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