David Bareford

(American, b.1947) David Bareford was born in New Jersey on January 21, 1947 and spent his summers fishing, swimming and sailing on Barnegat Bay, Lake Champlain and Long Island Sound. Bareford, a Fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists, began his career soon after graduation from the University of Montana. Moving from New Jersey to Rockport, Massachusetts, he became a part of that historic seaside artists’ colony. New England had worked it’s magic on another young painter intent on finding his place in the world of art. He explains, “ I felt a strong connection with Cape Ann right from the start. I loved living near the sea, and it’s wonderful to be in a place so full of the history of art. Most painters I admire lived and painted there, and many personal heroes passed through on painting trips. I’m still inspired every time I visit.”

Beginning as a watercolorist, Bareford concentrated on painting outdoors, on location. Studying the ever-changing effects of light and shadow on the rich subject matter surrounding him yielded satisfying results. His paintings were soon included in shows hosted by Allied Artists of America, the American Watercolor Society and the National Academy of Design. Bareford quickly gained national recognition for his work as well as membership in significant art organizations.

Eventually, Mr. Bareford began to transition to oil painting, knowing that the oil medium has none of the restrictions that are inherent with traditional watercolor technique, and many advantages. It is here that he has found his niche as his success so aptly demonstrates. His unique ability to “capture the moment” as well as his rich use of color are noteworthy. “The human eye is many times more sensitive than a camera in its ability to perceive color. When you paint from life, you are able to respond in a way that is impossible otherwise”. Certainly, it is that sensitivity and the vitality of his paintings that captivates his audience. The artist reflects for a moment: “There’s always more to learn. I’m trying to be technically excellent in the craft of painting as well as an artist in the way I approach my material. The paint itself is as important to me as the picture is to the viewer”.

Mr. Bareford has completed many commissioned paintings for private and corporate clients. Travel is an important component of this process, as the artist insists on authenticity in his work. The material that goes into a commissioned painting may require an extended effort in order to accomplish the client’s goal and please the painter. Both rowing and sailing subjects require attending the events from which the paintings are composed. “There is great satisfaction in making a painting which satisfies a client, and it is a significant artistic statement as well.”

Mr. Bareford is presently on the board of the American Society of Marine Artists as well as serving as the Managing Fellow for the 2004-2005 term. He is also an elected artist member of the Rockport Art Association, the New Jersey Watercolor Society, the American Watercolor Society Allied Artists of America and the Copley Society of Boston. He is included in the 2005-2006 edition of Who’s Who in American Art.

EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS (Partial List)

National Academy of Design: Watercolor
American Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibition
Allied Artists of America
   Barbara Vassilieff Award
   Charles Roman Award
   Inveresk Award
National Arts Club
Quester Gallery, Annual One-Man Exhibitions
Mystic International, Mystic Seaport Museum
“The Everlasting Sea” Marine Artists, Past & Present:
   Newport Art Museum and Art Association, Newport
   Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, ME
   Connecticut River Museum, Essex, CT
Cape Museum of Fine Arts, Dennis, MA
Vero Beach Museum of Fine Arts
13th National Exhibition, American Society of Marine Artists
St. Francis Yacht Club, CA

MEMBERSHIPS

Copley Society of Boston
American Society of Marine Artists
Allied Artists of America
Rockport Art Association
American Watercolor Society
New Jersey Watercolor Society

COLLECTIONS

David Bareford's paintings can be found in fine private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. A partial list includes:

Sears Collection, IL
Fleet Bank, Boston, MA and Hartford, CT
World Trade Corporation, DC
Otis Elevator Company, CT
First National Bank of Central Jersey, NJ
I.B.Meyer Plastic, NJ
American Telephone & Telegraph, NY
New Jersey Bell, NJ

David Bareford is exclusively represented by Quester Gallery.