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.
at

16 comments:

  1. Liza HirstJuly 1, 2009 at 10:11 AM

    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!

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  2. lauraJuly 1, 2009 at 10:31 AM

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

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  3. Barbara MuirJuly 1, 2009 at 11:23 AM

    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

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  4. Barbara MuirJuly 1, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    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

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  5. Laurel DanielJuly 1, 2009 at 8:10 PM

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

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  6. julie davisJuly 1, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    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...

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  7. Barbara MuirJuly 1, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    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

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  8. Barbara MuirJuly 1, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    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

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  9. David LobenbergJuly 1, 2009 at 10:59 PM

    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!!!

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  10. Barbara MuirJuly 2, 2009 at 11:23 AM

    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

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  11. UnknownJuly 2, 2009 at 10:14 PM

    Great port mumma.

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  12. Barbara MuirJuly 2, 2009 at 10:32 PM

    Hi Criff,

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

    Love Mommy

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  13. Gwen BellJuly 6, 2009 at 8:11 AM

    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.

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  14. Barbara MuirJuly 7, 2009 at 8:32 PM

    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

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  15. Barbara MuirJuly 7, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    Hi Gwen,

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

    Take care,

    Barbara

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  16. AliaenaJuly 25, 2009 at 3:23 AM

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

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