Carnegie Visual Arts Center

Featuring a collection of Sam’s traditional still-life paintings and the introduction of his new series of structure and landscape works, Highway 20 Perspectives.

Artist’s Statement

As long as I can remember, I have had an interest in painting, drawing and making things. My interest and respect for painting increased while attending Auburn University’s College of Architecture and Fine Arts. While studying for a degree in landscape architecture, I utilized watercolor and other media to render various projects and illustrations. Once I began my professional career, I continued to utilize these techniques and became more and more interested in developing my skills as an artist.

The works of American artists such as Howard Pyle, John Singer Sargent, Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer are inspirational to me. I am equally inspired by Dutch painters such as Willem Heda, Johannes Vermeer and Rembrant van Rijn. The work of each of these painters emphasizes the influence and relationship of light and shadow, detail and respect for the subject matter at hand. These aspects of painting are what I strive for in my work.

I consider most of my work to be contemporary realism. My subject matter is usually taken from everyday objects and places that represent a unique point in time. The compositions are intended to tell a story, offer a point of view or describe a personality. Objects and places that evoke memories for me are the most fulfilling paintings to produce. I may find an artifact that reminds me of someone and it will wind up in the painting as a representation of that person. I find great interest in the simple, everyday, and forgotten things in life as well as the things we consider beautiful by their very nature. By composing these elements correctly and in right light, they seem come alive and possess their own place in time. Occasionally a little humor added to a painting makes it even more personal for the viewer.

Ultimately, I understand that God created everything and that there is beauty in all that He created. My desire is to develop and utilize the skills He gave me to illustrate the hidden beauty of even the most mundane of objects, places or people. Doing so reminds me of who I am here to serve. And hopefully, others will be able to enjoy the work as well.

— Sam Barnett