John Barney

As a lifelong musician, I create art the same way I do music, with feeling, somewhat haphazardly, taking a wisp of an idea and making it whole. My goal is to enjoy the process and hope that the finished product makes an emotional or psychological impact with the viewer. I am intrigued and motivated by mystery, surrealism, and psychological dimension. I strive to have you share the same experience I do when looking at an interesting work of art - namely that time and space are suspended for a few brief moments, taking us away from our present reality and into that netherworld of imagination. While I'll be happy to share the "story" behind a painting, my work encourages the viewer to create her own experience or meaning - in essence, becoming part of the work itself. I'm always fascinated with what people tell me they see in my paintings - often stuff I've never thought of! My education and career has been in psychology - and emphasizing that dimension in my work may help you discover something about yourself. 

Of course, you don't have to go so deep. Maybe you can't define why you like an artwork or maybe it will just look great in your living room or office. That's a beautiful thing! Much of my work is done with a painting knife. I find texture emotionally satisfying and I prefer to use a wide array of color to communicate my message. 

I'm based in Long Beach, CA and also play with my band "The 11th Floor Band."

Education:

B.A. Psychology
M.S Counseling Psychology
M.S. School Psychology
All degrees at California State University, Long Beach

Awards & Distinctions:

Awards are silly - though I have a number of them.

Exhibitions:

July, 2019 Solo Show, Berlin Bistro, Long Beach, CA.
Feb, 2019 Solo exhibition, Mary Paxon Gallery, Fontana, CA.
May, 2017 Solo Exhibition, Art Depot Gallery, City of Fontana, CA.
Feb, 2017 Solo Exhibition sponsored by the City of Buena Park, CA.
March, 2016 Featured artist in the journal, "ARTiculAction Art Review.
Dec. 2015 Group Show Eclectique Gallery, Long Beach, CA .
May 2015 Solo Show, Eclectique Gallery, Long Beach, CA .
Feb. 2015 Winner (10 wins 2011-2015), Long Beach Masterpiece Contest (LB 
Jan. 2014 Featured artist in “Level 25 Art Journal".
July 2013 Group Show, Whittier Art Gallery 
Oct. 2012 Paintings featured in the book “Fundamentally Female" by Renee Rongen 
May 2012 Three Person Show Palomino Gallery, Whittier. 
May 2011 Three Person Show, BlueBird Arthouse Gallery, Whittier, CA.
May 2011 2nd Place Lakewood Artist Guild Semi-Annual Contest 
Oct.2011 Group Show, Whittier Art Gallery

Professional/Teaching Experience:

I've done many shows and gallery exhibitions - having sold most of my work. I'm self-taught, proudly so, and believe that being unbound by many of the traditional "art school" rules, my creativity has flourished.

Artistic Influences:

Christian Jequel, Bill Martin, Leroy Neiman.

Tags:

Abstract, expressionist, colorful, texture, people, psychologicall portrait.