Will Barnet

Will Barnet (1911–2012) was an acclaimed American painter, printmaker, and educator whose career spanned nearly a century. Known for his serene and stylized depictions of figures, animals, and abstract compositions, Barnet’s work evolved from early social realism and abstraction to a more personal and symbolic style. His art often featured family members and domestic scenes, blending modernist sensibilities with timeless, contemplative imagery.

Barnet taught at prestigious institutions such as the Art Students League in New York, influencing generations of artists. His works are held in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. Celebrated for his enduring creativity, Barnet was honored with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts in 2011.