Artist. An Impressionist of the American School and one of the most prolific of the artists hired by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, Barney created more than 3000 works during his long career. A native of the scenic Finger Lakes region of Central New York which inspired much of his artistic legacy, he was born in Union Springs in 1862, the son of George E. Barney and the former Frances A. Beardsley. He embarked on his professional career in 1886, moving to New York City where he honed his talents at the Art Students League and eventually became a member of the legendary Salmagundi Club. A protege of William Merritt Chase, considered the dean of late 19th Century American artists, he furthered his training at the Barbizon School in Paris and spent several years painting in the French and the English countrysides. He also traveled and painted extensively in the United States, creating luminous canvases of the American scene. His most enduring inspiration remained the Finger Lakes region, however, and he maintained an active studio in his Auburn, New York, home for more than 70 years. Twice married, the artist was predeceased by his wives Nellie (nee Kirkpatrick) and Frances (nee Gardner. He died in 1954, nine days after his 92nd birthday.
Artist. An Impressionist of the American School and one of the most prolific of the artists hired by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, Barney created more than 3000 works during his long career. A native of the scenic Finger Lakes region of Central New York which inspired much of his artistic legacy, he was born in Union Springs in 1862, the son of George E. Barney and the former Frances A. Beardsley. He embarked on his professional career in 1886, moving to New York City where he honed his talents at the Art Students League and eventually became a member of the legendary Salmagundi Club. A protege of William Merritt Chase, considered the dean of late 19th Century American artists, he furthered his training at the Barbizon School in Paris and spent several years painting in the French and the English countrysides. He also traveled and painted extensively in the United States, creating luminous canvases of the American scene. His most enduring inspiration remained the Finger Lakes region, however, and he maintained an active studio in his Auburn, New York, home for more than 70 years. Twice married, the artist was predeceased by his wives Nellie (nee Kirkpatrick) and Frances (nee Gardner. He died in 1954, nine days after his 92nd birthday.
Bio by: Nikita Barlow
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