Newsletters

Grantview Studio Spring Newsletter

04.25.2025 by Barbara Grant //

Greetings from Grantview Studio!

Last year’s trip to Belgium generated some good things 🌷

It has been one year since our family travelled to Belgium to visit the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery where my husband’s birth father is buried. Sgt. Robert Grant was killed at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Since returning Bob has created a grotto in our back yard to remember his dad, and we’ve stayed in touch with the woman who volunteered to visit the cemetery on our behalf.

She recently emailed photos of her latest visit to place a bouquet of red roses and reported removing bird droppings from the top of the cross.

This prompted Bob’s comment, “Must have been a bird resting there.” Things like this make it into my journal – possible ideas for compositions.

If my journal entry is difficult to read, it basically records that I learned the common Kestrel is the national bird of Belgium, so I made a quick sketch of Mr. Kestrel perched on the cross of Sgt. Robert Grant.

My brother-in-law Paul, a writer, became fascinated by the account in my last newsletter about the reuniting of father and son after 80 years. It inspired him to write the story, spending countless hours digging into legal documents, letters, telegrams, photos, newspaper clippings, researching locations and interviewing anyone who might help fill in the gaps of a life almost forgotten. Our pingpong table was piled with artifacts, and he and Bob created a timeline on an adjacent wallboard. The source of my husband’s yearning for most of his life was being unearthed and finally taking shape after all those years. Paul’s sensitivity to the emotional roller coaster this caused in our family is something for which we cannot repay.

He titled the story Grant’s View and invited me to create the artwork for the eBook & Paperback. On the front cover I incorporated the use of a drawing that is not mine. It is a portrait of Bob’s dad in uniform. Martin Balow is the artist who sketched him from life. (His tiny initials can be seen on the lower right side.) Sgt. Grant then lovingly addressed the drawing to his wife Marie. We found this original drawing in her box of letters.

From the first time I laid eyes on this gem, I understood what a precious record it was. Any trained artist would note the choices made: the variety of pressure of pencil point to paper, the economy of line, the tenderness rendered – a meditation of truth transferred to the page. I marvel that the facial features depicted are recognizable in Robert’s offspring, the men and grandchildren in my life.

I hope someday we may learn the whereabouts of this thoughtful artist’s family to share our stories.

Grant’s View is now available on Amazon.com. Just click this link Amazon.com …or search “Paul Turelli books” on Amazon.com

🌷🌷🌷

As for Grantview Studio, I’m still connecting with my OddBall artist group in Illinois. Many of us participated in the Looking In Looking Out windows exhibit organized by Sara Peak Convery (Arts Alive Chicago). My contribution was a painting on an old window frame called Dance Studio.

I am gifting this one to my dear friend Peggy who suddenly became my impromptu model. It was such an intense collaboration, an important experience for both of us about the anguish of war.

You can learn more about it on my Grantview Studio blog: (that’s https://grantviewstudio.com/blog)

Most Saturday mornings I’m with my Milwaukee sketch group, drawing points of interest in and around our fine city. I’m always open to learning from other artists about new art supplies, techniques and soaking up their various views about…everything. There’s a good vibe that feeds my soul when I’m with my friends.

* Here we are hamming it up for the photographer at Mitchel Park Domes.

The most recent highlight for Roxy and Ringo was a whole week’s visit with granddaughter Bell, who hopes to someday “live out in the country and take in ALL the rescue dogs that nobody wants.” Bell is the youngest of eleven grandchildren in our blended family.

Our great-grandchild David was born last August! Here he is galloping on his rocking horse!

David wearing cowboy hat riding rocking horse

We thank you for your interest in our Grantview Studio endeavors & projects, along with a few family updates. 
And we always love hearing back from you!

Wishing you peace and happiness
  🙏 
Bob & Barbara Grant

🌷🌷🌷

See contact page to stay in touch ~ ~ ~

p.s. I continue to create new work and manage my websites, where I post other things beside our newsletters.

(Most of what I share are stories about the creative process.)

A Momentous Week in March

04.22.2024 by Barbara Grant //

On Passion Sunday this year we traveled for the first time to Belgium to visit the grave of my husband’s birth-father, Sergeant Robert G. Grant. He was killed during the Battle of the Bulge on December 17, 1944. We viewed the battle grounds and climbed around blown up bunkers. As we followed our guide, it did not seem like WWII happened more than 80 years ago. History came alive as we experienced being where lines of enemy tanks barreled through the forests, their explosions snapping and splintering tree tops creating additional shrapnel-like projectiles, and scarring the land.

A drawing of Sgt. Robert Grant by his friend Martin Balow

Damaged forrest & bunkers near the Battle of the Bulge

Brussels Bunch (family group) in front of bunker

Our initial accommodations were in the historic city of Aachen, Germany at the Parkhotel Aachen Quellenhof, which was largely destroyed during WWII but has since been magnificently restored. Our family (a group of eight able to make this trip) took a short morning drive to experience a private tour, specifically curated to educate us on what Bob’s father experienced as he fought for our freedom. I would like to publicly thank our guide Joël Lamberty (guideardenne44.com). His devotion to helping families like ours visit the graves of their loved ones, his passionate interest, detailed research, professional approach, respect and care were such a blessing. He led us through the forest walking where Robert Grant’s regiment, the 78th Infantry Division, was fighting the day he was killed.

