Bob Barker | As Time Goes By

Bob Barker | As Time Goes By

bob barker

A little while ago one of my grandaughters gave me a gift; it was a book that was empty - full of lots of lovely blank pages. She wanted me to fill it up with memories of my life. When I finish, it’s for me to give back to her as a gift. Once I started, I found that thinking totally about my past life became quite an emotional experience: immersing myself into my childhood, remembering moments with my parents, grandparents, brothers, school friends, recalling the music of the time, a first dance, a first kiss... It became very cathartic, with the images and the feelings I was recalling beginning to make their way into my painting. This latest collection of original and limited edition art is an anthology of moments. When you have a good one, it stays with you forever. Your memory is like a scrap book filling up with life as time goes by.

Whale of a Time Limited Edition Canvas on Board of 195 Image 20¾" x 26" Framed £565

When the snow starts to fall and the schools close for the day because the heating breaks down or the teachers can’t get there, the fun starts. Recently, I got a knock at the door with shouts of, "are you playing out Grandad?" My grandchildren and my daughter-in-law were wrapped up like they were ready for the Arctic. I didn’t need asking twice; we were off sledging. We were out most of the day until the sun was low in the sky casting long warm shadows across the snow. This painting was inspired by that day, when we had a ‘Whale of a Time’.

Just Chips Limited Edition Canvas on Board of 195 Image 24" x 24" Framed £599

When I was a kid, street games seemed to have a life of their own. Different ones came about at certain times of the year - same boys, same street, different game. The chip shop’s still there, but the gravy sign is peeling off the wall hence ‘Just Chips’.

Here Yesterday Limited Edition Canvas on Board of 195 Image 20¾" x 26" Framed £565

I think everyone has done this at some point in their life; picked up a stick and rattled it along some railings - a very naive act of simplicity. For some reason, whilst painting this piece, I felt a swell of emotion. Although it’s a picture of happy innocence, I thought it had a definite poignancy about it… in a good way.

We go Together Like a Wish & a Smile Limited Edition Canvas on Board of 195 Image 24" x 24" Framed £599 Having been together, whatever the weather, for so long they have become as one; like apples and pears, bread and jam, chips and gravy or a wish and a smile.

With Ladder & with Light Limited Edition Canvas on Board of 195 Image 20¾" x 26" Framed £565

Good honest work; one man brings a bit of light into the lives of all who pass this way. With a backdrop of an ethereal sky and industry blending into the landscape, a little warmth is brought to the stark but proud mill houses. A very different, simpler time.

Into Every Life a Little Rain Limited Edition Canvas on Board of 195 Image 24" x 24" Framed £599

Pure simple joy is being able to have fun in all types of situations: a broken drainpipe, looking up to the sky in wonder, sticking your tongue out to catch the rain drops, wet through to the skin and still happy… ‘til you get home.

The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. ©Washington Green 2012. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission. washingtongreen.co.uk