Science and Biology classes in junior high school sparked Barbara's interest in art but she never pursued this interest until she was an adult.  She first began taking Tole Painting Classes in the 1980’s.  But due to the responsibilities of family, work and home, art was put aside until many years later. 

Barbara retired as a Registered Nurse in 2002. and upon retirement she began to take art classes again. She started at the Meridian Senior Citizen’s Center taking classes from Donna Lamberth.  Since then, she’s taken Art lessons from Dottie Armstrong, a retired Artist Instructor from Newton High School, Newton, MS who teaches private lessons in her private gallery.  Drawing Classes were taken from Peggy Harmon, Acrylic Painting Classes from Sylvia Follis, and Bob Ross Painting Classes from Cecelia McCormick. 

Several of Barbara's paintings were entered in the Art Show at the Newton Library in 2006 and 2007.  Barbara has sold many of her One Stroke pieces in craft shows prior to her interest in Acrylics and Oils.  

Barbara paints on baskets and anything that doesn't move!

Barbara is a member of Pine Grove Church in the Martin Community.  She married to Larry Odom.  She is the mother of one daughter, Fran, mother-in-law to Kevin and grandmother to three precious grandchildren, Peyton, Palmer and Presley.  Because of Barbara’s interest in art, she has already sparked an interest in her granddaughter Peyton to “paint”.