Congratulations to PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER Barney Levitt. The Oil painting Going on Vacation was selected by gallery visitors during our “Spring National” Exhibit!
An Interview with Barney Levitt:
How did you discover your talent for your medium?
My Aunt (also a painter) gave me my first easel and set of oil paints when I was 12 years old. I’d say I went from crayons in my earliest years, to graphite pencil, and then jumped directly into oil; getting my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in painting.
Which artist has influenced you most?
It’s difficult to narrow my influence down to one artist, but I’d say Vermeer is certainly one of my favorites. His attention to detail and vibrant color palette is awe inspiring. To stand in front of an original Vermeer is magical. I was certainly influenced also by the work of Dali, and Norman Rockwell for his strong narrative themes.
What do you enjoy the most about working in this medium?
I enjoy the richness and malleability of oil paints and the range of hues you can achieve. Oils can be messy, and certainly toxicity is a factor, but how glorious the finished product!
How do you describe your artwork?
I’m a realist oil painter but my work is often whimsical in nature with a wry humorous bent. Often my work tells a story, and if it elicits a chuckle, all the
better. I think there is room for humor in art. I often juxtapose elements within a painting that the viewer wouldn’t expect i.e. Elephants in bathing suits playing with a beach ball, chickens riding a roller coaster. But there is always a strong attention to detail in hopes of capturing the same feel of a Dutch Masters painting.
Tell us about your creative process.
I keep a notebook full of ideas and images that spark my imagination. Sometimes in the middle of the night a phrase or idiom sparks the idea for a new painting. I view a lot of art and it’s often the inspiration for a new composition. I have too many ideas incubating that will probably never reach the canvas. In fact, I am currently working on a half dozen paintings in various stages of completion
Is there anything you want people to take away from your work?
A smile. A laugh. A sense of happiness or wonder. Anything that makes them feel like they’ve experienced something new, exciting, or memorable. If my
paintings can transport people into another world, then I’ve reached my goal.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
When I’m not creating artwork, I’m getting lost in the world of books…or drinking in the pleasures of the outdoors, skiing, hiking, camping. Travel has always been a big part of my life. And writing! I had my first story published this year.
What is your website?
www.barneylevitt.com
I really welcome visitors to view my work and hopefully sign up for my one-a-month newsletter where I post new work and the inspiration behind my work.
