Tuesday, June 30, 2009

For David Lobenberg





Self portrait
acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

Today's painting is a little self-portrait I did for David
Lobenberg's
June paint off. It's supposed to be me
looking at the computer and reading David's blog (or
yours). David is a witty writer, excellent painter in
any medium, and is constantly teaching us what
to do.

This painting is a kind of tribute to my blog friends who
have taught me the stylistic elements in the painting --
I never used black before I met all of you. I was
worried that it would look like a velvet painting. Not
true! Frequently I'm writing my blog late at night by
the light of the computer -- which is why it's a dark painting.
Computer light is very flattering -- and that's why my
hair is so bright (aside from the fact that I am a true
bottle blonde). Also I rarely used green until I read
Edward B. Gordon's piece on not having a favorite colour,
and I agreed, and began to use colours I'd avoided --
like green.

By the way July 1st is Canada Day, and Toronto
normally lets off tons and tons of fireworks. But
we're having a garbage strike. So it may be a
quiet holiday. Anyway -- Happy Canada Day!

Have an enjoying-the-day-off-(in Canada) day.

16 comments:

Liza Hirst said...

Oh wow! This is beautiful! You are beautiful! The black works really well which I would also have been
sceptical about. Isn't it great how we all learn from each other?!
Your hair looks full and real although it is painted in such a bright colour - amazing, how you do it. Have a wonderful Canada Day, Barbara!

laura said...

Happy Canada Day, Barbara, wish I were there to celebrate!!
Your self-portrait is stunning, beautiful, full of the joy of the subject!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Thanks so much. I love your self portrait, and I hope you're entering it in David's paint off. Send it over today if you haven't. The link is in his profile. Happy Canada Day to you Liza, I know you were born here and deserve a glass of champagne in lieu of firecrackers.

xoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

It would be great to see you here. You must let me know if you are coming. Bring your watercolours. I want to marvel at them in person.

Thanks for your sweet message. I do feel full of joy reading your blog.

Take care,

Barbara

Laurel Daniel said...

I love this! You are just the cutest girl - this totally captures your spunk and charm! And the black DOES work great. XOXO

julie davis said...

Barbara, this is striking--really well done. I think the black is wonderful. Hope Canada Day was celebratory--we may not get many firecrackers around Austin on the Fourth because of the drought...

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it. I'm getting braver because of wonderful painters like you. I just love your work!

XOXOXOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Julie,

And Happy 4th of July to you too. And here's to an end to the drought. I am loving your paintings. So good.

xoxoxoxBarbara

David Lobenberg said...

This is one of your BEST portraits, and you couldn't even get it to me on time!! :) lol. No kidding...really well painted, madame! Thanks for the plug and kind words! And last, but certainly not least- Happy Canada Day!!!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi David,

Thanks so much. You are the only person I know who calls me Madame, except perhaps shopkeepers in England, which sadly I've visited only twice in my life. I was inspired by the assignment, your paintings, and the jolt of humour I so often get reading your blog.

Thanks for the work you've done getting us all together. Fantastic of you.

Take care,

Barbara

Unknown said...

Great port mumma.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Criff,

You are sweet. Thank you. Say Hi to Megan.

Love Mommy

Gwen Bell said...

Love this self portrait. What a beautiful model you are!
I've only been gone a few days and came back to 6 new posts beginning here. Busy girl! Love all the new paintings and want some of that pie. How wonderful to have a Cherry tree! We have to pay premium price for them here in Texas.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

Thanks so much. You're a pretty busy girl yourself, and such beautiful paintings. Wow! It's about 12 years old now, and huge, so I don't know what it cost us back then. Now all it costs us is our figures. Yum.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

I meant the cherry tree. It's late and I'm rushing. The cherry tree is 12 years old.

Take care,

Barbara

Aliaena said...

Wonderful self-portrait here Barbara, you are indeed a beauty too - in heart and soul as well. Best always, Aliaena

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!