Bruno Baran Bruno Baran was born in Baltimore Maryland August 28, 1954, Graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art (Cum Laude) in 1976, Studied with Raoul Middleman, Leonard Bahr, Joseph Sheppard, Paul Mascott, Dan Dudrow, Phil Koch, Barry Nemett, Michael Economos, Abbie Sangiamo as well as with Wolf Kahn in Bennington Vermont in the early 90's. Bruno is a traditional landscape, portrait painter who’s work has been compared to John Sloan and other Ashcan painters of the early 20th century. Recent work has taken on a new urgency with color and light, in quick painting sketches of the lands’ atmosphere and ever changing light patterns, becoming even more aware of edges and how they help manipulate the viewer. “I’m starting to simplify a few things in my work, from actual brush strokes to color usage to continue my pursuit of capturing the atmosphere of the land.” said Bruno about his recent work and challenges. “ Being retired from teaching after 42 years has given me a sense of urgency to complete as many paintings as possible.” “ Working in the open air and then having time for drawing in my new studio has reenergized my work.” Besides painting full time now, Baran was elected to Chairman of the Board of MAPAPA (Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association) in 2014, a 501c foundation dedicated to the preservation and education of Plein Air Painting. In the past few years Baran has been recognized for a few awards and was elevated to Signature member of MAPAPA.