The Opportune Moment

"The Opportune Moment" is inspired by a poignant scene from the classic film Gone With The Wind. In this moment, Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler—portrayed by Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable—find themselves in what Rhett calls “an opportune moment,” shortly after the funeral of Scarlett’s second husband.

As a southern-born artist and lifelong admirer of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind, Ms. Barb was drawn to capture the emotion of this iconic exchange. Though the film and most references are in color, she chose to interpret the scene using the familiar #2 pencil—a simple yet remarkably expressive tool she grew up with.

The drawing’s whitewashed backdrop with a soft gray marbling effect enhances focus on the figures, allowing their expressions and connection to take center stage.