December Newsletter ~ 2025
Artzmaker Studio
7775 Sayler Road, Williamsbrug, MI 49690
website: barbarahgreenwood.com
216-870-4072
email: greenwood3863@att.net
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
The Open Door by Helen Keller
Hello Artzmaker Friends,
I am finally an Interlochen student! For three days I immersed myself in a three day drawing class taught by a young man, named Alex Zemper, (Grand Rapids).
My goal in taking the class was to learn to be more observant. Little did I know everything I thought I knew about drawing would get dropped on its head! I was learning a completely new way of drawing. The experience was truly amazing, frustrating and exhausting. It also yielded some totally unexpected outcomes.
Alex taught us how 17th and 18th century art students were taught to draw at the French Art Academy. This way of drawing had never been taught to me. Or if it had, I missed the class totally. This process of drawing demands an artist have patience, precision and discipline. A single drawing, with shading, might take as long as 50 hours to complete, with the linear drawing taking up the most time. The more concise you are with the line drawing, the easier it is to lay in the shadows.
During these three day I also learned a few things about myself...I can be impatient, lacking in discipline and easily frustrated. But I persevere and I love to learn. My ability to follow directions leaves something to be desired, but I am no longer afraid to ask questions (and I have many!).
Each night, driving home from another 8 hours of class, I felt exhausted, my neck muscles pinched but I was smiling. By the following morning I felt excited to see whatever came next. I was able to see my drawings in a new light. That allowed me to begin moving through the changes needed to improve my drawings. Three weeks later I am still working on the drawings. :) It is exhilarating!
It is my joy spending time sharing my love of making art with you. I appreciate this so much. . Each of these opportunities helps us to learn new skills that we might have been afraid to try before. We tap into our creative juices and “grow” our skills while building a community that supports and nurtures these efforts.
As I look back on this year, I am struck by the similarities between my experience in this class and my 2025 year. The challenges have been great but the outcomes, even if difficult, have always been amazing.
I wish to express my thanks to TC East Branch Library, Crooked Tree Art Center, Oliver Art Center, and, especially, Lynn and her father at Twisted Fish Art Gallery. I have appreciated all the wonderful support for both my teaching and my artwork. Thank you also to, Laura, my friend in Tucson, who facilitates both my newsletters and my website. And my friend, Susan, who helps edit my musings.
Most of all, I want to thank all of you for letting me a part of your world. By taking my classes and offering feedback and by buying my work, you are helping me to believe in myself as an artist. What a gift!
To each and every one of you, may you experience many blessings this holiday season. And may the new year bring peace, joy and continuing friendship. I leave you with the words of the beautiful Irish blessing.
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Barb
Artzmaker Studio
7775 Sayler Road, Williamsbrug, MI 49690
website: barbarahgreenwood.com
216-870-4072
email: greenwood3863@att.net