Barb Hofer

Barb Hofer grew up in the Okanagan Similkameen and from an early age had a love of art which has stayed a focus throughout her life. She is inspired by the natural beauty and biodiversity of the valley landscapes and all it has to offer.

Barb has a BEd from UBC and taught children of all ages in public schools in BC with an emphasis on Art. She also spent a number of years doing pottery and enjoys creating mosaic pieces. Since retiring from teaching, Barb has devoted herself to painting which she is passionate about, attending many workshops and art retreats.

Barb is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists since 2000, and has enjoyed many of the opportunities offered through this organization. She attended the workshops on Salt Spring  as well as Gabriola Island. The following artists have provided inspiration as well as an ongoing professional development  for her: Tom Huntly- Design and Composition, Robert Murray- Colour Theory, Dennis Weber - Drawing, Robert Genn, Kiff Holland, Mike Svob, Alan Wylie, Sherry Mitchell, Bonny Roberts, Andrew McDermott, Linda Anderson,  Kindrie Grove, and David McEown as well as other fellow artists. Barb has a desire to learn more things, a quest for excellence and to just have fun! 

Barb enjoys painting with others and is a member of the Osoyoos Painters on Main and the Naramata Arts Studio.

Barb exhibits her work mainly in the Okanagan area which includes, Picture This Custom Framing and Gallery in Penticton, Osoyoos Art Gallery, Summerland Art Gallery, The Leir House in Penticton,The Shatford Centre in Penticton and the Penticton Art Gallery. Wineries throughout  the Okanagan have also been venues for her artwork, including The Red Rooster Winery, Hillside Winery, Burrowing Owl Winery, Lang Winery, Little Straw Winery, Tin Horn Creek Winery, and Tangled Vines Winery. Barb has also had paintings in juried shows in the Federation Gallery in Vancouver and Kamloops juried show. This is the second year that she has been a part of  Lake - to - Lake Studio Tours where visitors can view her work in her home studio in Okanagan Falls. B.C.

Barb's style is continually evolving as she experiments with a variety of new techniques using watercolours, acrylics and drawing materials. She also uses mixed media and collage in some of her paintings.

Landscapes and animals as well as the abundance of produce and flowers grown in valley orchards, vineyards, and gardens provide much of the subject matter for her paintings. Light and colour capture the exquisite rural settings of the Okanagan Similkameen.

                                                "Art steals a moment and Paints it on paper"    Barb Hofer