About the Artist

Barbara Maness was born in St. Louis, MO. She moved to Milan Italy at the early age of two. She was exposed to the artwork of Italy's greatest painters, architects, and sculptors, whose influence contributed to her inspiration and growth during the time she was forming her own artistic style. Years later, she was recognized for her skills and talents in many art competitions across Italy.

It is no surprise that Barbara pursued a career in art and graduated with honors from the prestigious private school called L'Accademia delle Arte Applicate in Milan, Italy.

Barbara was first commissioned to paint a mural for an opera house in Milan, Italy. She moved back to the United States at the age of 21; this was when she discovered her passion for painting murals.

Barbara went on to paint murals in various cities, such as Berkley, CA, Denver, CO, Franconia, NH, and Gainesville, FL. Since then she has painted many murals in Gainesville and surrounding towns.

In the 28 years she has lived in Gainesville, Barbara has charmed the walls of many businesses, homes, and public/private schools with a number of murals, signs, and paintings. Her work has often gained the attention of the local newspaper The Gainesville Sun and has gained the praises of numerous clients, both as an artist and as a professional.

Gainesville Sun article about Barbara Maness.

Click on the image to enlarge

Read a recent article about Barbara's murals in Alachua County Schools.

Barbara is the proud mother of four. Her family always came first, so while she was raising her children, she could only paint as much as time allowed, which at times was very meager. Since her children are grown up, she has decided to focus full time on her passion: painting.

She loves engaging in precision work and painting nature scenes and creatures.

Barbara is a volunteer on the mural committee for the organization “Keep Alachua County Beautiful”.

Barbara is available for custom murals, paintings, and hand-crafted signs for businesses.

She enthusiastically embraces any desired scene or theme, and she works closely with her clients to understand what they are seeking so that she can transfer their vision onto the appropriate medium.

If you would like to discuss an art project with Barbara, you can contact her by one of the following means:

Home phone.....352-376-9960

Cell phone........352-281-8935

E-mail................maness5@yahoo.com