barbarann mainzer

My fascination and respect of nature was evident from early childhood. I brought home butterfly wings and feathers, leaves, rocks and driftwood as well as live animals like snakes and lizards. At age five, I received my first paint set. I promptly raced outside, gathered a few rocks and painted them bright colors.  I set out to try to sell them to my neighbors for a penny each. I was always drawing and painting on every surface available.

In high school, I studied with watercolorist Frank Smith of Ohio fame. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BFA and a teaching certificate. While at the University, I studied painting with Robert Mazur. I married soon after graduation and moved to the East Coast. As a young wife and soon mother, I continued to paint and participated in a few shows a year. I became a certified kitchen designer, hand drawing perspective views as a means of supplemental income. I never stopped pursuing a career as an artist, entering as many exhibits and shows as possible. After selling my design business, I moved to Arizona, where I discovered unusual and diverse subject matter.

 I was always searching out new surfaces on which to apply paint.  I paint    on wood, fabric and slate. The darker background affords a very different approach to the white of the canvas or paper. I continue to depict nature studies of plants and animals on all these surfaces.

I want the observer to see that which they normally give only a glance. I approach my work with the intent of capturing both the inherent beauty and the subtle humor of the subject matter. I hope you enjoy the view.

www.barbarannmainzer.com