Richard Barnet’s approach to drawing and figure construction is useful to artists working representationally (“traditionally”), as well as to those working abstractly. Good figure drawing is composed of such elements as contour, linear perspective, and modeling form in light and shade.

Knowledge of anatomy is useful for artists creating the human figure, whether from direct observation of models or from imagination. The interplay between observation and imagination is at the heart of anatomy for artists, as Mr. Barnet understands it. In most classes, he gives an illustrated lecture acquainting students with the elements of drawing. Over many classes he surveys the anatomy of the entire human figure. As both a sculptor and a watercolor painter, Mr. Barnet encourages students to explore working in sculpture, paint and other media. Such work is often a natural extension or consequence of drawing.

Mr. Barnet has exhibited at Daniel Peretz Gallery, Salmagundi Club, Lincoln Center, Hudson River Museum, Dance Theatre Workshop, Ten Worlds Gallery, Carl Ashby Gallery, Westbeth Gallery, Lehman College Art Gallery, Anita Shapolsky Gallery, National Academy of Design, Five Points Gallery, St. Mary’s College, Cooper Gallery, Walker-Kornbluth Gallery, and the National Sculpture Society. He is represented by Walker-Kornbluth Gallery in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

Mr. Barnet has taught at the Art Students League of New York since 1980, and at the College of Mount St. Vincent since 1970. He has also taught at New York University, State University of New York at Purchase, Upsala College, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
He studied at the Art Students League and at the National Academy of Design. He has a B.A. from Antioch College, an M.A. from New York University, and an M.F.A. from Lehman College, CUNY. He is a sculptor member of the National Sculpture Society.