Margaret Barbour sketches her way to success.
Barbour with her portrait of Audrey Hepburn, on display in the main hallway. photo by Rebecca Holt.
Among the array of trophies and awards that are on display in the main hallway at TJ, a drawing of Audrey Hepburn can be seen behind a glass case. This elaborate black and white portrait is as curious and thought provoking as it is a treat to look at, invoking the commonly asked question: who accomplished this work of art? And, of course, scribbling away on a piece of paper in Brooke Stoyer’s art room, can be found the culprit: Senior Margaret Barbour.
Margaret, a TJ senior and art-enthusiast, has possessed a strong interest in art since the early age of four. When discussing the origins of her talent, Margaret stated, “I grew up around art. My dad worked at an art museum, and I became intrigued with it and started drawing.” While Margaret enjoys all forms of art, her favorite remains sketching and drawing with a pencil, filling page after page with meticulous masterpieces. In fact, within her sketchbook are some of Margaret’s favorite pieces. “My sketchbook is like my diary,” says Margaret.
Margaret is also an enthusiastic contributing artist in Stoyer’s art class. Going on her second year in TJ’s art department, she has gained rave reviews from her teacher. “She’s really mature for her age, and was raised with a strong art influence,” said Stoyer. “She’s always insightful and creative, and she always produces high quality work.”
Margaret is also a strong devotee of the art program. “I like it because of the atmosphere and freedoms she [Stoyer] gives us. With so many topics, it’s easy to have a large selection of pieces,” said Margaret about the vastly popular class.
Also taking Stoyer’s art class is Senior Katie Dehmlow. “She [Margaret] is a really good artist. She really has a passion for art, and she’s just really nice,” said Katie.
The portrait of Audrey Hepburn was, in fact, produced in Stoyer’s class at the end of last year. “I’m a big fan of old movies, and Audrey Hepburn is amazing,” said Margaret about her classic-cinema fandom. For the sake of all movie novices out there, Hepburn was a Belgian actress of the 50’s and 60’s who had a lead role in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “I had to do a black and white portrait, using one color in addition. Audrey Hepburn was very inspirational for it,” said Margaret.
With a knack for sketching and a passion for the arts, it is no surprise that Margaret has entered her work in many art contests. “I entered in a couple of drawing contests for the art museum in middle school,” said Margaret while reminiscing on past achievements. Margaret also entered, and won, last year’s bookmark contest for the Denver Public Library, which is held annually.
“Pick the day, enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come…” These words of wisdom came from none other than Audrey Hepburn, and could not be illustrated more boldly than in the case of Margaret Barbour. Through countless achievements and years of enjoying an immense passion for art, Margaret has found a way to enjoy the days, to the hilt, as they come. “After all, art is about passion,” says Margaret.
