PAINTINGS BY AMANDA BARRETT

I cannot NOT paint it is my passion
Amanda Barrett Plein Air Painter  – I paint from life in preference to photo reference. I love to be in the landscape where I can observe changing light and incidental events. The best way of describing this is its sort of a “painting journalism”. I also actively enjoy talking to anybody who shows an interest in what I am doing, happy to share how I work and in particular encouraging potential artists to come out and paint.
A successful painting captures a great Composition – My number one consideration when starting a painting.
Then its a challenge to render the Light – I am always trying to paint light that defines the landscape, portrait, still life…it all comes down to light.

Art Training

British Institute Florence: Certificate in Renaissance Art.
Brighton Art College: Foundation Painting
Chelsea School of Art BA Graphic Design.

I am from the era when art colleges actively encouraged abstract interpretation and experimentation over figurative art (meaning anything representational was out and not encouraged). I actually gave up “fine art” due to my art college experience moving to Graphic Design for the next 30 years. In 2018 I returned to my original skill. I discovered plein air art thanks to  James Colman founder of Paint Out whose vision has inspired many to leave their studios and come outside and just paint!, Michael Carlo RA who showed me the art of not being precious through wood cutting and print making. And my father John Barrett who from the most disadvantaged start fought through the depression to achieve his ambition to become a successful actor, he taught me to learn from setbacks, be true to your instincts and be up for the challenge whatever the outcome!