After retiring nearly 10 years ago I began working with egg tempera. Egg tempera had been a painting technique I had often read about, but had never attempted. Now with time on my hands I began to research the technique. Slowly and painstakingly I read the few books I could find on the technique. I painted many works using Cennini’s original technique and then I too, began to experiment. I soon found that if I put many layers of paint on top of one another, the paint would be slightly pliable. This allowed me to move and mold the paint to resemble areas of tree bark, wagon wheels, feathers, etc. Then over the next few weeks, as the paint cured from within, a cracking would occur – and behold – tree bark so real you have to touch it to believe it is paint.

With wildlife art as my theme I began to feature more trees, birds and animal furs in my paintings. I soon found my nitch with egg tempera. The luminosity gives you an effect as if you are looking at the scenes through an open window. The light plays off the shadows throughout the day, changing the intensity of the color you are viewing. All of this is what makes my wildlife art truly one of a kind. Yes it is a labor – but a labor of love.

Below you will find just a few examples of the artwork offered by Howard Barnett thru Barnett Wildlife Art. Howard has been painting for more than 50 years, and he likes to say that anyone with that much experience has to be pretty good! Each painting is an original, therefore, specific paintings viewed on this site may not be available. But any painting can be done in a similar format, though no two will ever be exactly alike. And paintings are not limited to the subject matter seen here. It is possible to special order paintings of your farm from a photo or with specific wildlife (moose,elk,etc)requested in the painting. If you have something specific in mind, call or email for more info. Prices are pretty much determined by size of painting, but feel free to check with Howard first. All paintings are framed in 100 year old barn siding from a barn Howard tore down on his farm. They add to the rustic beauty of each unique piece of art. Prices quoted include the shipping and handling fee by UPS. When you are ready, use our handy order form