John Barkley

Existing Within

2023

"I am an experimental painter. I have been working on my craft since 1996. I start work with a conceptual point of entry and then work intuitively, in dialogue with the work. The art...

"I am an experimental painter. I have been working on my craft since 1996. I start work with a conceptual point of entry and then work intuitively, in dialogue with the work. The art...

Abstract, 1971 By Dan Howard (b. 1931) Unframed: 29" x 35" Framed: 30" x 36" Signed Lower Left Influenced by artists of such varying styles as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, De Kooning and Jack Levine, as well as many of the German Neo-Expressionists*, Dan Howard's work often blurs the line between representational* and abstract art*. His experimentation with different canvas preparations, his use of intense colors and his expressive brush strokes have created a myriad of visual combinations in his characteristic larger-sized oil paintings. The result is an emphasis on audience participation and the role of individual interpretation. "I want to make the viewer part of the process. That makes for a richer experience," Howard says. Throughout his career, Howard has been both a dedicated art teacher-administrator and a gifted professional artist. He chaired the departments of art at Arkansas State University, Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Howard has received 100 prizes, awards and honors including the top awards in the three longest running national open painting competitions: Society of Four Arts, Palm Beach, Fla.; Butler Institute, Youngstown, Ohio; and Chautauqua Institution, New York. The Omaha World-Herald has acknowledged Howard as "Nebraska's leading award-winning artist." His work is a part of more than 600 public, private and corporate collections including Hallmark Cards, West Law Publishing, United Airlines, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M), Holiday Inn...

This vibrant abstract artwork captivates with its dynamic use of color and fluid movement. Swirling blues and greens create a sense of depth and energy, interspersed with bold splash...