INPERSON
“Winter Aspens”
Living Color
Murrysville artist Barbara Jewell uses
rich watercolor to bring life to her
paintings of the local area.
A
rt has been an
important part of
Barbara Jewell’s
life since her early
childhood. From taking art
electives whenever possible,
to being an arts and crafts
counselor in summer camps—
including one summer at the
Chautauqua Institution’s Boys
and Girls Club—it was her
passion.
“When I proposed majoring
in art in college, my father’s
reply was, ‘Oh, honey, you need to be able
to support yourself when you graduate from
college, and art is no way to do that!’” recalls
Jewell. “And so, all serious art activities were
put on hold until after my retirement.”
Jewell is married to Donald Green, has
one son, Adam Jewell, and they have lived
in Murrysville since 2003. She was born
and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and
graduated from Westminster College with a
major in Elementary Education and a minor
in Art. Jewell went on to earn a master’s
degree from the University of Pittsburgh in
Special Education and Rehabilitation, and
retired from a 33-year teaching career as a
learning support resource teacher with the
Pittsburgh Public School District.
When she retired in 1999, Jewell finally
felt she could pursue her passion for art.
“I began taking classes in watercolor from
various instructors until I found Marci
Mason—a talented local artist and an
outstanding teacher,” she says. “Marci’s
teaching style matched my learning style and
‘Chapter 2’ of my life after retirement was
launched.”
Since 2002, Jewell has been juried
into the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society,
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and was
awarded “Signature Membership” in the
PA Watercolor Society. She’s participated in
many local and regional shows where her
work has won numerous awards, including
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several Best of Show,
First Place and People’s
Choice awards. Over
the years, she’s hung
solo shows in various
places, including UPMC
Shadyside Hospital and
West Penn Hospital
galleries, Murrysville
Library, and the
Monroeville Library
Gallery Space.
“I work exclusively
in watercolor—a challenging medium,
but versatile enough to work with in many
different styles,” explains Jewell. “My work
is characterized by the use of rich color
and attention to detail. I love watercolor
for the many interesting effects that can be
achieved: the ease with which colors can be
blended, its transparent quality, and the ease
of cleanup!”
In September, several of her paintings
were on exhibit in the Murrysville Library.
These monthly shows are sponsored by
the East Suburban Artists’ League (ESAL).
Her exhibit, titled “A Few of My Favorite
Things,” was a sampling of 30 works
completed between 2001 and the present.
“Some of my favorite pieces include
‘Beneath Queen Anne’s Lace,’ ‘Sumac
Spectacular,’ ‘Standing Ovation,’ ‘If You
Could See What I See...’ and ‘Winter
Aspens,’” she says. On Sept. 24, Jewell
hosted an art talk and shared what interests
and excites her about watercolor painting,
along with the stories behind the pieces in
the show.
“Much of my inspiration is drawn
from the world of nature,” she adds. “My
paintings are based on the local area, along
with many other areas where I’ve traveled
and spent extended time. I especially like
to draw viewers’ attention to the beauty in
what is usually considered ‘ordinary’ and
therefore often overlooked.”
icmags.com
My involvement in art
since retiring and moving to
Murrysville has connected
me with people who have
motivated, encouraged and
inspired me.”
“Beneath Queen Ann’s Lace”
Jewell has been an exhibiting member of
the Latrobe Art Center for the past eight years,
where she always has work on display. On the
Fine Art America website, her work can be seen
at barbara-jewell.fineartamerica.com, and a
variety of items can be purchased through the
site. She also sells prints and note cards directly.
For more information or to contact Barbara
Jewell, email [email protected].
“I feel all types of art are enriching to any
community, as it leads to new perspectives,
understandings, interests and enjoyment,” says
Jewell. “My involvement in art since retiring
and moving to Murrysville has connected me
with people who have motivated, encouraged
and inspired me—becoming lifelong friends in
the process.” n