Welcome

I have often said that 'painting is the dessert in my life', it's the part that fills me up, satisfies me, and feels a little decadent from time to time.

Barb Springer-Sapergia

Barb Springer

I was born and raised in Manitoba. I started exploring my lifelong love of painting at an early age at the Art Gallery of Western Manitoba.  My parents recognized my early interest in all things art, and that I was happiest when drawing and painting.  They always fully supported my artistic journey.  The best gift I ever received was a package of drawing paper when I was only 9 or 10 years old.

I was deeply influenced by my Aunt Beth, a potter, and Uncle Mac, who was a painter, both lifelong artists.  I am proud to say that my Uncle Mac has artworks in the National Gallery permanent collection.  I was also fortunate to have supportive teachers throughout school, and I graduated from Brandon University - Education, with emphasis on teaching art.  I taught several art classes at the Elementary School in the small town of Birtle, Manitoba until starting my own family. 

That break from teaching led to an exploration in clay which became my singular focus for 30 years.  I converted a lumber yard into a studio/gallery and earned a good living creating and selling my own work as well as the work of other artists.  Eventually I moved to Chemainus on Vancouver Island where I opened The Pottery Store, a collective of six potters. 

In 2007 I felt the strong pull of my MUSE and got back into painting. I find endless inspiration in the beauty and architecture of our seaside city and in the everyday images I see around me. What interests me are textures and contrasts, light and dark, mood, reflections and how colour is affected by the environment.  I like quirky subjects like pickles in a jar or an erotic carrot as well as traditional landscapes or still life.

As I dusted off my paintbrushes, my left-brain interest in business led to a simultaneous career as a Certified Personal Tax Practitioner with about 500 clients.  The seasonal nature of the tax biz allowed me to focus on creating artworks the rest of the year.  I sold the tax business in 2018 clearing the way to focus 100% of my energy on painting.  I have been living in Greater Victoria since 2011, close to my children and grandson, enjoying all that Vancouver Island has to offer…including winning tournaments of snooker and billiards. 

I am a Signature Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA) and on the executive of the local FCA Chapter.  My artworks can be found in the collections of art lovers, at Central Art Studio Gallery in downtown Victoria.

Take a look on my pages to see what I've been up to, and check back often to see my new work, or see where I'm going to be showing my work.  My paintings are signed 'Springer'... the name I was born with.


If you have any questions about any of the pieces, give me a call or email me.

Nature’s Jewels 24 x 24 acrylic

Nature’s Jewels 24 x 24 acrylic

About Me (more details on the Galleries and Shows page):

2020 - achieved Signature Status (AFCA) in the Federation of Canadian Artists.

2014 - achieved Active Status in the Federation of Canadian Artists.

2006 to current - painting in my home studio.

Professional studio potter for 30 years, managing partner of The Pottery Store in Chemainus 1995 - 2010. I participated in several juried shows annually.

Art Education:

Brandon University Faculty of Education with an emphasis on Art Education.

Primarily self-taught, I regularly attend workshops taught by artists whose work I admire.






Shimmer, Cordova Bay 24 x 24 acrylic

Shimmer, Cordova Bay 24 x 24 acrylic