Greenwich Workshop - Cassandra Barney Prints and Canvases

Comfort
by Cassandra Barney

“Some paintings just flow off the end of your brush, others evolve over time. Comfort was one that took a while,” Cassandra Barney explains. “My husband said that every time I worked on it I would repaint the whole thing and lose what was a beautiful painting in the process. I think that happens sometimes. You have to be willing to give up on something that is not quite there in the process of finding something better. The layers of color and luscious texture the painting has taken on are a result of that repainting process.”

“That approach also gave the painting the time to evolve into a more pertinent reflection of the feeling I wanted to express about motherhood. We all want to be a source of strength when it comes to caring for and protecting our children and at the same time we have that time need to be loved and protected as well. It's about giving comfort and the comfort you receive in return. In providing comfort to my little lambs, I receive the same in return.”

Cassandra Barney’s distinctive style and voice are an exceptional blend of contemporary vision and sincere values. Comfort, like its sister work Mary Magdalene, stands out for not only the extraordinary beauty of its execution but for the warmth of its message. This Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Edition can be ordered gallery wrapped for a frameless, contemporary presentation.

Sizing & Pricing

Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Giclée Canvas:
limited to 75 s/n. 12"w x 24"h. $450
(Gallery Wrapped for additional $30.)

About Cassandra Barney

Cassandra Barney was born and raised in Orem, Utah. She received her Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University in 2000. “I've had a passion for the craft of the portrait since I was a child. As a young girl, I visited museums around the world with my father, collecting postcards adorned with 16th century art. Exploring these simple images captured my imagination, unlocking a world of discovery. I love the art of storytelling, the layers of symbolism, and would create my own stories for these quiet women, making the paintings my own. Today I paint portraits that share my passion for storytelling while revealing my personal journey of transition and discovery.”

Barney’s images capture the souls of heroines, everyday women who have found strength and personal victory in their diverse experiences. Her portraits carry a range of emotion reflective of the events that have shaped their character. Ambiguous and poignant, Cassandra’s women find strength in their femininity. “They are beautiful and strong, because of the complexity of their feminine nature.”

“My portraits may not always feature the outwardly pretty or majestic, but they all share a quiet beauty that asks us to listen and to feel. My work reflects my personal narrative, yet my intent as an artist is to create an experience that will allow the viewers to bring new interpretations to the symbols, creating their own narrative and own sense of understanding and place.”

Barney, her father, James C. Christensen, and her sister Emily McPhie delight in working together. “My dad inspires me to experiment with my own style, media and interpretation. Painting together in his studio, the three of us have developed a wonderful synergy, critiquing and encouraging each other to experiment with colors, surfaces and textures.”

Life is truly art at Barney’s home. Her husband is also an artist and teacher. Their three daughters enjoy creating alongside their parents. In addition to her children, Barney encourages many others to explore the world of art through education. She has taught at The Waterford School and Brigham Young University, where she is currently part-time faculty.

Artist Blog