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Barbara Jones Prall July 11 1932 born in Cedar Rapids, IA, graduating from the old Franklin High School. She married and had children and said she didn't start painting until the 1960s. She was divorced and, having four teenagers, needed a job. She went to Kirkwood and graduated with an art education degree in 1975. She began teaching art and opened Barb's Art Barn in Delhi IA, eventually having 100 students. Prall later went on to graduate school at the University of Iowa.

"In the late sixties, I was revisited by an earlier dream to become an artist in Iowa and was determined to make that dream come true. I opened the doors to my first studio in rural Delhi, Iowa, in 1970. I named the studio Barbs Art Barn, in keeping with the buildings original use. I began by teaching and painting commissioned portraits in the studio near scenic Lake Delhi for the next six years. "

Biography Barbara Jones Prall

Written by the Iowa State Library for my show there in 2008.

In the late sixties, Barb was revisited by an earlier dream to become an artist in Iowa and was determined to make that dream come true. Barb opened the doors to her first studio in rural Delhi, Iowa, in 1970. She began by teaching and painting commissioned portraits in the studio near scenic Lake Delhi for the next six years.

During these early days, Barb completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education and in 1975 she received the Artist of the Year award from Upper Iowa University. Since then Barb has continued her formal education by completing over 40 graduate hours from University of Iowa. To further her love for fine art, she is a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists, New York Society of Portrait Artists, Portrait Society of America and a Charter Member of the Iowa Pastel Society

In 1976, Barb opened the Pinicon Acres Fine Art Farm when she moved to Central City, Iowa. The Farm, which was located next the Pinicon Ridge Park, remained her home and studio until 1989. During this time, Barb was deeply involved in teaching art at home, creating commissioned works, and teaching art at the local school.

In 1989, Barb was ready to take the next step in shaping her dream. This involved making several major changes all at once. Barb moved her home and studio to the present site near downtown Marion and changed the name to Barb's Fine Art. The new location is both a full-service fine art gallery and a teaching studio.

As an award-winning Iowa artist of impressionist work, Iowa landscapes, and portraits, Barb continue to have numerous one-person shows, which have delighted art lovers and collectors for over 40 years. Over 90% of her work has been commissioned and her artwork has been shipped to six continents. Whatever the subject, style or medium she, works, Barb's goal is to express a positive view of life by celebrating beauty and joy in creation.

Next to God and family, Barb would rather paint than do anything else in the world. She believes we all are meant to give something back and what she hopes to give back is an appreciation of the beauty of each person, place or thing. To see the beauty of each day even if it is raining.

"To discover, inspire and ignite imaginations, allowing God to lead me and those around me." - Barbara Jones Prall

References Big text

https://artavita.com/artists/5274-barb

http://www.askart.com/askart/artist.aspx?artist=120538

http://bios.marquiswhoswho.com/barbara_jones_prall/occupation/7426213

http://www.millenniumartgallery.com/cgix/os.cgi?set=osg&b=2&aid=bprall&an=Barbara%20Jones%20Prall&ls=10&cart_id=615270.924

http://mariontoday.org/times/article.php?id=1252

External links Big text /www.barbprall.com/