Barb Whittenburg

As a lifetime Illinoisan raised in a rural area, I was surrounded by old barns, fields, streams, and wooded areas. In this setting, I gained an appreciation for the natural world and prefer this type of art.

My formal art education is somewhat sparse.  I’ve taken a few art classes at Illinois Central College and some classes taught by prominent artists in the Peoria area. I have been drawing for most of my life, but not fully engaged in art until after I retired at the end of 2008.

Most notably - Pat Dale- was a big influence in shaping my interest in landscapes. The simplicity of her works and her techniques in producing realistic landscapes impressed me greatly.

More recently I have taken some drawing and painting classes at ICC and from other accomplished artists in the area.

I am currently enrolled in several online classes working in pastel pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, line and wash, and graphite through Udemy Art and the Colin Bradley School of Art.

One of my graphite drawing classes a few years ago remains one of my most indelible memories. One of the women in my class produced such realistic drawings of furniture that you could almost feel the smooth, cool richness of the wood that was depicted. I aspire to that level of expertise in my work.

My preference is watercolor, but I have recently become greatly interested in line and wash as it affords a great deal of attention to detail and gives the contrast between ink and watercolors that I find very satisfying. It also affords me the satisfying sense of order and detail I desire.

My most preferred subjects are landscapes, seascapes, and architectural renderings.

Artistically I lean toward realism and attempt to capture the details that I see in all photos or in nature and depict them accurately. It is my goal to capture the subject so completely that the viewer can immerse themselves in the artwork.

In 2018 I joined the Colored Pencil Expressions group followed by membership in the Illinois Art League and the Prairieland Watermedia Society, and as a result of these affiliations I have gained in knowledge and improved my skills as an artist. More importantly, I have become associated with a wonderful group of artists and count many as my new friends. They are a very welcoming and gracious group of artists.

If you have any questions, you may contact me here.