of State Champion Football Team.
Awards (professional graphic design)
The Print Annual
The Art Direction Annual
The Graphis Annual
The Illustrators Annual
Dove Award
Diamond Awards (Nashville Ad Federation)
Painting Accomplishments
• One man show at the Women’s Centennial Club, Nashville, TN.
• One man show at Cloud 12 Gallery, Nashville, TN
• Three man show at Centennial Gallery, Nashville, TN
• Central South Show – The Tennessee Art League
International Artist Magazine:
Issue #68 August/September 2009/"Where's Your Concept"
Issue #65 February/March 2009/Challenge #49 Landscapes
Issue #62 August/September 2008/Challenge #46 Favorite Subjects
Contact Information
E-mail: barnesco@comcast.net
Website: wwwjwbarnes@comcast.net
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