Barbie Mathis, a native of Columbia, SC, has been working as a professional artist since 1980.
Over the years, she has evolved as an illustrator, designer and painter working in various media with
her main emphasis being watermedia (Acrylics and Watercolor) painting. Barbie’s primary focus
is on realistic florals and landscapes immersed in layers of colorful glazes, dramatic lighting and rich,
natural backgrounds. She also enjoys doing artistic renditions of people and animals, and has an
on-going series called “It’s All About Faith” that celebrates the creativity and individuality of
her daughter, Faith.
Barbie studied Fashion Design and Illustration at Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta, GA. She has
since worked in advertising, graphic design and mat design for various newspapers, printing companies
and art galleries. She has been published by Bentley House Publishing and currently self-publishes a
several lines of fine art prints. Barbie was awarded her Signature Membership in the
South Carolina Watermedia Society in 2006. She has exhibited and won awards in numerous shows,
and her work is in both public and private collections around the country. Barbie teaches
painting and calligraphy at Midlands Technical College and City Art Gallery, as well as private classes
and workshops for individuals and art leagues in South Carolina and throughout the USA