Artist's Statement
I am attracted to beautiful design. It doesn’t matter if it is a painting, sculpture, sports car, antique, or rare coin. A spring flower, butterfly, or tree leaf can be an inspiration. When creating a painting, the design must include good drawing, color harmony, balance, correct values, texture, and movement. Beyond this is the personal taste of the creator. I can think of no better representation of my world view than that expressed by the Apostle Paul:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
This has become my goal and reward in artistic endeavor.
Biography
Dan Barsness lives in Filer, Idaho with his wife Carol. They have three grown children; Sarah, Amanda and Danny. Dan started drawing at an early age and began taking private art lessons at eighteen from artist Novella Lazaros. She taught him the basics of oil painting including color mixing, values, and composition. He later studied with other artists including Sergei Bongart and Daniel Greene. Through the years he has been influenced by many artists including Sargent, Sorolla, and Mucha. Instructional art books by Andrew Loomis are among his favorites.
While operating two successful businesses, he has maintained his commitment to improving and expanding his painting skills in both oil and pastel. Early in his career he concentrated on still life, figure, and portrait painting. Several of these paintings were marketed as limited edition prints. Through the years he has won awards in local, state, and national competitions. In recent years, Dan has devoted more time to painting and has widened his subject matter to include more landscape, floral, and genre paintings.
