Local Artist

Barbara Kelley - Printmaking and Oil Painting

Barbara is printmaker and painter, creating art in her studio located at The Sea Ranch. Participation in a group exhibit in a gallery in the 1980's set a course for art education and exhibitions and the evolution of her work in painting and printmaking. The inspiration for her work comes in part from living environments and travels in diverse locations, including Alaska, Ohio, New Mexico, Washington, California, Canada, Europe and China. Her work reflects the intensity and quality of the light that she has experienced throughout the world. Barbara's work is shown in galleries and corporate exhibits and public spaces.

In August 17, 2003, the Press Democrat said of her work, "The moon is frequently featured in her own prints, which exude a simplicity reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese art." Barbara's work is shown in galleries and corporate exhibits and she welcomes patrons to suggest new public venues in their corporate offices, galleries and public spaces.

In creating prints she applies printmakers' inks on a copper, zinc or Plexiglas plate using brayers or brushes. She frequently uses various tools to draw on the inked plate to complete the composition. The inked plate is then moved onto the printing bed of her 1380 pound Sturges Etching Press, a dampened sheet of heavyweight paper is placed over the inked plate, and she cranks (hand-pulls) the plate through the etching press, which transfers the image from the plate onto the paper, creating an original Monoprint. She also creates linocuts, mixed media prints, collage prints, and dry point engravings.

Barbara is the recipient of numerous awards and her work is in private collections in Canada, Europe, Australia and throughout the United States. She is a member of the California Society of Printmakers, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County, and is past President of the North Coast Artists' Guild. She is also a member of the Santa Rosa community of printmakers at The Print Shop.

Visitors to the north coast are welcome to visit her studio. For a list of upcoming exhibits and to schedule a visit to her studio please contact her:

Contact Information: Barbara Kelley PO Box 422 Gualala, CA 95445 Email: sonomawine@earthlink.net Phone: 707-785-9429 Website: www.mooncatcher.info

© copyright 2008 - all rights to the images are retained by the artist