ARTIST STATEMENT

My passion for painting started at an early age. Working En Plein Air is my preferred method. My goal is to capture the beauty, character, and the play of light and shadow of a place or subject. Portraits, nature, animals, and the moods and rhythms of the seasons are my inspiration. Living in West Michigan has the added advantage of experiencing the majesty and awe-inspiring power of Lake Michigan! 

BIOGRAPHY

Barbara Berens knew at an early age that she wanted to be an artist. Growing up in the small rural town of Grandville, Michigan, she had the opportunity to draw and paint, explore the countryside, and learn about horses (her other passion) from an old horseman who trained Standardbreds. It was an ideal childhood in many ways.

She pursued her art education at Kendall College of Art and Design and the University of Texas at Austin. While living in Austin, she had the opportunity to travel and backpack in the southwest. One of those trips involved backpacking in the Grand Canyon for ten weeks, which fueled her love of nature and instilled a strong sense of the grandeur of our planet earth.

For the past 23 years, she has lived in Grand Haven, Michigan, on a small horse farm with two thoroughbred mares and two female border collies. A love of nature, animals, backpacking, hiking, travel, and photography supports her interest in art.

SHOWS

2016 Winterfest Show, Grand Haven, MI - Juried

2015 Winterfest Show, Grand Haven, MI - Juried

2014 Winterfest Show, Grand Haven, MI - 2nd Place

2014 Wine About Winter Show, Grand Haven, MI - Honorable Mention

2013 Grand Haven Art Walk

2011 Art Walk, Saugatuck, MI

2006 Winterfest Show, Grand Haven - Honorable Mention