Barbara Lerch

It is my aim through my art to bring enjoyment and beauty to the viewer so their spirit may be uplifted. It is hoped that my sense of joy and fun creating my artwork is evident to the viewer.

Working in watercolors and mixed media, I create landscapes, still-life; portraits, florals, abstract and non-objective designs.

I started studying oil painting as a means of having some fun and relaxation when my daughters were little girls. After a hiatus of many years, I studied watercolor painting and found that the fluidity and intense colors were much to my liking. I enjoy creating abstract and expressionistic paintings.

Now that my girls are grown with families of their own, I find that I am still enjoying the creative experience—perhaps more than ever. I reside in Exeter Township with my husband Tom and our two Golden Retrievers.

One of my favorite ways to create a painting is to take paper and apply beautiful color with no subject in mind. I’ll let that started painting sit awhile and then a few days later I’ll look at it again. Usually, at that point, I will see in the started painting the picture that finally emerges. Other times I’ll start with a specific subject in mind—a subject that has fascinated me to say something about it to others.

I’ve exhibited in many art shows, have had three two-person shows and received two Purchase Awards from Berks Art Alliance Juried Shows. My work is found in private ahd corporate collections.

I’ve studied oil painting at the Institute of the Arts with Judith Krieger, Merri Wooley, Linda Henry, Peg Reisch and enjoyed a workshop at Taos Institute of Art in Taos, New Mexico. I hold an Associate Degree in Business Management from Alvernia College.