This robust and beautiful sculpture, by Barbara Beretich, is entitled “Reclining Female Nude”. It portrays a woman reclining with one knee up. Her hair is “pulled back” in the rear and drapes down to the bottom of the sculpture. The patina is a smooth and pale teal, a patina she favors for her human and abstract sculptures. This is truly an eye catching piece of work!
During her younger years in California, Beretich’s family raised multiple animals including hogs, cows, sheep and horses, influencing her artwork. Her work is very versatile including equine, other animals, human figures and abstract work. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in art. The following year Beretich spent time in Europe where she met and became lifelong friends with French artist, Francoise Gilot. Later, she moved to Claremont CA where she earned an MFA in sculpture and became one of the major influences among the “Claremont School” of artists. Later in her life she established her home based gallery in Claremont and featured specialty work by other Claremont artists. Her home gallery was given historical-site status by the city of Claremont CA.