Barbie Mathis, a native of Columbia, SC, has been working as a professional
artist since 1980. Over the years, she has evolved as an illustrator, designer, and painter, working in various media with her main emphasis being watercolor painting. Barbie’s primary focus is on realistic florals and landscapes immersed in layers of colorful glazes, dramatic lighting, and rich, natural backgrounds. She also enjoys doing creative, artsy renditions of people, and has been working on a series for the past two years called “It’s All About Faith.” The series celebrates the creativity and individuality of her daughter, Faith.
“I like to work in a series and follow through on a line of inspiration until itseems complete, then move on to the next subject matter. I see beauty in nearly everything. However, I always seem to come back to flowers: orchids, irises, roses… I love them all. The variety of colors and designs in each one fills me with awe.”
One can often find Barbie wherever flowers are in bloom as she enjoys visiting gardens for artistic inspiration. “Yellow and White Orchids” was inspired by a photo that she took at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden just west of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Barbie studied Fashion Design and Illustration at Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta, Georgia. She has since worked in advertising, graphic design, and mat design for various newspapers, printing companies, and art galleries. She has been published by Bentley House Publishing and currently self-publishes several lines of floral fine art prints. Barbie was awarded her Signature Membership in the South Carolina Watermedia Society in 2006. She has exhibited and won awards in numerous shows, and her work is in both public and private collections around the country. In addition to painting, Barbie also teaches watercolor painting and calligraphy. Information about classes, workshops, and where her work may be seen is listed on her website at www.BarbieMathis.com.