Barry (R. B.) Wainwright was a Canadian printmaker and painter whose work was deeply influenced by the structure and harmony of nature. Born in 1935 in Chilliwack, British Columbia, he studied at the Vancouver School of Art, where he was awarded the prestigious Emily Carr Travel-Study Scholarship. This opportunity led him to Europe, where he trained in printmaking under S.W. Hayter at Atelier 17 in Paris, refining his technical expertise and developing a distinctive artistic voice.

Wainwright’s work evolved over the years, transitioning from monochromatic prints to richly textured paintings and pastels. His compositions, often marked by intricate calligraphic lines and layered colors, reflected a deep connection to the principles of balance and form found in Japanese Zen gardens. This influence was particularly evident in his Paintingscape series, exhibited in 1980, which explored abstraction through a meditative and structured approach.

Throughout his career, Wainwright exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions across Canada, the United States, and Europe. He was the recipient of numerous prestigious grants, including the Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation Grant and a Canada Council Grant, recognizing his contributions to Canadian printmaking. After returning to Canada in 1966, he settled in Montreal, where he became an integral part of the city’s printmaking community. He worked closely with Atelier Libre des Recherches Graphiques and served as a faculty member at Concordia University, where he mentored a new generation of artists.

His work is housed in major public and corporate collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Beyond his artistic practice, Wainwright’s impact on the Canadian art scene extended through his teaching and his role in shaping contemporary printmaking. His legacy endures through his dynamic, landscape-inspired abstractions, which continue to resonate with collectors and institutions alike.