Sherman Barnes was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama. He received his B.A., B.S., and M. Ed. Degrees from Auburn University, lived in Huntsville, Alabama for 25 years and currently resides in Madison, Alabama.

He is a retired band director and now teaches in the Music Industry Communications Department at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama. He also plays keyboards for the ‘Natchez Trace Band’. He has recorded 3 albums w/Natchez Trace and 5 solo albums.

He received private art instruction from Chuck Long of Huntsville, Alabama. His art endeavors have ranged from dabbling in oils (Bob Ross style) to rather extensive involvement w/photography - numerous local, regional, national, and even international awards. His primary focus now is watercolors and he currently holds the status of Signature Member in the Watercolor Society of Alabama. He utilizes traditional watercolor techniques - light to dark, no black, no white, little if any masking and favorite subjects include musicians, boats, and rustics.