Anne Barkley: 'The Journey Continues': Award-winning abstract artist on a quest! March 20, 2013

Award-winning Ontario abstract painter Anne Barkley moves forward on her artistic path by following her intuition, through quests involving experimentation with materials, formats and subjects – opening reception March 21 at Leonardo Galleries, Toronto.

Award-winning, Williamsburg, Ontario (near Ottawa) abstract painter Anne Barkley continues on her artistic path and showcases her latest series called ‘The Journey Continues’. Her solo exhibit begins March 20, opens with a public reception on Thursday, March 21 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and runs to April 15, 2013 at Leonardo Galleries, Toronto (112 Scollard St., Yorkville).

Anne Barkley, who is an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, states, “Presently, I strive for a maturity of style with simplicity, which hides its complexity. My enjoyment of the process, combined with the intensity of the work, adds a dimension that attempts to bring the viewer along on the journey, to engage in an ongoing communication.”

Barkley (who won an Award of Excellence from Ottawa Mixed Media Association, second prize at the Artist Project show in Toronto in 2011 and juror’s awards from the Ottawa Watercolour Society) currently develops her paintings by following her intuition, through quests involving experimentation with materials and formats, and with subjects ranging from figurative to landscape to fully abstract. The works were completed in oil and/or acrylic, on canvas or board.

Barkley, with influences such as Piet Mondrian's Neo-Plasticism and Mark Rothko's gentle gradients, knows that the viewer's participation is vital and endeavours to communicate, to capture something of the spirit of people and their environments. Barkley’s recent work explores various land and cityscapes that begin with a landscape orientation. Serenity, determination and freedom guide her work, and colour, shape, texture and rhythm are some of the tools of her trade.

For more exhibit information visit; http://www.leonardogalleries.com.

Barkley lives on a farm near Williamsburg, Ontario and is an internationally exhibited artist, recently showing in Ottawa, Toronto, New York City and, by invitation, at the Biennale International Contemporary Art Exhibition in Florence, Italy. She also belongs to many art groups including East Central Ontario Art Association, CARFAC, Ottawa Mixed Media Artists and is an elected fellow of the Ottawa Watercolour Society. Her award-winning work is held in public and private collections across Canada.

As a member of the Yorkville Art Galleries Collective, Leonardo Galleries participates occasionally in the free monthly Yorkville Art Gallery Walk, which is held the first Thursday of each month and coincides with some exhibition openings.

Leonardo Galleries, Toronto is devoted to the promotion of contemporary art. The gallery represents local and international artists and has a significant collection of works of art in painting, print-media, sculpture and photography. Leonardo Galleries also specializes in conservation framing and expert art restoration.

Official Website: http://www.leonardogalleries.com