H E L E N A B A R N E S

LANDSCAPE ARTIST

For me, painting is as much about the process as the outcome. I work on multiple pieces at the same time in my studio by the sea on the North Coast of Scotland. Layers and layers of paint and water pushed around the surface of a canvas in an effort to capture the transient seasons and fleeting light of the North and the liminal zones between hills and mountains, peat hags and moorland, sand and sea.

I am interested in the alchemy of paint; how emulsion retracts from oil and how acrylic sits on top. Positives and negatives. How a brush or a scraper dipped in white spirit can move mountains. This alchemy is reflected in the geography of our land and I want to make this a focus of my work as I learn more about it.

I grew up in Northumberland so it is no surprise that I seek out big sky country wherever I go. You can often find me walking in barren but beautiful countryside, up mountains or swimming in the sea. I take as many photographs as I can whilst out which I use, as well as memory, to recreate the atmospheric beauty of these landscapes back in the studio. A sense of place, movement, light and atmosphere take precedence over form and figurative representation in all of my work.

Education

University of the West of England, PGCE Art & Design, 2017

Kingston School of Art, BA hons Fine Art & Art History (1st class), 2015

Newcastle College. Foundation in Art & Design, 2011

If you have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch.

Work shown and sold at:

The Holroyd Gallery, Glen Coe

Fika Gallery, Morpeth

Loch Torridon Gallery & Community Centre

The Bealach Cafe & Gallery

Gallery 48, Cromarty

Galerie Fantoosh, Dingwall