Weekly Influence #8- Glenn Barr!!!
Posted By Phil! on Aug 13, 2007 - 3:06 am

Glenn Barr started out his career as an illustrator. He did background paintings for Ren & Stimpy and the New Woody Woodpecker Show. He's also done work for DC and Marvel as well as contributed to several entries in the "Big Book of.." series from Paradox Press.

Barr's path has changed over the years and he has moved, almost exclusively, towards gallery art and commissions. As a member of the Lowbrow art movement (see more here and here), he draws inspiration from several sources, including his home town of Detroit. One can see the obvious influence living and working in Detroit has had on his images. He often paints the gritty and grimy side of his subject matter. There's a certain desolation to each of his compositions, even when he's playing with pop cultural staples like cartoon characters and retro sci-fi imagery.

Over the nine or so years since I was first introduced to Glenn Barr's work at the C Pop gallery, the level of finish to his work has gotten a bit rougher. The level of polish has changed in a way that suits his derelict subject matter all the better while his skill has continued to increase. I'm excited to see what he will produce in the future.

What I would really like to point out about Glenn Barr's work is a continuation from last week's discussion. As Barr has gained more confidence, he has allowed more and more of his underlying painting to show through in his final work. He's using transparent shadows to a pretty amazing degree. He's applying the same principles as last week's subject, Frank Frazetta, on different subject matter and to a different degree.

In the two close-ups of the image below, you can clearly see the brown underpainting showing through. The thickest and most opaquely applied paints are the highlight areas. The shadows are transparent.

To see more of Glenn Barr's images and join the discussion about his work, visit our message boards!

For more on Glenn Barr visit these great websites!
Glenn Barr's Website
Outre Gallery
Get his books through Amazon