Upstairs

American painter and printmaker Will Barnet was born in 1911 in Beverly, MA.

Beginning in 1927, Barnet studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, followed by the Art Students League in New York City. At the Art Students League, he became the official printer for the Arts Students League in New York City, taught classes, and influenced several generations of artists.

As an artist, Barnet valued both concept and technique. Printmaking allowed him a wide, free means of expression.

Much of the artist’s work of the 1930s and 1940s dealt with social themes following the Great Depression.

Barnet’s style changed throughout his career. Early on, his works were influenced by expressionism, followed by more abstract work in the 1950s and 1960s, and then more figurative works of silhouetted forms set against geometrically designed backgrounds later in his life.

Barnet was a longtime member and resident of The National Arts Club. In addition to the Club, his work is held in the collections of many of American's major museums, where his work has also been exhibited.

Working late into his life, the artist died in 2012 at the age of 101.