Barry McCann

Barry McCann was born in 1962 in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, where he still lives today with his wife and fellow artist, Lucy. His passion for art began as a young student and continued through college, where he discovered drawing could earn money and friendships. These talents proved valuable during his career as a chef and cake decorator, but in 1990 an introductory watercolor course at the Canberra School of Arts opened an entirely new world for him.
McCann studied with leading artists to build his skills, drawing particular inspiration from John Singer Sargent after discovering a book about the master’s life and work. In 2000, he became a professional artist. Following travels to Great Britain and Europe in 2006, he began experimenting beyond watercolor and now paints almost exclusively in oils.
His work features animated subjects with dramatic lighting, fusing traditional representational art with contemporary techniques like loose edges, visible brushstrokes, dribbles, and splatter. McCann seeks to create not just opinions but genuine connections with viewers. His talents have earned numerous honors, including the 2013 People’s Choice Award at the Manning Art Prize, multiple Mortimore Prize finalist selections, and the 2010 Portrait Prize at the Mortimore Prize. He has exhibited with the Australian Watercolour Institute and demonstrated techniques on the television show “Put Some Colour In Your Life.” McCann is represented by Park West Gallery.