I love walking Roxy & Ringo through the woods around our neighborhood, but there – even with the soft breeze in the trees and chirping birds in the gray sky – I believe all of us were individually imagining in our own thoughts what it was like during the attacks. Especially Bob, who was only 9 months old when he lost his father during this battle.

Bob's parents Marie (O'Neil) & Robert G. Grant

Letter from Sgt. Grant to Marie inquiring about Bobby the day before he was killed

Looking forward to this journey we didn’t really know what to anticipate in the coming days of exploration. I think it was a powerful experience to view the maps and actual battlegrounds before visiting the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery. The cemetery is kept immaculately clean; an enormous field of green with white marble crosses in orderly rows. Joël was our escort toward where Bob’s father was laid to rest. As we approached the cross he gave way for us to gather around together. Then my husband moved closer and reached out his hand to touch the smooth marble.

Bob touching his birth-father's cross for the first time

These were sacred, precious moments none of us present will ever forget. Photos were taken to share with those who could not be with us.

The "Brussels Bunch" photo by Joel Lamberty

Following this we lunched with our guide at one of his favorite spots. Then we enjoyed his friends’ invitation for a private tour of their “Remember Museum 39-45”. This is a museum that Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz have built and curated for over 60 years. It contains more than 100 mannequins, several dioramas within an area 700 square meters, a Sherman tank, and many personal souvenirs.

One of many rooms in the Remember Museum

Sgt. Robert Grant bookmark remembrance created by Bob

Mathilde thankfully accepted our memory cards with pictures to add to their display cases. The video tour on their website is worth watching if you’re a history buff: Remember Museum Mathilde speaks English, but her husband speaks French. Though I couldn’t understand his every word, it was to nice see him tell about the museum. During our visit he was in ill health and not present. The video is about 20 minutes long, and I urge anyone to view it to the end to realize how much our country’s help is appreciated in this part of the world.

They don’t forget – and they don’t want us to forget – how grateful they are for the Americans who sacrificed for their freedom. While the the rest of our group was waiting outside to drive to our next appointment, I had a private moment with Mathilda in her kitchen. She emphasized these sentiments to me again and gave me her contact information and a big hug as I was being called to join the others.

At the cemetery’s info office we learned of this cemetery’s program for “adopting” graves. Bob’s father’s grave was adopted by Inie Blokland, a woman living nearby in the Netherlands. She and Bob have since communicated via text, email and photos. She is thrilled to finally learn about Sgt. Grant’s surviving family and recently placed a bouquet of roses at the headstone.

Ms. Blokland who adopted Sgt. Robert Grant's grave placing roses in April

Emotions buried long ago began to surface more and more during our travel, so it was good to experience it with the comfort of family. We were able to relax from some of the intensity of our feelings during the rest of the week. We had private tours in Ghent including a canal tour, in Brugges (beer and chocolate tasting), and a “beer tasting” tour in Brussels.

Everywhere we experienced delicious food at delightful restaurants.

And soon it was Easter, a day to rest and wander freely before our return home. Bob had a strong desire to begin this day by attending a Catholic Mass, the religion of his parents. It was celebrated in French. He understood more than I could, but the priest’s soft melodic message communicated love and peace to me. The rest of the day he and I roamed the streets, anonymously absorbing the vibe of this foreign country and letting our psyches begin to process the enormity of what our hearts and minds had experienced during this trip.

Remember the final scene in The Graduate? Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross are sitting in the back of a bus having just escaped the wedding where she’s about to say “I do” to a man her parents preferred. They have big smiles on their faces like they just accomplished something amazing!

Bob & Barb sitting side by side riding on train

This photo of us makes me think of that. But ours is more than just the feeling of accomplishment. It is also of deep gratitude, because our kids interrupted their normal lives and requirements to make this happen. It was for Bob’s 80th birthday celebration.

As for the impact on the rest of our family, I will quote Bob’s older son:

It took all of our lifetimes but we finally managed to visit the man responsible for it all. We visited my Grandfather’s grave site in Belgium. He died a hero defending our country in WW II at the famous Battle of the Bulge. To see my Father, see his Father’s tombstone for the first time in his 80 years, was deeply moving. We brought three generations to show him how much his life meant. To the original Grantpop and all of those who serve, our deepest thank you for your service and the ultimate sacrifice. Your name and memory live on. Forever Young.

Links:

Joel Lamberty’s website link: https://guideardenne44.com
Remember Museum website link: http://www.remembermuseum.be
Finally for your listening pleasure, the lovely cantor at the Mass we attended in Brussels, mezzo-soprano Aveline Monnoyer seen here on YouTube performing Sposa son Disprezzata: https://youtu.be/CwGaWseIPtI?si=5n23JSzpK6IJNhPb

Aveline Monnoyer, mezzo soprano living in Brussels

A Colorful Tree & my Fall Newsletter (all in one :)

10.04.2023 by Barbara Grant //

Before leaving summer behind there’s something that I want to share.

