Greenwich Academy Alumnae

Barbara Lawless's work can be seen in many parts of the country, including: the Governor's residence in Hartford, CT, the United States Post Office in Palm Beach, FL, the Marguerite de Angeli Library in Lapier, MI, the Ewall Music Building at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, Stouffer Resorts in Orlando, FL, Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA, Sound Federal Bank in Cos Cob, CT, Portico Brickwalk Office Building in Fairfield, CT and numerous restaurants and private residences. She is a member of the Connecticut Portrait Society, teaches after-school art in public schools and seminars at a local community college and is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Bridgeport in June. Barbara currently is finishing a commission on an historical mural for St. Vincent's Hospital that is seventy-two feet long.

Q: What inspires your art?
A: "My innate curiousity leads me to various fields in my art. I'm a history buff and painting historical murals has been so rewarding. As a student at GA, we were encouraged to do extensive research by Headmistress Ruth West Campbell, and I've never forgotten. Same holds true for my current portrait works~to know all I can about my subject and capture that inner essence."

Q: How did GA prepare you for your career in art?
A: "The basic philosophy of GA, for me, being all you can be, being ready for what's next in life, being open and flexible, is great for an artist and has afforded me with the courage to do so in my life and career."

Q: Did you have any mentors at GA that inspired you?
A: "Miss Wilson, the art teacher at GA when I attended, taught us about the Masters and how to paint as they did. Now when my client wants a Monet-type mural, I know how."

Q: How did you train after GA?
A: "I had a great art teacher at William and Mary whose motto was paint, paint and paint and be in the right place at the right time and be prepared. Later in life, my daughter Barbara Coley was a great help to me. She's a decorative artist with clients all over the country. She taught me about paint chemistry, and I was able to paint murals with her on those trips."

Q: What is your advice for students and alumnae interested in pursuing art
as a career?
A: "Art school or liberal arts college~it's up to the individual~doing is what is important to me~the process!"