I have been fortunate to have studied many aspects of design, drawing, portrait painting and oil painting with the many skilled professionals at Washington University in St. Louis. Among them was Siegfried Reinhardt, one of my most influential teachers. I then obtained my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and taught art in a suburban high school.

As a member of the St. Louis Artist Guild I participated in juried shows, two one-person shows and won several awards in art fairs. I did numerous pastel portraits on the spot and oils and pastels by commission. I moved many times with my husband’s career, and my interest shifted to interior design and renovation as I was raising my family. I kept up my painting but most of my art work was donated to charities including work for the Society for Retarded Children, Medical Mission Sisters, Ronald Mac Donald House , Junior League Charities, Farmington Presbyterian Church, and in Lake Wylie S.C.-All Saints Church and River Hills Community Church.

Having finally settled down I have been taking commissions again. The impressionist style is my favorite, but I can work in abstract or realistic styles as well.

You can reach Barbara via email at BKraft@fortmillartguild.com.