We were lucky to catch up with Annette Barbieri recently and have shared our conversation below.

Annette, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am largely a self-taught artist. When I went to college I majored in psychology and later studied interior design. I would have loved to have studied art, but it didn’t seem like a viable career at the time. It was much harder to make a living as an artist back then. There was no social media and artists depended on galleries to make a living.

While working in another field, I still would paint and draw in my free time. I used to draw realistic portraits but found the need to loosen up and started exploring abstract painting. Trial and error, experimentation, watching videos were all ways I taught myself. Never underestimate the power of messing up. I find sometimes the best paintings come from “happy accidents”.

One of the most important skills as a painter is understanding color. Knowing what colors look good together, when to add contrast, how to make bold opaque marks and when to add veils or washes of color. I like to think I have a very good eye for color and mixing my own colors is one of my favorite parts of painting. It’s also one of the most time consuming parts, especially when I don’t mix up another of a color and run out! I rarely use paint straight from the tube. You get much more complex and rich colors by mixing your own and I think my paintings reflect that.

I also think curiosity is an essential skill. The need to experiment, to dabble to see what happens. I love trying out different things to paint with that I find around the house or from the hardware store. Sometimes they are a flop and sometimes the results are fab!

As far as obstacles that have stood in the way of learning more, I would say time. I still work a very full “part-time” job in interior design. I haven’t made the leap to full-time artist yet, although that is a goal. I just happen to be very lucky to have two careers that are very rewarding, art and interior design. I wish I had 48 hours in one day! I would love to take more workshops, although there are some wonderful online workshops these days. There is so much to be learned from other artists. I am always so grateful when I message another artist on Instagram with a question and they respond back. I find the artist community very open and willing to share. We truly are a unique group! I try to do the same when people message me asking questions.

Annette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in Central Florida and live/work in the Orlando area. My father was the artistic one in the family that I take after. I have a wonderful husband and a teenage son who keep me busy! Also, I work part-time in interior design, which is a wonderful complement and inspiration for my paintings. Everyday I get inspired by all the beautiful fabrics, wallpapers and paint colors. I have been known to bring home samples from work when they are discontinued and they find a way into my mixed media or collage pieces. Just too good to throw away! Also, some of our clients have seen my work and commissioned pieces for their own homes, which is the greatest honor. When a collector writes me a thank you note or posts my painting on their social media, I am so touched. To know that my art brings them so much happiness is the best feeling!

I create work in all different sizes on canvas, wood panel and paper so collectors have lots of options. Also, I love doing commissions!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I like listening to artist’s podcasts. A couple that I have found very helpful are “Art Juice” with Louise Fletcher and Alice Sheridan. Not only do they tackle all the burning questions we artists have, but they are delightfully funny! Also, I have really learned a lot from Liese Gauthier’s podcast, “Abstract Thinking: Create Your Best Art”. I love her work and how she walks you through everything from technique, overcoming obstacles to preparing for a show. Lastly, Jodie King’s instagram account (jodie_king_) is a wealth of information on the business of being an artist. I always feel so empowered and emboldened after listening to her videos and seeing her posts.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I haven’t had to “unlearn” any lessons, but I will share a valuable lesson I learned. Many years ago I used to create paintings just for fun and when I did sell something, I under-valued it. Then one day I read somewhere that you shouldn’t be ashamed to call yourself an artist. When you declare it, you believe it and so will the rest of the world. That was game changer for me and my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.annettebarbieri.com
• Instagram: annette_barbieri