Today we’d like to introduce you to Barney Levitt.
Barney, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve been creating ‘pictures’ ever since I was old enough to grip a crayon and scribble on my parents’ living room walls. I was given my first artist’s easel when I was 10 years old which set me on my destined path to becoming a professional artist. After graduating with a fine arts degree in painting and drawing, I never looked back. Much of my work is still life driven. I like working with ‘timeless’ objects which gives my paintings a sense of nostalgia. Old radios, rusted antique tools, and glass bottles are often the subject matter of my work. I also love the reflective nature of metallic objects, which capture a reflection of me at work in my studio in Ashland, MA.
My paintings vary in theme from classical ‘Old Master’ still life set-ups, to quirkier word play paintings. Titles are important to me as they give the viewer insight into the concept I’m trying to convey. Humor also plays out in much of my work and I strive for a narrative that will capture the viewers’ attention. My work combines naturalistic detail with quirky offbeat compositions that often juxtapose ordinary objects in unexpected ways.
I studied under Robert Sullins and received my B.A. in painting from S.U.N.Y at Oswego, NY. I’m a member of Gallery Blink in Lexington, MA, the Stewart Clifford Gallery in Provincetown, & Charles Fine Art in Gloucester, MA. I’m also a member of the Copley Society of Art and received my Master status designation in 2017. I’ve shown my work extensively nationally and internationally. Affiliations include Oil Painters of America, The National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, The International Guild of Realism, and several Boston area art associations.
I am honored and blessed to be doing the thing I love most. I hope to continue painting until my last breath.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Working in the studio day in and day out can be a lonely and isolating experience, but I find the work takes me to a different plane, and I lose all sense of ego and time. But staying connected to other artists is also important for generating new ideas, and comparing ‘notes’ on all art related topics. I have greatly expanded my network of artist contacts via Instagram. I also recommend joining local artist guilds and associations, of which there are many. Annual fees for joining are minimal and the rewards plentiful.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
For an overview of my work, visit my website at: www.barneylevitt.com. My work is available for viewing in several aforementioned galleries in New England. My website keeps people updated on upcoming exhibitions so I recommend joining my mailing list. I will also be taking part in Newton Open Studios on Sat. & Sun., April 7-8 from 11:00-5:00. I’ll be showing over 50 paintings at Church of the Redeemer that weekend. They’re located at 379 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill, MA. Another great venue is Jamaica Plain Open Studios on Sat. & Sun. from 11:00-6:00, Sept. 22-23. I’ll be at the Footlight Club, 7A Eliot St., Jamaica Plain, MA.
If you’d like to make an appointment to view my work up close and personal, I have a gallery set up in my home. Please send me a message via my website contact: www.barneylevitt.com
I’m an active member on Facebook and Instagram and frequently post new paintings there. Follow me on Instagram @ barneylevittfineart
Contact Info:
- Address: 21 Boulder Hill Lane, Ashland, MA 01721
- Website: www.barneylevitt.com
- Phone: 508-981-0556
- Email: barnart55@gmail.com
- Instagram: barneylevittfineart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/barney.levitt
Image Credit:
Barney Levitt
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
