Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Kay Herring.
Barbara Kay, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always loved to draw. I still do.
Through my early education, I was able to explore a myriad of mediums from linoleum cuts to sculpture. As college, graduate school and my career took a front seat, I continued to pursue my passion via workshops and art courses. I was fortunate to be a regular participant at the Tree Studios drawing and oil painting workshops as well as sculpture and figure sketching classes.
My Tree Studios mentor introduced me to the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, here in Chicago. I became a member, worked on the board and met many of my now longtime friends. This connection to the Palette introduced me to my very first plein air experience in Taos, New Mexico. I’ll never forget that glorious week of painting outdoors. Over the years, I have made many plein air painting trips as well as working locally with the Plein Air Painters Chicago (PAPC). Now, painting full time (and then some), the majority of my work is studio based and in various mediums. I still occasionally paint on site.
Group exhibitions include several Chicago Art Opens (sponsored by the Chicago Artist Coalition), the International Miniature Art Biennial in Quebec (2001 & 2002), the Northwest Area Arts Council (2004), the Cedarburg Plein Air Festival (2007), Rockford’s Midwestern Exhibition (2008), the Polish Arts Club of Chicago (2011) and the Wichita Center for the Arts (Mark Arts) National Small Painting Exhibition (2012), Executive Director Purchase Award, Permanent Collection. I continue to show with PAPC and most recently participated in the Woman Made Gallery (Chicago) exhibitions (2017 and 2018).
My solo exhibitions were in 2004 (Old Town Triangle Gallery), 2006 (Holy Covenant Church) and in 2007 (Morton College). I am excited to be working on my next solo show scheduled for September 2019.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My primary mediums are oil, watercolor, pen/ink, and etchings. Often representational, my work continues to evolve, it’s a lifetime journey. I am inspired by light, color, locale, and people.
What I am seeing and feeling, I hope resonates with people when they view my art.
Years ago, I worked on a series of Chicago’s Water Tanks. I found the places where they still existed to be very interesting. It helped me to incorporate more architecture in my work. I liked the conflict of a bulky tank above urban renewal. They were in locations we pass every day but never really notice. Commuting on the CTA, I often did quick sketches. I find drawings of peoples’ daily routines very compelling. I use these to develop more finished works.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I am concerned about the impact of Chicago’s housing issues on artists, especially emerging artists. Affordable living and studio space is essential for the continued vibrancy of Chicago’s artistic community.
Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Working as an artist can be a solitary experience that also provides the opportunity to experiment. In Chicago, we are fortunate to have several organizations that artists can join, such as the Chicago Artist Coalition (CAC). The Palette and Chisel offer painting and drawing classes for all levels. The Chicago Printmakers Collaborative offers a variety of printmaking classes. PAPC welcomes those who want to paint on site.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My website is www.barbarakayherring.com and I post work on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/herrbk).
Currently, I am working on a new body of work to include in my solo exhibition which will open at the Palette & Chisel on September 20, 2019. This work will embody where I have been and where I am going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barbarakayherring.com
- Email: herrbk@sbcglobal.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herrbk
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/barbara.k.herring
Image Credit:
Personal Photo by Ralph Walin, Artwork by Tom Van Eynde, Ralph Walin
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