Beyond The Code: How Barbara Meier’s Painting Practice Illuminates Computer Animation Teaching
- Posted by Ellie Chang
- on Aug. 25, 2026
“Beyond the Code” is a new Brown CS Blog series exploring how faculty incorporate their personal interests and creative practices to enrich their teaching, research, or mentoring. We open with Brown CS faculty member Barbara Meier’s oil painting practice where she illuminates, stroke-by-stroke, the transformative power of light in creating specific memories. This same artistry can be found in her pedagogy:
"My courses focus equally on the technical and artistic processes involved in creating computer imagery and animation. While resources for the technical side are abundant, I draw on my own experience as a painter to teach the artistic side. My goal for both myself and my students is to move beyond simply making a 'pretty picture' and toward intentionally expressing a specific feeling. I help my students identify the 'vibe' of their imagery so they can create work that feels authentic to their personal vision."
To experience Barabra’s artistry in person, check out her newest exhibition, Reflections of Place. Opening on September 3, 2026, 6pm - 8pm, at the Barrington Public Library, the exhibition features a collection of original oil paintings that evoke specific moments she experienced in the New England, northern England, and Cornwall landscapes.
Explore the rest of Barbara’s works on her artist website here.
For more information, please click the link that follows to contact Brown CS Communications Manager Jesse C. Polhemus.
