Barbara Wolfe Gittleson was born into the art world.  She learned to paint from her uncle, renowned artist, Charles S. Chapman, NA.  As a child, she lived in his 200 year old stone house, located on 13 magnificent acres along Northern New York's St. Lawrence River.  She continued her art education in college, rejecting the abstract expressionism that was currently en vogue for a more earthy art form, pottery. 

Barbara had always been drawn to the drama and majesty of the Rocky Mountains, so in 1973, she decided to move her family and her life to Colorado.  Her kitchen window provides her with endless inspiration as she gazes on the "face" of Long's Peak, one of the state's highest and most scenic mountains.  

After 40 years of mastering pottery, Barbara felt the need to expand her artistic horizons and explore the beauty in her own backyard.  Next, she learned Bonsai, and created pots to enhance their natural sculpture like qualities.  She also decided to study painting with Jeanne Mac Kenzie at the Denver Art Museum.  One day, on a simple drive through the mountains, it occurred to her that the rocks were filled with naturally occurring bonsais.  She felt the only way to capture the subtle beauty was through painting, and these rocks remain the subjects of many of her paintings.  Her art combines the abstractness of her original college teachings with the earthiness and realistic feel of her pottery giving it a unique and vibrant life. 

She considers her inspirations to be Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keefe and Edward Hopper, and their influence can be seen throughout her work.  She recently won first place for oils in the Boulder Art Association annual exhibit.