Born in Deep River, Ontario in 1951, Barry McCarthy grew up experiencing the vast shores of Lake Superior and the dense woods of the far north. McCarthy’s deep connection with the landscape of his youth continues to inform his work.

 

After studying fine art at the University of Guelph, his appreciation of 17th century Dutch landscape painting stimulated his passion for watercolour. With absolute command of the transparency of this medium, McCarthy’s large-scale watercolours achieve memorable results and challenge the very concept of this traditional art form.

 

Enlightened by his constant travels throughout Canada and internationally, McCarthy always seeks new imagery and ideas for his compositions. Starting in watercolour to capture a place in the moment, McCarthy then chooses his best studies and commits those to a larger format in oil.

 

McCarthy’s work transforms the common object, ordinary person, or familiar landscape. Through his skilled use of colour, light, and texture McCarthy’s work leaves the viewer with a resonant and haunting afterimage. Whatever the subject he paints, Barry McCarthy reveals its spirit, its inner self, and its mysticism.