Barbara Howey

Barbara Howey is a modern expressionistic painter. She takes inspiration from nature and the animals, plants and fungi living in suburban green spaces. She has an MA in Art History from Leeds University, graduating in 1992, and a PhD in Painting and Theory from Norwich University of the Arts, graduating in 2001.

Barbara Howey’s Artistic Process

Painting wet on wet and often in one sitting, Barbara emphasises the artistic process by leaving unrefined stains, drips, and marks. In this way, her paintings, a blend of oils and watercolour, celebrate the spirals, unpredictability and diversity of plant and animal life. With a heightened use of leafy green and earthy colours and bold, gestural marks, Barbara evokes the joy of encountering and seeking connections with other life forms.

Exhibitions and Press

Barbara Howey has exhibited in solo and group shows nationally and internationally. She has also participated in major UK painting prizes such as the John Moores Painting Prize 2014 and the Exeter Phoenix Contemporary 2010. Barbara has also featured in Figurative Art Now, Mall Galleries, 2021 and Global Conversations, CRASSH, 2021. In 2018, she was an artist in residence at Norsk Kunstnercentre Dale, Norway. Barbara has expressionist works in national and international public collections. She is a member of the artist-led organisation Contemporary British Painting. Barbara now lives and works in Norwich, UK.