“My hope is to transcend the natural world by bringing to life something deeper and more elusive than outward appearances. A given group of trees or a field is imbued with something greater and more moving than the specifics I see before me. What it is I cannot put into words, but I know, it is the only thing worth putting into my paintings.”

Ira Barkoff is a contemporary American painter celebrated for his evocative landscapes and abstract expressions of nature. Known for his loose, gestural brushwork and vibrant use of color, Barkoff’s work captures the essence of light, movement, and the emotional resonance of the natural world. His paintings often explore themes of tranquility and spiritual connection, blending realism with abstraction to evoke a sense of timeless beauty. Barkoff draws inspiration from the shifting atmospheres of dawn and dusk. His work is influenced by masters such as J.M.W. Turner and the American Expressionists, yet his style remains distinctly personal. His paintings are widely exhibited in galleries and collected by both private and corporate patrons. In addition to his painting practice, Barkoff is a dedicated teacher, sharing his passion for art with students through workshops and mentorship. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of intuition and emotional expression, encouraging artists to trust their inner vision and connect deeply with their subject matter. Whether capturing a luminous sky or a quiet grove of trees, Ira Barkoff’s work invites viewers into a meditative, poetic experience of the natural world.
Born in 1934 in Brooklyn New York, Barkoff has enjoyed a long and celebrated career. He has a BFA from Pratt University and has studied at the Art Students League with notables such as Robert Beverly Hale. He continues to teach at the Washington Art Association.