Gallery of Stephen Barrett

Abingdon Abstract Painter, Stephen Barrett was a quiet child who preferred staying inside and drawing to going out to play with the neighborhood kids. He grew up in Saugus, MA., which is located within ten miles of Boston. His friends later on, were usually artsy kids and/or musicians.

In his early forties, Stephen lost a close friend, a family member, to suicide. That trauma led him to take stock of his life and he began painting with acrylic paints on canvases that he stretched himself. During this time, he became a member of the Boston Museum of Art. He took a life drawing class at the museum school located across the street from the BMA. At the end of this class, students who painted were encouraged to bring in some of their art. The instructor told Stephen that he "had it" and should keep doing what he was doing!

Influences upon his art are Mark Rothko, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Arthur Dove, Paul Cezanne, Gerhard Richter, Henri Matisse, and of course, Vincent Van Gogh.

He may not be an influence, but Stephen's favorite painter is James Turner. My painting signature (COO) is based on an imaginary, adventurous being that came to me as a child. Sometimes, I say that it stands for "chaos on order." Both are true!