About the Artist

I was born in that “other state”, New Jersey. My father was a recognized fine artist and my aunt an award winning pastelist. I knew I always wanted to be an artist and decided to become a graphic designer. I worked several years in New York City while attending Pratt Institute. When my family moved to California I continued working as a graphic artist. I even went into my own business and worked over 25 years in the graphics field.

I always had an interest for architecture and interior design so I sold my business and attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). I received an AA which prompted me to continue toward a BFA from CCA, California College of the Arts. I soon discovered I had no desire to spend all my time shopping with clients so I returned to graphics. This time I drew homes for the Real Estate Industry for several years and started to do a little painting. I took several classes from plein air artists Camille Przewodek and Pam Glover.

Landscapes were my first love and I did quite well selling and establishing a bit of a reputation. I decided to further my education and enrolled at the Academy of Art University for a MFA, which is still in progress. I realize how much one has to learn about art and intend to continue in a more representational style.

Barbara is a member of Allied Artists of America, Oil Painters of America, California Art Club, Laguna PAPA, Old Lyme Artists Association of Connecticut.
Her paintings can be seen at the Fig Tree Gallery of Berkeley and Fine Art Etc. of Sausalito. You may e-mail her at mfracchia@comcast.net