Barbara Hope

How I got started in art: I have always been attracted to watercolor but never tried painting. On a visit to Texas, I took a watercolor class with my friend and painted my first painting, I was 50, and hooked, all I could think of was painting! As I painted my way through the many aspects of watercolor, I was encouraged to enter my works in various Art Shows. Much to my surprise, I was accepted into the shows and won some top awards.

My work has been shown, in Northern California, at the Gallo Winery Exhibit, Delicato Vineyards Exhibits, Valley Art Association Exhibits, Oak Valley Art Society Exhibits, Sandle Art Gallery, Santa Fe Trails Gallery & the Oakdale Museum. In Southern California, I’ve had work shown in many exhibits of Valley Watercolor Society, Burbank Art Center Exhibit, Studio 10 Exhibits, VIVA and had a painting accepted into the National Watercolor Society Exhibit.

I am past President of Valley Art Association in Northern Calif, a lifetime member & past President of Valley Watercolor Society in Southern Calif, a member of Southwest Washington Watercolor Society and associate member of the National Watercolor Society.

Watercolor is magical; I never know just what will happen. I love the process and the surprises. I enjoy painting landscapes, but find pleasure & challenge in all subjects, from wildlife to portrait to still life. Finding a way to make a painting “come alive” is my challenge.

My dream is to continue the passion I find in my work and to grow through the many challenges of watercolor.