Barbara Cufino
Canada
From her perspective, Barbara’s, early years on the Saskatchewan prairies were idyllic. She was raised on a ranch with her five siblings where Hereford cattle grazed and golden wheat fields waved rhythmically in the wind, horses to ride, cows to milk, and fresh eggs to gather. What more could a child wish for.
Barbara was influenced early in life by a charismatic, unconventional grandmother, affectionately called Grosie. She belonged to the Saskatoon Art Club and took lessons from established painters. Her talented younger sister, Ella May Walker nee Jacoby, attended the Chicago Art Institute, and became an accomplished artist. Many of their paintings were displayed prominently throughout my grandparent’s home. Grosie was instrumental in enrolling Barbara in Sat morning painting classes and introducing her to the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon.
The University of Saskatchewan did not offer a fine arts degree program but had courses in life drawing, oil painting (Mina Forsyth), photography (Hans Dommasch) and art history. This experience made a lasting impression and motivation to continue art studies after a career with Air Canada, marriage and raising a daughter.
She enrolled at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto in 2009. The Academy training was beyond her expectations and she never looked back. She feels exceedingly privileged to be following her dreams.
Barbara was honored to be a finalist in the 2013/2014, ARC International Salon, drawing category and a finalist in the 14th ARC International Salon, with an oil painting in the still life category.
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 16th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.
