Melbourne VIC
Uma is a veteran of the Australian fine art industry who has received numerous awards since her debut in professional art in 1988.
She proudly was a part of a popular television program Colour In You Life in 2015.
Prize Finalist
Prize Winning
Artworks: 24
Uma Barry is a self-taught Australian artist whose practice is deeply rooted in a lifelong connection to the natural world. Encouraged by her artistic parents, Uma began her creative journey at the age of fifteen. Over the decades, she has developed a refined body of work that celebrates Australian landscapes, florals, flowing streams, coastal light and most notably, the iconic gum trees that have become a hallmark of her art.
Drawing forms the foundation of Uma’s process, allowing her to study and understand her subjects with intimacy and precision. She works primarily in oils, employing traditional glazing techniques to build luminous layers of depth and atmosphere. Her practice often includes developing several works simultaneously in different subject matters, giving each piece space to evolve organically. Uma is also known for her small-scale paintings and miniatures, which refine the spirit of larger scenes into intimate, detailed compositions.
Uma’s work has been exhibited widely, with her paintings held in both private and public collections. A significant moment in her career came in 2015 when she was invited to appear on the television program Colour In Your Life with Graeme Stevenson, a feature that highlighted her technical skill and deep affinity for the Australian environment. Uma also taught art and although she no longer tutors, this period remains an important and cherished chapter of her artistic life.
For Uma, painting is not only a creative practice but a place of solace and reflection. Following the loss of her mother, her art became a sanctuary and heartfelt continuation of the encouragement and love instilled by her family. Through her paintings, she invites viewers to pause, breathe and experience a quiet, contemplative connection with nature.
AWARDS:
Best Local Content First Prize, The Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh 51st Art Exhibition 2023
Graeme Milburn Memorial Award, Whitehorse Art Show 2022
Finalist, Art Lovers Australia Prize 2022
Finalist, Wyndham Art Prize 2020
Highly Commended, Box Hill Rotary Whitehorse 2019
2nd prize (miniatures), Royal Melbourne Show 2017
Best Abstract, Daylesford Art Show 2017
1st Prize, (Miniatures) Royal Show Melbourne 2013
Best Exhibit Miniature Pair, Royal Melbourne Show 2013
Best Painting: $600 or Less, St Kevin’s College Annual Art Show 2010
Best in Show, Mercy Hospital Art Exhibition 2009
Best Spirit of Wyndham, Werribee Beta Sigma Phi & Rotary Club of Werribee 2009
Highly Commended, Oil, Knox Art Exhibition 2009
Highly Commended, Oil, Mountview Art Show 2009
1st Prize (Miniature), Royal Melbourne Show 2007
1st Prize (Miniature), Royal Melbourne Show 2006
Best Oil, Beta Sigma Phi Art Exhibition 2007
1st Prize Oil/Acrylic, Werribee Mercy Hospital Art Show 2007
1st Prize, Epiphany Art Show Hoppers Crossing 2003
1st Prize, Epiphany Art Show Hoppers Crossing 2000
People’s Choice, Epiphany Art Show Hoppers Crossing 1998
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