My 81-year-old father, artist Philip Barlow, is my teacher, inspiration and mentor.  He still paints every day, and in April will be featured in a two-person exhibition at Phillips Gallery in Salt Lake City, Utah.   I LOVE this recent painting of his -- titled "Sharing the Real Thing."  It spotlights a great American icon and infuses it with playful romance.  In this 100-year anniversary of Coke, it is so inspiring to see an 81-year-old artist, who continually strives to keep his own work fresh and vibrant, celebrate an iconic part of Americana with a nod to the past and a dose of whimsy and wit.  Here's to getting better with AGE!

"Sharing the Real Thing"

Oil on Canvas

16 x 20"

by Philip Barlow

(courtesy of Phillips Gallery, SLC, UT)

#cokebottle100

Sometimes dreams do come true -- and one just has for me.  Last year, I was approached by a lovely professional couple in the Bay Area.  They are world travelers and adventurers and also contemporary art collectors.  In addition, they each have a highly cultivated appreciation for exquisitely designed and made shoes.  They asked me to create a "portrait" of them using some of the delectable shoes from their closet.  And here is the "dreams do come true" part -- they gave me carte blanche in terms of composition.  What a gift! I worked on their portrait for many months, and yesterday, along with my art dealer Andra Norris of Gallerie Citi, we presented their portrait to them.  There are two paintings, a diptych, and I titled them "His & Hers."  What a pleasure it was to work with these smart, kind, vibrant, open people -- and it was truly a joy "walking in their shoes" for so many months.  Thank you, dear collectors, for giving this artistic gift to me!

"His"

Oil on Linen

30 x 30"

by Elizabeth Barlow

"Hers"

Oil on Linen

30 x 30"

by Elizabeth Barlow

My amazing artist father, Philip Barlow, was a winner in The Artist Magazine's Annual Over 60 Competition (March 2015 issue) -- with his painting "Pooh's Favorite Tales."  In the interview, he shares some wisdom for other artists -- but it is applicable for anyone trying to live a vibrant, engaged, rich life:

"Always paint what excites YOU.   Don't be content with a certain style.  Be sure you keep striving to evolve and change.  It is important to have respect for your talent and hard work -- treat your painting as a business and always strive to be professional in your dealings with galleries and collectors.

Art has been my life.  I have never been far from the magic of creation. I paint almost every day and am working on paintings for a show at one of my galleries in April.  I am always searching for a new direction in creativity and that's what keeps all of us wanting to move on."

Gallerie Citi celebrated the opening of the new exhibition "Awaken" last night.  I am thrilled to have two works in the show -- and to have the show titled after my paintings.  But the real thrill is to have my work shown alongside the Bay Area legends Joan Brown and Elmer Bischoff -- and with my friend Kim Froshin who continues in their expressive artistic footsteps.   It's an honor to be there!

"Awaken I" 

Oil on Linen

9 x 12"

By Elizabeth Barlow

"Awaken II"

Oil on Linen

9 x 12"

By Elizabeth Barlow