July Spotlight- Barbara Bancroft

Painting in Grandjean Campground, Idaho 

As long as I can remember, I have been interested in art. Surrounded by artists in my extended family, I was inspired and encouraged to draw. Approaching high school graduation, the councilor suggested I pursue either teaching math or teaching art. So I graduated from college with a BFA in Art Education. Turns out, teaching didn't work for me, instead I worked as an accounting clerk for years. Eventually, I got a second degree in Computer Information Systems. Programming and application design was right up my alley, especially when I could design user interfaces and websites. But I did re-find my art at some point during this period. After retiring, it all came back to me wholeheartedly.

Color is my addiction; plein air is where I find inspiration. And being with others who love to paint gives me encouragement to keep painting. Watercolor is my media of choice. Flowers and landscapes are my subjects of choice. And PAPI is my art group of choice. (Smile)