Artist Profile: Barbara Ariail Anderson

Rising to the Challenge

By Heike Hellmann-Brown

BellSouth. Although I was always very crafty, I had no idea I was artistically inclined, she says. On the other hand, becoming a painter seemed like a natural progression. I had previously taken self-enrichment classes and enjoyed creating things be it furniture, stained glass works, or draperies.

After her retirement, Anderson continued her education and became an interior designer. The theoretical background of design, color, form and function enabled her to look at things from a more aesthetic standpoint. You learn to distinguish between what is important and what is not, and which features to highlight and which to let fade into the background which is very similar to setting up a painting.

When a cousin, a painter herself, invited Anderson to paint with her, she rose to the challenge. My dad always used to say, Whatever you want to do, you can do it! If you do not know how, then ask, and someone will tell you! With that philosophy, Anderson began taking painting classes something she has continued to do on a regular basis. Honestly, I dont even feel like I have my own style yet, she says. Its like a learning experience. I cherish how my creation evolves on the canvas. I watch it grow, while at the same time I grow as an artist. The process of creation is utterly fulfilling. I can get lost in it for hours. Painting is something I do entirely for my own enjoyment.

Using her own photographs as reference, Andersons favorite subject matters are ocean and marsh scenes and orchids. She paints in oils, watercolors, and acrylics, but cites pastels as her favorite medium because of their vibrant colors and immediate gratification. She says she is very detail-oriented and loves the challenge of getting the design, prospective, feel and color perfect. It thrills me to see a piece develop into a beautifully finished painting. No matter how many months it will take from layout to completion, after each brushstroke I stand back and look at my work. It makes me smile and inspires me to do more.

Anderson is motivated by her own appreciation for her work, so she never put much value on accolades until her sister talked her into entering one of her paintings in the Gilmer County Fair. It was the first time I showed my work. The painting, My Apples, won 1st place, she says. I was even more surprised when I stood back and listened to what people had to say about it. This experience has encouraged Anderson to show her work more publicly; her paintings are on display at the Alpharetta Library, Firefly Restaurant, and Somerby Senior Living.

Barbara Ariail Anderson says she loves the social aspect of painting, the bond she shares with fellow painters, and being involved in the local art community.

AriailFineArt.com