Writers are known to begin new novels with 2 simple words – what if? What if he didn’t come home one day? What if a car could actually talk? You get the drift. Many artists are no different when it comes to their perception when beginning a painting. Meet Terry Barnhart, a Northwest Ohio artist that takes his ‘what if’ creativity to a different level.
With Andy Warhol and Picasso as his favorite artists during high school, Barnhart never lost their flavor of individuality and uniqueness. Some 24 years later, he was motivated by an art show and decided to try his hand at creating his own pop art style. His work has caused quite a stir on Facebook, Pinterest and his own website at http://terrybarnhartart.weebly.com. Even though the world said goodbye to the short-lived pop art era at the end of the 60s, the love of its spontaneous gayety has obviously never really left.
The ‘pop art’ movement was first introduced in America in 1962 and was considered Neo-Dada because of using real objects as a base. With a little creativity and excellent painting skills, these objects were then transformed into an entirely interesting and fun perspective by viewers. The most memorable example was displayed on The Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Album Cover, 1967 (record sleeve), by Sir Peter Blake.
Warhol walks about, much like Robert Rauschenberg used to do, searching garage sales, thrift stores, and auctions in search of that painting that screams to be transformed into an enjoyable work of art. Standing back and examining the painting, he might think of adding shapes, creating shadows with contrasts, while keeping the outline intact.
When the perfect ‘what if’ moment occurs, the painting is taken back to his studio and the acrylic paints come out. Even those paintings that do not bring out a certain enthusiasm in him, they are rescued many times and used in conjunction with other media. “Colorful Face†is an acrylic on old book pages on very thick 20 x 30 inch canvas, is an example of how these paintings are incorporated into vivid scenes.
Artist Barnhart completed his first show at Java Nation in Celina, Ohio with 40 paintings and has discovered that peace that comes from his inner guide that was just resting until the time was right. Seeing and hearing of the happiness that his work brings to others is the icing on his cake. He is now experimenting with watercolors and different types of background material.
Editor’s note: For the digital format, click on the image below or go to www.scribd.com/arttoartpalette
Portrait of Terry Barnhart-OH
