DPW Spotlight Interview: Douglas Barron

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Douglas's painting, "Rose of Sharon" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Douglas' DPW Gallery:

Michigan Artist, Douglas J Barron is a 1982 graduate of Frankenmuth, his home town. The artist paints oil on canvas, en plein air and studio, and practices his technique to convey a sense of immediacy and harmony that we feel within our natural environment. He applies the strengths of his medium to achieve rich surfaces and vibrant hues of favorite subjects; sky, water, flowers and views of the Michigan countryside.Often you will find Douglas gardening and raising chickens on his farm, sources of inspiration for much of his work.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting. 

I enjoyed art classes in High School but never pursued it. In March of 2016, I was reunited with my art teacher, Alan Maciag, (alanmaciag.com) at an art auction. At this time Al was giving art lessons. I took my first class with Al in March of 2016 and a follow up in March of 2017. As my painting skills grew, so did my desire to learn.  Art is an excellent way to challenge your brain. It also got me away from the TV!

Rose of Sharon
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Douglas's interview.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? 

I started with Oils and continue this medium. I love the challenge that oils offer and the endless amount of color options that can be created during mixing. There might be a time that I will explore acrylics and or possibly watercolors.

I primarily paint in studio, but I also like to be outdoors and Plein Air Paint. The studio gives me plenty of time to work the subject, whereas Plein Air challenges me in speed.

Peeling Paint
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most? 

The two muses in my life are my spouse then our farm and surroundings. Until I started painting, I never really paid attention to what was happening in nature throughout the seasons.

Sled
(click to view)

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art? 

My goal is to try and paint at least 3-5 times per week. My spouse is my resource for ideas, together we explore cities, landscapes and new places. The resulting photography gives us inspiration.

Being involved with events, exhibitions, and paint-outs really helps add excitement and focus.

Soybean Rows
(click to view)

What makes you happiest about your art? 

I find a great deal of enjoyment in the process of a painting, from the initial sketch to signing my name.  Goals are good! When I have a blank canvas in front of me, I have a new goal!

Winter Paddock
(click to view)

Thanks, Douglas!

© 2018 Sophie Marine