Monday, September 15, 2008

Today's specials

A pretty hectic day today -- I left for school at 8:30, got home at
about six, popped a pizza in the oven and painted steadily
until 7:30 finishing the last details on two paintings I was
submitting to my art club's show.




The Poem
acrylic on canvas
24" x 48"

I've revised this painting a number of times, and have decided
I'm finally happy with it. I've reworked the face and added
the jewelry. I change the background earlier in the summer --
I may add a necklace, but I feel good about it.

You've seen the other painting I submitted developing up
until today's version. The colours are much closer to the
actual colour in this image. Whether it looks like me
or not is anyone's guess, but a good friend of mine started
laughing when she saw it, and Steven liked it a lot. I just
wanted it to express how happy I feel when I'm painting,
and I may still add a swirling line of colour behind me
at some point.



Work in Progress
36" x 36 "
acrylic on canvas
a self portrait

For the past year I've started with an orange ground, and
before that with a rust ground, so it is new to have two
paintings in a show predominantly featuring peach --
but they looked just fine in the company of my
fellow artists' work.

If you're in Toronto come out to the opening of the
show at Todmorden Mills this Friday night, from 6
- 9 p.m. Meet the artists and see a vital art community
in action.

Have a finally sleeping well evening.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barbara, I agree with your friend, I can't help smiling when I see that painting.
EW

jilly ballantyne said...

Barbara, I just found a comment from you on my blog! better late than never to say thanks and nice to know you and your work. Bravo! I too have done the back to school thing and am hoping to have more time soon to PAINT!
Jilly in France

David Lobenberg said...

For me,"The Poem" is by far the strongest of the two, and I like it very much! Wonderful color palette on both.

Laurel Daniel said...

These are both so vivacious and full of life. The orange ground works well for you. GREAT luck at the show on Friday. Wish I could come!!!!

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful painting and it made me smile too! Good luck with the show!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Jilly,

Glad you found me. Yes -- back to school is a fine balancing act with
painting, but I really enjoy it.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks David,

That means a lot to me.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

I sure wish you could come too.

Thanks so much.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flora,

Where have you been?

I missed your blog.

Thanks,

Barbara

Theresa Rankin said...

These are both exceptional...in the self portrait I believe you have caught your essence...besides it being a beautifully painted piece the brushwork echoes your energetic spirit! The letter...ah...delightful and classical with a serene theme. Your additions cannot be noticed as being painted at a later date. You are great!!

Nava said...

Got to your blog via Bonnie Luria's. I do like your style!!

Barbara Muir said...

Thank Theresa,

Many of my paintings are
"works in progress" until they
sell. I can't leave them alone
until I'm happy. Acrylic lets
me start over whenever the mood
strikes. That's one of the things
I like about it.

You are great too.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Nava,

I like your style too. Great work.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Laurel,

I was in such a rush yesterday,
I meant to say your name. I wish
you could come up for my opening in my
house at the end of the month too.

More on that later.

Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!