Barbara Counsil

People's Choice

Barbara Counsil

Beauty Beware, 2022

Oil on board, 32 x 26 x .25 in

-3500

On display at the Downtown Eugene Public Library

Artist Bio

My art career spans work in illustration and gallery art. I have illustrated four published books, including a Powell's bestseller in non-fiction. I run my own line of greeting cards and illustration reproductions and work as a freelance illustrator and muralist on commission. In the past, I taught drawing and watercolor painting for adults, but am taking a break from teaching. My paintings have been exhibited and sold in galleries and museums in Michigan and Oregon, including the Richard App Gallery, the Maude Kerns Art Center and the Coos Art Museum. In 2021 I launched a project dedicated to preserving public land and connecting people with the wilderness, which was funded by the Springfield Heritage Arts Grant.

Artist Statement

My artwork reflects my personal experiences living among natural settings, such as Oregon's Columbia River Gorge national scenic area. I believe the natural world has more to offer to a person's self than built environments. At the very least, they offer a calming state of being without the pressure to act. I find dense urban environments to be draining and wilderness to be energizing. The relationship between our natural settings and the effects on the human psyche is one of ancient interest. New research is organizing data into unarguable results: being outside is healthy. I adore the vast landscapes that stretch across the American West and recreate them in urban spaces through art. I believe all people deserve to experience the solitude and wonder of American wilderness. I aim to help preserve protected public land and to make it more safe and familiar to the concern of all people. Most recently, I have been studying native plants and painting them in the grisaille technique.

For more information visit barbaracounsil.com

People's Choice Award

Quotes from People's Choice Award voters:

“Mysterious and intriguing. Great job on lighting.” 

“The details capture the magnificence of the natural beauty.” 

“This is such a great capture of one of my favorite flowers!” 

“Stunning.”