Blue Rip Shift

Born in Northampton, England, Robert Barnard earned a reputation as a dedicated art lecturer and mentor both in the United States and the United Kingdom. His paintings are expressive, usually featuring colorful, possibly musically inspired shapes. Scholars have suggested some of Barnard’s imagery was derived from his experiences in World War II.

After receiving an art education in the UK, he emigrated to the United States to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1974, earning a master’s degree and remaining at the university as professor Emeritus until his retirement in 1989. He taught courses in painting, ceramics, and art education, and served as director of the art education program. Barnard was also the first president of the North Carolina Art Education Association, which aimed to establish sound methods and philosophies for teaching visual arts and for helping students unlock their creativity.