My paintings and collages are inspired by a variety of interests: the pleasure of experimenting with color and texture, the exquisite beauty of patterns in nature, and the use of fragments and found objects. I enjoy using a close-up format to explore in depth the shape, color and surface texture of natural elements such as water, rock, and plant material. In addition, I like to use photographs and collage elements as a starting point for mixed media paintings.

I love to experiment with a diversity of materials to create rich, textured surfaces. But the colour and texture are actually just enjoyable by-products of my main interest, which is layers. Whether in paintings, collage or drawings, this rich layering is achieved by working colours over each other using various broken colour techniques such as glazing, resists, and scumbling. Media may include the usual (acrylics, oils, pastel, inks, charcoal) as well as more unlikely materials such as eggshells, wire, fabric, sand, and any other cast-away object that catches my eye.

1995 – 98

Fine Art Diploma program at Malaspina University College, Nanaimo, BC

2000	The Chocolate Claim, Whitehorse, Yukon
1998	"Featured Artist: Barbra Sundquist", Scotia McLeod, Courtenay, BC
1997 – 99	Harmony Café, Qualicum Beach, BC

2000	Art on the Move Gallery, Nanaimo, BC
2000	"Small in Nature", Oceanside Community Arts Council, Parksville, BC
1997	"Works on Paper", Arts Alliance Gallery, Courtenay, BC (juried international show sponsored by the Canadian Watercolour Society)
1996	"Photomenagerie", Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo, BC

In 1998 Scotia McLeod commissioned a large painting for their corporate collection. In addition, Barbra’s work has been purchased by private collectors from Belgium, France, Netherlands, United States, Mexico and Canada.

More about Barbra's painting process
More about Barbra's handmade paper painting process
About Barbra's studio

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