Barbara Tyler Ahlfield: Combining Classical and Modern Elements in Fashion-Inspired Portraits

By Viviana Puello

Barbara Tyler Ahlfield is an award-winning American artist who combines classical and modern elements in her fashion-inspired portraits. Drawing from her background in the fashion industry, she creates emotionally charged paintings that are both whimsical and refined. Ahlfield merges her passion for fashion and art to create a world of glamour through classical figurative techniques and modern impressionist influence.

She is a realistic representational portrait artist who takes the viewer on an indulging journey of romantic dreams by capturing colors and textures, the tactile qualities of velvet, satin’s rich luster, taffeta’s feel, and vintage lace’s nostalgic beauty.

Barbara Tyler Ahlfield’s style is characterized by carefully orchestrated brushstrokes and excellent composition skills, resulting in realistic portraits with awe-inspiring colors and lively, energetic imagery. Through her work, she seeks to capture the beauty and emotion of her subjects, expressing her deep love for drama and glamour. Her paintings are filled with rich colors, soft textures, harmonious forms, and movement that bring life to each portrait. She captures the essence of her subjects, with each painting telling a story in its own unique way. From realistic oil paintings of models dressed in Haute couture garments to pet portraits that evoke tenderness and vitality, Barbara Tyler Ahlfield’s style is a testament to her mastery.

During her thriving career as an Illustrator, she worked for top U.S. department stores, including Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and Hutzler’s. She has also received several honors, including the NORMA award for lingerie and cosmetic advertising, the Seklemian award for reflective color advertising, and the Federated Dept. Store Advertising Award. In 2019 Ahlfield was featured as “Artist Of The Year” in ArtTour International Magazine and received the ATIM Top 60 Masters Award.

Barbara Tyler Ahlfield has created a lasting impression in the art world. Her paintings are celebrated for their emotional power and glamour. Her classical figurative technique and modern fashion-inspired impressionist influence have brought about an entirely new style that has inspired many other artists. Her work is a testament to her passionate belief that everyone should feel confident and beautiful. As a result of her remarkable talent, Barbara Tyler Ahlfield has made a name for herself as one of the most influential and respected female painters in the art industry. Her legacy will continue to influence others for years to come.