Barbara Beck-Azar

My earliest memories include crayons, pencils, and the creation of art! Drawings, writing, and the love of words captivated my childhood years! As time progressed and in classes, the world of art, drawing, painting, and graphic design were made visible in all their aspects. I discovered the profound love for art and writing through the example of Potok’s masterpiece, “My Name is Asher Lev,” which in and by itself is a fictional world of art. His works inspired and admiration Picasso and Chagall, and what is necessary to mold into an artist. Upon completing high school, I plunged myself into learning from local artists, the implementation of techniques and skills, and styles in various mediums, which shaped my understanding of art.

My first teacher, Rita Schaffer, earned her living selling her paintings. I attended art classes for two years in an art school run by Siegfried Hahn, a French painter. I learned classical realism in watercolors using the “Maroger medium” to paint still life and landscapes. Then I studied under a well-known Italian artist named Alex Papale with drawing classes, pastels, and art restoration.
Finally, I studied calligraphy with Terry Kocon. Those experiences shaped my next stage of applying art through advertising, illustration, hand-drawing furniture, and a series of other art-inspired projects.

Currently, I am approaching the completion of a Masters of Arts in counseling and re-creating my Amalgamarts website! I love art, calligraphy, and illustration, with the intent of bringing my followers a sense of wholeness through colors, art, and the creation of beautiful works.