I recently finished this painting titled Colorful Tree. The art lover who requested I create it got the idea when she saw my painting of kids in a tree that I had posted on my blog years ago.* She had an empty wall just waiting for something like this, had no particulars about what medium I chose, and was in no hurry. No pressure! Fun project! I’m grateful for her patience, because I was interrupted multiple times with other projects with deadlines.

Following are excerpts from our email exchange that reveal some of the magic of this venture:

Me — This painting has been a joy to work on – more play than work. I loved creating a comfortable, climbable tree; I loved pretending I was each one of those kids; I loved dressing each child and imagining their personalities. Every time I thought it was finished, I photographed it for your approval and noticed something else to fix. But I better stop now before I go too far and wreck something! If there’s something I can alter to make it more to your liking, I will do my best. It’s been so fun!

Client — Barb, I just LOVE this!!! It is gorgeous. Just what I was hoping for! I was mulling over one change. Would you be willing to change the skin tone of one the kids? I don’t care at all which one and while all of my grandkids will most likely be white, I kind of like the idea of some variety. I know that I never mentioned this so I apologize for this inconvenience. It never occurred to me. Let me know your thoughts … Thank you, Barb, I really do love it!

Me — I’m so glad you’re pleased. I have to reveal something pretty funny. As I worked on this I had an Irish redhead on the swing, Hispanic boy up on the limb, lovely Asian girl in the crook of the tree, little blondie tackling the kite and a brown skinned beauty kicking off her sandals. But in final stages I allowed them to morph into a generic crew, because I felt I was being presumptuous. I went back & forth thinking, well…they could be at a city park?! Anyway, pretty funny huh? I’ll make changes & send photos for your approval.

Client — Oh your original plan was perfect. Go for it!!!

ME — I’ll do my best 🤓

Client — I’m sure it will be fabulous 🥰

She didn’t want to risk damage or loss via shipping and offered to drive from Illinois to my studio in Wisconsin. I suggested we meet halfway, and so we were able to enjoy a nice lunch. She was interested in how I created the painting and asked questions about the process. One of the things I told her was about a song I learned as a child in Sunday School:

🎼 Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world 🎶

This song ran through my mind as I composed the drawing, chose colors, mixed and applied the paint. I’m fortunate to be friends with two artists who are experts in mixing skin tones; they educated me in using undertones of red or blue depending on ethnicity. It’s tricky.

* The earlier painting of “kids in a tree” that my client recalled can be found on my blog. The title of this post is Poetry + Soccer = America Scores. You can easily go to it by clicking here. This is the artwork:

My last newsletter was posted December of last year, so I have a few other project updates I’d like to share

photos of the creative process to completion

I created another book cover that turned out to be helpful in my quest to learn more about painting digitally. This came about as I was grappling with the composition for the commissioned design. I uploaded my drawings to the Procreate app on my iPad, then using the incredibly magic Apple Pencil started experimenting… So fun! I moved back & forth working on canvas, paper and the digital app and sending images of my progress to Mr. Turelli for his feedback and guidance. Quite the learning process for me! The author’s website is: PaulTurelli.com

My Catch of the Day painting was included in an exhibit this last June with my friends at Oddball Art Labs. As a teenager I heard rumors about Big Foot who roamed around the countryside near Big Hollow Road in Peoria, Illinois. I returned to scout out the area earlier this year. At dusk it was still spooky for me to visit alone. A narrow train bridge came into view as I drove around a curve on the isolated, tree-lined country road, the sides of its inner walls covered with graffiti. It took me back to my high school days and inspired my entry for this artwork.

(Happy Halloween!)

Also I created a logo for Precious Tots Preschool where my daughter Tobi teaches. The design needed to include what the director of her school desired for their new T-shirt fundraiser. I putzed around long enough with various designs and kept throwing in new ideas for approval – back & forth – I could have gone on forever I was having so much fun… But Tobi finally had to say, “Mom, stop! Quit changing things! It’s fine the way it is!!!” So with the help of Dori, my younger daughter who was finalizing the project for print on fabric, I was able to slip in one more itty bitty improvement to balance the composition – a little tuffet of grass in the bottom left corner. Tobi will never know unless she reads this far into my newsletter, which I admit is rather lengthy.😬

It was a fun summer. We made it to Milwaukee’s Summerfest to see the James Taylor/Cheryl Crow concert, Bob cleaned out the garden shed, designed and had a bar built for our deck, met some cute cows out in the countryside during one of his photography assignments, and we celebrated the 4th of July with Roxy & Ringo:

🙏 Thanks for reading and looking… 👀

bottom banner with Roxy & ringo photo signing off with love

p.s. My friend who knows a lot about watercolor told me that yellow “pushes” other colors. I did this experiment to watch it happen. I’m aware that it’s a visually powerful color but just look how it punched into this red! I used this for the background of the banners in this newsletter. I painted it on postcard paper, scanned the image and uploaded it to the Canva app to make my designs. I also sent the postcard via the U.S. post service to my friend way out near Seattle 🙂

Archives

Categories

Join My Newsletter