The painting shown right is a recent one (June 2025): I planted poppy seeds in our garden this Spring, and the delightful profusion of delicate petals and vibrant colours was so exciting that I wanted to share my joy in a large painting: this one is 36” square.
Colour! Cotswolds!
”
Find me on Instagram: #barbarabluecotswolds
E-mail me: barbara.i.curry@googlemail.com
Above (top) is a 20” square painting I finished in May 2025, responding to a very early morning outing, with the low sun catching dandelion heads and giving them little haloes. I love sharing happy moments like this. I get up early, so you don’t have to!
Above (closest) is an abstracted study of a summer posy, scratching into the background paint and using neutral colours to set off the rosehips and orange poppies.
Right: another brand new painting which I will be showing for the first time at Sixteen in Cheltenham, next week. A summer walk with a friend, among waving and ripening barley, was such a delight that I had to record it in oils. It’s my favourite size: 24” square.
My paintings have been described as “vibrant, affectionate and joyful”. I live in the Cotswolds and I paint from the heart: my love of colour and the moods of changing seasons inspire me. I am proud to have trained at the Norfolk Painting School, where I achieved a Diploma in 2021. I paint in oils because I love their feel and versatility. I enjoy mark-making using tools in addition to brushes, and I also experiment with collage and abstraction.
News 2023-2025!
I was a Finalist again at the prestigious Broadway Art Competition in 2023, having achieved a Highly Commended award in 2022. I was also chosen as Finalist and exhibited at the Bath Open in September ‘23.
A description of my painting process was shown on PaintersOnline in November ‘23.
I was chosen by the Editor of Leisure Painter magazine for “Painting of the Month”, which was featured, together with an article, in the December edition ‘23.
This year, I had a surprise call from the e-magazine, Art Focus, who wanted to award me their annual trophy for “Excellence in Landscape Painting” and to feature my work in a two-page article.
My Open Studio event with Cheltenham Open Studios recently, in June 2025, was a great success, with over 100 visitors during the week, lots of interest and some pleasing sales.
Look for me on Sixteen Gallery Online: I’m featured on their site. I am about to present my third solo show there, from July 31st - Aug 6th . Sixteen is on Montpellier Street. Cheltenham, a beautiful shopping area with other galleries close by. Come and say hello!
