Meet Elizabeth Barlow | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Barlow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I love this question! I think about it often — but in a slightly different way. I try to view my daily studio practice, the business side of work, my life with my husband, relationships with friends and family, and my personal interests as one unified whole. All of these things inform who I am as an artist right now. I want all of these things to flow in and out of my days in a harmonious way. I used to worry when some days were consumed with desk work, or appointments, rather than painting. Now I focus on the overall harmony — and ask myself from time to time — how can I “reflow” things on my schedule so that my day feels more fluid. I try to make sure that all these aspects of my life receive some of my attention every day. And that leaves me feeling satisfied about the “balance” of my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I always knew I wanted to create, but it took me a while to find myself as an artist. After some diversions (theater in college, then writing), I finally began seriously studying art. I knew immediately this is what I’m meant to do. It’s not as if I was clearly the most talented person in every art class — far from it. But I could literally feel in my body that someday I would be able to create the kind of paintings I want to make.

I worked hard in my studies — with great teachers and mentors — but it never once felt like work. People often say to me “you are so disciplined,” but that isn’t true. Discipline is brushing my teeth or exercising. Working hard at my art is a kind of devotion — like a spiritual practice. I am grateful each and every day to be able to do what I am doing.

I am a contemporary realist painter. I’ve painted everything from golf balls to lipstick to shoes, but when I began painting flowers I found my real voice. Flowers are thresholds to a heightened awareness about the present moment, about quietude, about beauty. I want to spend the rest of my life exploring the meaning that can be found in beauty, in stillness, in silence — if we only take the time to look.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live on the Monterey Peninsula, but we come often to LA to visit family. There are so many places I love, but here are a few beloved picks.

To visit:

The Getty Villa (an oasis of beauty and serenity)
LACMA (I love the quiet and peace of the Japanese Pavilion)
Hauser and Wirth (a lovely place for art and lunch)

Shopping:

Abbot Kinney Boulevard for window shopping and nibbling
Anine Bing store for beautiful minimalist design (Pacific Palisades Village)
Erewhon Market
Hennessey and Ingalls art and architecture bookstore (The Yards)

Eat and Drink:

A cocktail or glass of champagne at sunset at Casa Del Mar (Santa Monica)
Huckleberry Bakery and Cafe, Santa Monica (my stepdaughter, Laurel Almerinda, is a partner, so although I might be biased, it is GREAT.)
Cassia Restaurant, Santa Monica
Rustic Canyon Restaurant, Santa Monica

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I grew up in a house filled with art and surrounded by a garden. My late father, Philip Barlow, was a gifted professional artist, and he was my first mentor, teacher and (positive) critic. And my mother is a passionate and talented gardener. They always encouraged me to follow my passions and never pushed me to have a “normal” profession. That is a priceless gift and I am forever grateful to them. And my husband, Stephen McClellan, is my cheerleader, voice of calm and reason, business coach, and cheerful date to endless art openings, galleries and museums. His love and partnership buoy my life and art.

Website: https://www.elizabethbarlowart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethbarlowartist/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-barlow-09065813/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.barlow2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn9y_wrKGgHFVru-r8PUKfQ/featured

Image Credits
Rick Pharaoh