About Gwen
Gwen Gutwein has been a successful artist since graduating from Indiana University in the early 80’s and has studied painting in several locations throughout the United States, as well as in Greece and Italy. She has exhibited her paintings in galleries and museums in Indiana and throughout the United States. Her paintings continue to achieve acknowledgements and awards.
In 2004 Gwen started a painting project trademarked Heritage Barns. She has completed the process of painting the historic barns from each of Indiana's 92 counties, doing most paintings on location, and had published a book showcasing her work entitled “Heritage Barns of Indiana.”
Gwen started plein air painting (painting outdoors) not knowing anything about it. Over time she learned what she would need for a better experience. Her checklist includes paint supplies, jugs of water, boots, extra clothes, hats, gloves, sun block, and repellent. For windy days, she adds weights to her easel and a clamp to hold her palette in place. It may seem like a lot of supplies but once rounded up, it’s an easy addition for a successful adventure.
MEDIA
Oil Painting
Watercolor Painting
Mixed Media
Drawing
Acrylics
Exhibitions & Work History
2020-2024: Continue painting and teaching private and semi-private art classes.
Accept commission painting projects.2020-2024: Heritage Barns of Indiana exhibits in numerous locations throughout Indiana. Many accompanied by talks, demonstrations, book sales and painting sales.
2020: Release of HERITAGE BARNS OF INDIANA, a hardbound book featuring paintings, histories, stories and photographs of historic barns from throughout Indiana.
2017-2020: Enter and exhibit in local and regional art competitions.
2016-2020: Finish compilation into a publishing format of 12 years of travel and painting of historic barns from all 92 counties of Indiana.
2016: Oil Painters of America (OPA), award
2016: Heritage Barns of Indiana exhibits -
-Honeywell Center, Wabash
-Minnetrista, Muncie
-DePauw University, Greencastle
-Columbus Visitors Center
2015: Heritage Barns of Indiana exhibits-Fort Wayne Museum of Art - Switzerland County Historical Society-Brown County Art Gallery.
2015: Viewpoint 47, Cincinnati Artist Club National juried competition.
2015: IPAPA Members juried show, Art on Main, Elkhart, IN - award
2014: Clark Gallery Themed Art Competition, Wabash, IN.
2014: Best of Show, Regional Competition, Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, IN.
2014: Juried into major exhibitions: Indiana Heritage Arts, Indiana Artist’s Club, award winner in the Fort Wayne Artist’s Guild Invitational.
2013: Founding member and board member for the new Indiana Barn Foundation.
2013: Award winner at the Regional Competition, Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, IN.
2013: Juried into a major national competition by Oil Painters of America.
2013: Juried into major exhibitions: Indiana Heritage Arts, Hoosier Salon.
2009-2012: Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, had over 29 solo exhibitions of historic barn paintings.
2004-2013: Teach multiple art workshops at art centers in Florida and Indiana.
2004-2017: Give lectures and other speaking engagements in conjunction with art exhibits.
2001-2017: Accept and complete with quality and integrity, over 90 commission paintings by request.
2000-2017: Teach private and semi-private art classes to adults.
2000-2007: Teach a weeklong painting workshop in conjunction with St. Francis University and ARTLINK.
1998-2001: Teach art classes at the Beach Art Center, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
1998-2000: Design and administrate the construction of a Pottery Studio for the Beach Art Center, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida_ Researched and purchased all equipment for the new facility.
1982-2017: Operate a fine arts studio/gallery.
1982-2013: Enter and win awards in major Regional and National art Competition in Florida, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio.
Education
2012: studied portraiture with Caroline Anderson, New Harmony, Indiana
2005: studied plein air oil painting in Utah, workshop taught by Ray Roberts
2000: studied plein air watercolor painting in Greece, taught by Caroline Buchanan
1999: studied studio watercolor painting in Washington, taught by Caroline Buchanan
1994: studied painting at the Monroe County Art Center, Bloomington, Indiana
1982: Graduated with honors from Indiana University, Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
1982: studied at Penland School of Crafts, North Carolina