Barb Dysart

Barb Dysart was born in Wichita, KS, in 1957 to William and Virginia Bagby. She was the third child born in 24 months after two “Irish Twins” brothers. Settling back in KC, MO, where three additional brothers joined the family, Barb grew up. Voted “Best Artist” in the Southwest High School Class of 1975 by her peers, Barb went to KU for Pharmacy School, graduating with a BS in Pharmacy in 1981. After marriage, two beautiful daughters were born in 1984 and 1988. With a busy investigational drug research auditing career working for big pharmaceutical companies, and being a single mom since the second daughter Emily was born, Barb had little time to create. Prior Board of Directors member when Shemer Art Center was first getting started, Barb made time to volunteer some and take a few watercolor classes here and there. Artistic mentors included Dick Phillips, and Diane Maxey, both made memorable impressions on Barb to find her groove. Sometimes sitting with an unfinished painting for months until there was time to sit down and tackle the issues on the paper. Dreaming that there would be a block of time available on a Sunday, someday, the years went by raising the girls without any relatives nearby. She focused on her daughters, so there were only a few paintings a year, on a good year. Originally creating with pure watercolor only with representational landscapes, floral and similar, Barb began experimenting with escaping reality on paper. Realistic paintings were difficult- “like giving birth”, lots of sweat, worry and intensity, so Barb experimented with abstract techniques. Using “failed” or “boring” watercolor paintings, applying more paint, and adding crayon, marker, and salt, Barb created a new vibrant and bold style. Letting go of expectations and rules, and embracing whimsical fun has become more satisfying for Barb. Freedom has become her battle cry, not magic proportion formulas, golden ratios, paint mixtures and overly technical watercolor painting processes. Being authentic to all pieces of her light, Barb shows glimpses of her inner colors, quirks and eccentricities.