David Bareford was born and raised in New Jersey and spent his summers on Barnegat Bay, Lake Champlain and Long Island Sound, fishing, swimming and sailing. Always interested in drawing and painting he was dubbed an artist by friends in grammar school. He began to paint soon after graduation from the University of Montana. Moving from New Jersey to Rockport, MA, he became a part of that historic seaside artist’s colony. New England had worked its 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. Many of the painters I admired lived and worked here. I am still inspired by their legacy.”
David Bareford
David Bareford was born and raised in New Jersey and spent his summers on Barnegat Bay, Lake Champlain and Long Island Sound, fishing, swimming and sailing. Always interested in drawing and painting he was dubbed an artist by friends in grammar school. He began to paint soon after graduation from the University of Montana. Moving from New Jersey to Rockport, MA, he became a part of that historic seaside artist’s colony. New England had worked its 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. Many of the painters I admired lived and worked here. I am still inspired by their legacy.”
Beginning as a watercolorist, Bareford concentrated on plein air painting. Studying the ever changing effects of light and shadow on the rich subject matter yielded satisfying results. His work was soon included in the 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, 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 see value and color. When painting from life you are able to respond in a way that is impossible otherwise.” Certainly, it is that sensitivity and the vitality of his painting which captivates his audience. The artist reflects for a moment, “I’m trying to be technically excellent in the craft of painting as well as an artist in the way I approach my material. There’s always more to learn.”
Motivated by the interaction of light with its subject matter, Bareford has always pursued the things which interest him; landscape, cityscapes, sailing, rowing, the waterfront, and still life. However, it’s his deeply felt connection to the sea which has directed and shaped his career. He is noted for the immediacy of his work and his unique ability to draw the viewer into the picture. He loves to have several paintings underway in the studio to be worked on at leisure thus bringing out the subtleties that make for a fully developed idea.
Besides participation in exhibitions and one man shows he has done many commissioned paintings, for discerning collectors, both corporate and private.
Notable Exhibitions & Awards
American Society of Marine Art (ASMA) 1st International Exhibit, 2021
18th National Exhibition ASMA, 2021
“High Seas and Low Shores” Invitational, Salmagundi Art Club, New York City, 2019
The Art of Rowing Exhibition, Cooley Gallery, Old Lyme, CT, 2017
Union League Club, Quester Gallery, New York, NY, 1991-2015
Quester Gallery, Yearly One Man Show, Stonington, CT, 1991-2014
“Atlantic and Beyond” Copley Society, Boston MA, 2010
Main Street Gallery, Yearly One Man Show, Nantucket, MA, 1981-2009
Chesapeake Bay Foundation “Save the Bay”, 2004
13th National Exhibition ASMA, Museum of Fine Arts, Vero Beach, FL, 2004
Cape Museum of Fine Arts , Dennis, MA, 2004
Missouri Historical Society Invitational Exhibit, 1987
Grand Central Art Galleries, Inc Patrons Exhibit, New York, 1984
National Academy of Design Annual Exhibit Oil, 1982
American Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibition
National Academy of Design Annual Exhibit Watercolor, 1975
Bareford is also represented in collections including but not limited to Sears Collection, Pain Webber, World Trade Corporation, Otis Elevator and AT&T.
Awards
Cape Ann Plein Air Inc, Working Waterfront award, 2021
35th Annual International Marine Art Exhibition, Yachting Award, 2014
34th Annual International Marine Art Exhibition, Award of Excellence, 2013
31th Annual International Marine Art Exhibition, Stobart Foundation Award, 2010
Barbara Vassilief, Award Allied Artists of America
Charles Romans Award, Allied Artists of America
Inveresk Award ,Allied Artists of America