Meet the artist on Thursday, August 8th when Elizabeth gives a gallery talk at 6pm.

Continuing a new tradition at the Morean, we are proud to present last year’s Margaret Murphy Steward Best of Show winner, Elizabeth Barenis. In addition to a cash prize, the winning artist receives a solo show in our gallery to coincide with the following year’s members show. Elizabeth is the twelfth artist to receive this opportunity, and we are pleased to showcase her latest paintings during this time. Here’s what she has to say about her work:

“Beauty has always been a driving force in my art. The discovery of beauty is the acknowledging of something greater than worldly existence, a feeling of awe, that is inexpressible through words. In my Natural Beauty series, I use Florida plant life as the backdrop to express this universal language of nature.

“Sourced from my own photography, the paintings are distinguished by a style that I call ‘Abstract Precisionism,’ which refers to the generalized shapes and clean lines reminiscent of Cubism. This technique provides viewers an opportunity to connect the shapes in their own way and find a ‘story’ that speaks to their own identity, while stepping back to view the bigger picture offers comfort in the familiar. In this way, my art offers meaning that is at once personal and universal, and is ultimately grounded in tranquil moments of beauty.”

Elizabeth Barenis is a professional artist living in St. Petersburg, Florida. Though she has had family in this area for over 45 years, her roots stem from the Mississippi Delta, where she was born and raised as the daughter of music store owners. She received her education from the Mississippi School for Math and Science, and Sarah Lawrence College in New York. In 2023, Elizabeth was named a Creative Pinellas Professional Artist grantee and was a 2018 participant in the International Painting Symposium at the Mark Rothko Art Center in Daugavpils, Latvia. With an extensive exhibition history spanning 20 years, her work has been shown and collected nationally and internationally. Her most recent accomplishments include a mural for the City of Dunedin, the acquisition of her artwork by Moffitt Cancer Center, an extensive series of prints for Premier Community Healthcare in New Port Richey, and an upcoming project for Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg.