Tony Barber

Tony Barber brings nature to life on canvas—whether it’s the graceful motion of a bird in flight or the quiet stillness of a boat anchored in calm water. Originally from Springfield, Kentucky, Tony grew up on a farm where he began drawing the world around him. With the encouragement of an elementary school teacher and his mother—who helped him design the artist’s signature he still uses today—his passion for art began early and never let go.

Tony studied art and design at Western Kentucky University before ultimately earning a degree in Healthcare Administration. Even while pursuing another career, he never stopped painting. Today, he works primarily in acrylic and oil, often layering oil over acrylic to create depth, richness, and texture. He paints from a home studio and usually has several works in progress at any given time.

Tony’s subjects are rooted in the natural world—wildlife, birds, seascapes, and boats—expressing both movement and stillness. His goal is to create pieces that feel alive, inviting viewers to pause, feel a sense of pleasure, and connect with nature more deeply.

He begins each painting with research and sketching, building up layers of detail in the foreground while keeping backgrounds more abstract and atmospheric. Occasionally, he uses painting knives for added texture and energy.

Tony’s work has been exhibited in venues across Tennessee and Florida and is held in private collections throughout the region. He accepts select commissions but prefers to follow his own creative impulses. Each piece he creates is personal, and he values knowing where his artwork ends up—and the people who feel moved enough to bring it into their homes.

“I like to paint things that feel alive. Animals in motion, water at rest—both are ways of connecting to the beauty of the world around us.”