Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Will Barnet Biography
Will Barnet, an iconic figure in American art, was born on May 25, 1911, in Beverly, Massachusetts. From a young age, Barnet was determined to pursue a career in art, a decision that was solidified by his early exposure to the works of John Singer Sargent at the Boston Public Library. His formal education in art began at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where he studied under Philip Leslie Hale. This foundational period was crucial in shaping Barnet's artistic vision and technique.
In 1930, Barnet's journey took him to New York City, where he enrolled at the Art Students League of New York. Here, he studied under notable artists such as Stuart Davis and Charles Locke, which marked the beginning of his lifelong association with the institution. It was at the Art Students League that Barnet honed his skills in painting and printmaking, eventually becoming the official printer for the school in 1936. This role allowed him to influence a generation of artists, including James Rosenquist, Knox Martin, Emil Milan, Paul Jenkins, Ethel Fisher, and Cy Twombly.
Barnet's commitment to education extended beyond his work at the Art Students League. He held teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as the Cooper Union, Yale University, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His dedication to nurturing young talent was evident in his approach to teaching, which emphasized the importance of formalism and the exploration of the human condition through art.
Throughout his career, Barnet's work evolved across various movements, from social realism to a signature style characterized by clean lines and carefully placed volumes of solid color. His art, which includes paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints, often depicted the human figure and animals in both everyday scenes and dreamlike worlds. This versatility and depth made Barnet a respected figure in the art world, with his works being featured in major institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Barnet's personal life was as rich and varied as his professional one. He had three sons, Peter, Richard, and Todd, with his first wife, Mary Sinclair. Later, he married Elena Barnet, with whom he had a daughter, Ona. A longtime resident of the National Arts Club, Barnet passed away in New York City on November 13, 2012, at the age of 101.
Throughout his life, Barnet received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from France. He was an elected member of the National Academy of Design, the Century Association, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His work, which transcends the limitations of modern art, affirms a deep faith in life and humanity.
Barnet's legacy is not only in the artworks he left behind but also in the countless artists he inspired and mentored. His approach to art, which seamlessly blended realism and abstraction, continues to influence contemporary artists. Will Barnet's life and work stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to explore and express the human experience.
Will Barnet Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: