Gayle Barnett

Born and raised in Montana, I came to Wyoming to teach school.  I loved the landscapes, the mountains, the outdoor life, and something in me wanted to paint, to share what I loved with others.  My first formal art education was at Sheridan College, taking a class here and there for teacher recertification.  Since that time I have taken many terrific workshops from talented people, each who have left their mark on my work.   My painting is a blend of impressionism and realism.  I aim for a loose style, bold color, and to capture a feel in a scene.  Watercolor is a favorite medium, because of its transparency, spontaneity, and freshness.  I occasionally work in oil, pastel, and have done a little mixed media.

I spend as much time as I can, on horseback, in the Wind River Mountains.   Much of my subject matter comes from the ranch life and outdoors I enjoy so much.  Painting on location has improved my powers of observation and helped to create my own style of interpreting nature.  I am continually learning new ways to make my paintings more expressive and spontaneous.  Through the years, I have challenged myself to go beyond painting what I see to trying to capture what I feel.  My goal is to create work that speaks from my heart and hopefully, that work will touch others as well.