Barbara Tiffany
“With awe and wonder, I am inspired by many things, complex or simple, as long as there is light. With hope, my work will be a means by which the observer will become a participant.”
Barbara Tiffany has spent a lifetime immersed in the visual arts and has been a key member of the Crealdé faculty since 2012. Her role extends well beyond the classroom, as she oversees the Painting & Drawing program, leads adult courses and workshops, and curates exhibitions for the school’s gallery. After decades working in commercial art, she made a decisive shift in 1982 to focus entirely on her personal painting practice. Her foundation in classical techniques was shaped through close study with the late Maury Hurt at the former Maitland Art Center, where she also taught and maintained a studio for many years.
Her artwork spans an expansive range of themes and visual approaches. Whether working in highly detailed realism or abstraction, Tiffany aims to spark curiosity and invite viewers into moments of discovery. Rather than limiting herself to a single subject, she continually seeks fresh perspectives, allowing inspiration to emerge from unexpected places.
Growing up in Central Florida, Tiffany developed an early appreciation for both the natural world and creative expression. She recognized at a young age that art would play a central role in her life. While her professional career began in commercial illustration, drawing remained a constant practice. By 1980, she was actively exhibiting her work in festivals, galleries, and competitions across Florida and beyond, earning recognition at both state and national levels. Her earliest body of work focused exclusively on graphite and colored pencil.
A pivotal turning point came in 1986 when she began private instruction with Maury Hurt. Through this mentorship, she gained a deep understanding of classical painting methods and the transformative role of light. These lessons profoundly reshaped her artistic direction and later informed her teaching philosophy, which she began developing as an instructor in 1984. Known for her thoughtful guidance and empathetic approach, Tiffany has become a highly respected teacher and mentor.
Tiffany’s paintings are held in numerous public institutions, including the University of Central Florida, Orlando City Hall, the Maitland Art Center, Radford University Art Museum in Virginia, and Texas A&M University, along with many private collections. Her work continues to receive honors in juried exhibitions, and she is frequently invited to participate in state, national, and international shows. Among her accolades is the United Arts of Central Florida Individual Artist Recognition Award.