Skew Bridge with Cottage and Figures Todmorden pastel 022

 

Barry's primary source of inspiration is from observation and he has always given precedence to drawing: "drawing begins the intimate relationship between the subject and myself", he says. Barry's drawings are normally produced in situ and at times more than one drawing of the same place is produced to enable him to become more familiar with the subject. He doesn't look for the picturesque but prefers the mundane and the ordinary in an effort to lift the subject to a higher plane and make something more memorable out of it. He says "My aim is to attempt to recreate the subject before me and suggest a new life, energy and movement. The paint's texture and application is just as important as the subject matter."His interests at present are street scenes, buildings and architecture in his local area of Calderdale.