B.B.F.A.Q.
How do I buy a painting I saw at a live event?
Pieces created during a live painting session are typically available for purchase by bid at the time the band stops playing. Stick around until the set wraps up, or chat with Brian directly — he’s usually right up by the performers!
Most all event pieces are also signed by the musicians, so that makes them an even better souvenir of a specific night.
Did Brian discover he had a 13-year-old son?!? 😲
That was a 2026 April Fools’ post on Facebook, based on Gabe McDaniel’s resemblance to Brian. It was edited later to clarify that it was a joke — but only after a large number of people took it seriously.
Gabe is the son of fellow Inkwell instructor Tina McDaniel and her husband Mike. (Or at least that’s what we’re being told to believe!)
Does Brian accept commissions?
Yes — but with a firm condition.
Past commissions could turn into rounds of revisions and client approvals, that burned time and squeezed out independent studio work. Pieces could stop feeling like his art and started feeling like a service job with an easel.
So he had to make a rule:
“My artistic judgment is what’s being hired — not my ability to execute someone else’s instructions.”
Within that agreement, a commission can actually be a good thing: the piece is already sold before the first brushstroke, which is a different kind of security than painting something large and hoping the right buyer shows up. If you can work with that — giving Brian a theme, a mood, a palette to play with rather than a blueprint to follow — use the contact form to start the conversation.
As of May 2026, there’s a backlog running through at least August — factor that into any timeline.
A note on live painting commissions: if you want to steer a live piece rather than a studio work, pre-paying a reserved amount changes the dynamic significantly. Brian knows who he’s painting it for, which focuses the night rather than complicating it. Get there early, or send a message in advance!
Can I claim a painting that I’d like to buy later?
Selling art is a dynamic business, and live paintings are especially so. They hold the most meaning for people attending the performances where they were made. But also if someone walks by and wants a piece but you don’t sell it to them you may not see them again.
So only art for which the agreed price has been paid can be held for later pickup. Otherwise the piece needs to be kept available for anyone who wants to take the plunge and buy it.
Where can I see the available paintings for sale?
Studio works and notable past pieces are planned to be listed in the Gallery as the website develops. Inventory changes over time, so check back periodically — or follow Facebook: @brianbarnardart for announcements.
Where can I see the next live painting event?
Brian paints regularly at The Green Turtle and The Tigre Island Room in downtown Fernandina, and at The Inkwell (about 7 minutes from downtown, free parking).
The best way to stay up to date is to check the Events page or follow Facebook: @brianbarnardart for the latest schedule.
What mediums does Brian work in?
Primarily acrylic on canvas. The fast drying time makes acrylics ideal for live painting, and the bold, vivid colours suit the style.
Sketching is of course used as a prototyping tool. Brian also runs a guided sketching class most Tuesday evenings at The Inkwell. (It’s a relaxed, informal session — no experience necessary. Check the Inkwell Events page for the current schedule and any changes.)
But as of 2026, only acrylic paintings are being pursued in works intended for sale.
Are the Green Turtle murals for sale?
The murals at The Green Turtle are part of the venue itself and are not for sale as individual pieces. At least not as far as we know…the owners commissioned the work, and would be their prerogative to pull up the fence and replace it. No harm in asking, I guess? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
In any case they are an evolving, ongoing work — Brian continues to add to and update them over time.
How do I get one of the postcards with the Fox?
Free Wild Mountain Fox Jam postcards are available at Brian’s table during live painting sessions. Stop by and say hello!
Where did Brian study art?
Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University’s College of Fine Arts in 2004.
He has been doing live performance painting since 2008.
I have a question that isn’t answered here.
Use the contact form — Brian is happy to hear from you!