About the Artist

In 1971, Geoffrey Barbey returned to New York City, freshly immersed in the Fine Arts program at Colorado State University, to further his studies at the prestigious School of Visual Arts. Yet, the art world he encountered was far from what he expected—traditional painting had largely fallen out of favor, and opportunities to delve into the timeless craft of light and form were scarce. Disillusioned, Barbey set out on a transformative year-long journey through Europe and North Africa, seeking a deeper understanding of painting and its roots.

Upon his return to the U.S., Barbey shifted his focus to the fast-paced world of advertising and commercial film production, embarking on a successful 25-year career. As a Producer in New York, he worked with top advertising agencies and represented a wide array of creative companies, from commercial film directors to digital special effects studios, cell-animation studios, music companies, and motion graphic design firms.

However, after decades of supporting and guiding the careers of other creatives, Barbey found himself drawn back to the canvas. "After all those years of helping others bring their visions to life, I realized I was still seeing the world through the eyes of a painter. I couldn’t ignore that pull anymore," he said. Inspired to return to his roots, he began studying at the Art Students League in New York and the Ridgewood Art Institute in New Jersey, where a new generation of instructors reignited his passion for the craft.

Today, Barbey’s paintings are featured in numerous private collections, a testament to his enduring vision and dedication to the art of painting.