Artist Barney Levitt is drawn to detail, creating oil paintings that cross over from realism to whimsy. Enjoy the portfolio of this quirky realist and visit his website to see more of his fascinating art.
“Sing Out Your Colors” Oil on Panel, 12” x 16”
The outdoors played a huge role in my development and I was a keen observer of my natural surroundings. My grandmother often took us on scavenger hunts through the woods of upstate New York and I was fascinated by insect and bird life.
“Chicken Royalty” Oil on Canvas, 20” x 16”
I have my family to thank for my irreverent and quirky sense of humor. My parents allowed me the freedom to express myself and encouraged my artistic pursuits. I was given my first easel and set of oil paints by my aunt when I was ten years old.
“Sore Loser” Oil on Panel, 10” x 8”
I graduated with a fine arts degree in painting and drawing from S.U.N.Y at Oswego, but it wasn’t until I was accepted into the Copley Society of Art in Boston that I began to take my art seriously as a career.
“Almost Forgot The Watermelon” Oil on Panel, 20” x 16”
I have since shown with numerous galleries over the years and have had my work honored in various national and international juried competitions.
“Seafood Fest” Oil on Panel, 20” x 16”
I got my inspiration from studying the great Dutch Masters, and have always been drawn to detail.
“Teacup Aerie” Oil on Canvas, 8” x 16”
I paint how I see the world, in sharp clear detail, but often juxtapose objects in unusual combinations the viewer wouldn’t expect.
“Celebration” Oil on Canvas, 26” x 22”
My work often crosses over from reality-based, into whimsy and fantasy. Narrative and titles are important to me, and humor often plays a big part in my paintings.
“Raining Cats And Dogs” Oil on Canvas, 30” x 30”
I usually have up to a dozen paintings going at one time, as I progress from loose underpainting to tighter and more detailed layering. In my more conventional still life paintings, I always try to paint from my own set-ups, but will often add an element of quirkiness to the final composition.
“Rock Paper Scissors II” Oil on Panel, 10” x 8”
The process of painting and immersing myself in my subject matter allows me to transcend my surroundings. It’s an out-of-body experience in which I become egoless, and the concept of time vanishes.
“Wren In A Teacup” Oil on Canvas, 11” x 14”
For me, creating art is as necessary as breathing and I hope to do both for a long time to come.
Artist Barney Levitt invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
So clever, creative and beautiful…both in composition and technique. Keep up the amazing info work.