About the Artist

Barbara Jelniker has had a passion for creating art her entire life. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, she first discovered a love for painting while still in high school. It was a creative spark that stayed with her as life grew increasingly full and continues to this day. As a young mother raising three boys and managing the demanding social life that came with being the wife of a rising aerospace industry executive, she found ways to nurture her creativity whenever she could.

Despite the whirlwind of motherhood and frequent relocations, from Texas to California, to Washington, D.C., and eventually Colorado, she carved out quiet moments to paint. That early dedication to art, often sustained in brief, stolen moments, has remained a constant thread throughout her life.

Though largely self-taught, Barbara studied art for several years at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Over time she explored a variety of mediums, including oils, pastels, and watercolors. Her pastel work in particular has earned several awards, reflecting a keen eye for detail and sensitivity to color. Most recently, she has returned to her first love of watercolors with renewed energy, creating small, vibrant pieces filled with warmth and character.

She now paints from her sunny home studio in Longmont, Colorado, where she leads an active life. A passionate traveler, Barbara has explored many corners of the globe, including recent visits to Japan, Ireland, Scotland, and Mexico. She is a devoted grandmother to five grandchildren and great-grandmother to three, and she cherishes time spent with her growing family. Barbara is also an engaged member of her community through Central Presbyterian Church and P.E.O. International, where she finds friendship, purpose, and inspiration.

This website is a celebration of Barbara’s lifelong love of art, and a place to catalog and share her work with friends, family, and all who appreciate her creativity.