Barbara Kolo was born and educated in New York. Having developed an appreciation for art from an early age, her interest in drawing and painting lead her to attend the High School of Art and Design, followed by the School of Visual Arts. She received her BFA from SVA in 1981.

During the 1980's Barbara built a career as an award-winning art director in creative advertising for films and television. It was this career that bought her to Los Angeles in 1989. As an independent freelance art director she worked directly with major film studios and design studios specializing in film advertising. In 1991 she accepted the position of Director of Print Advertising at Universal Studios.

Barbara's early interest in drawing and painting had never diminished throughout this period. During the early '90's, she followed the urge to develop her own personal artistic voice and began create her own works. Her drawings were soon being included in local and national group shows. Her focus slowly changed from commercial art to fine art.

Barbara moved with her husband to Paris, France in 2000, for a two year stay and sublet an art studio by La Bastille. While in France, she exhibited her paintings in Paris and Marseilles.

The couple returned to Santa Monica in 2003 after a eight month stay on the East coast. Barbara continued to exhibit her paintings internationally and worked on re-establishing herself in the local art community.

In 2006, Barbara was asked by Acupuncturist, Esther Ting to illustrate a book she was writing with Marianne Jas. Some of this work can be viewed on this website, see Illustration Portfolio. "Total Health the Chinese Way" was published in November of 2009.

The Los Angeles Art Association Gallery 825 accepts Barbara as a member.