Bart admits to a thoroughly Celtic-fringe personality, born in Wales of Irish stock, but living in Cornwall, and continues to frequent all three countries in his search for roots and subjects. His interest is in the figurative representation of people, their activities and animals, throughout the cycle of the seasonal year.

Trained as an illustrator at Cardiff College of Art (1959-62) and further at the Polytechnic of Wales, Barry (1974-8), his careers have included work in advertising, and teaching, both of which he has given up in order to continue his painting. He works from St Keverne on the Lizard.