The artist at his opening
Notebook sketch
black marker on bond
6 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
I guess that's because I'm doing it. Are we the kids who
didn't get our work put up on the board in grade three,
or the kids who did? I suspect that most of us fall into
the first camp, especially artists who blog. We were the
emerging talent ignored by teachers who wanted
us to be able to write a coherent essay on our theme,
or colour between the lines, or just about anything other
than make art.
If we were the people whose art got featured and cooed
over on a school bulletin boards, the chances are pretty
good that we didn't get a chance to grow because we
got out of the starting gate with such a dramatic head start.
But the blog world lets us be that kid who was called "an
artist" in the school year book, and lets us publish every small
accomplishment. Which is what should have always
happened -- especially to you, because your work is
spectacular, beautiful, unique, and this artist (who
happens to be a teacher too) thinks that you are
more than a little wonderful -- yes -- full on stupendous.
Have a putting-it-up-on-the-bulletin-board day.
7 comments:
Yea!!!! Great post. (((Thanks!)))
I was convinced when I was younger that art was for Talented, Smart, Other people. When I was in elementary school, we were supposed to draw a duck. I drew a duck, pond, sky, tees, barn, and other animals to go with the duck. The teacher sent a long reprimand home to my parents saying I was unable to follow instructions. (probably true). But I didn't draw in public again until I was out of high school!
Oh Liz,
These stories just break my heart. All of that talent unused. Sad.
The main thing is you're painting now, and your work is magnificent.
Take care,
Barbara
I think I took one drawing lesson when I was in elementary school. I had to draw an apple, and shade it, etc. exactly like the teacher wanted me to. I'm certain she had good intentions, but for whatever reason, I never wanted to go back. Too structured? I didn't take another art lesson until 2006! But again, I think all things happen for a reason, and had I studied art in college I almost certainly would've had to lay it aside for my kids in some fashion. Now that they're in school, I have the time to go full speed ahead and never stop! And what fun it is.
Hi Julie,
The main thing is -- look at the wonderful paintings you're doing now. So incredibly good.
xoxoxoxBarbara
Thank you sweet friend... can we EVER hear that enough??? Same to you - you are wonderful and stupendous! XOXO
Hi Laurel,
I guess we can't ever hear it enough. Self esteem isn't a one shot thing.
If it were we could do one painting and stop. But we can't, and each new work is an act of bravery.
I love your work. You are stupendous to the max.
XOXOXBarbara
Hello, Barbara,
I've seen your comments often on Julie's blog and just today saw the portrait work on your blog for the first time. It is fabulous and I find it inspiring in its lively irreverence, coupled with the accuracy present in your drawing.
I think there's a lot to your feelings about art and artists. The common thread seems to come down to how much time an artist is willing to spend on his or her craft, no? You are obviously committed to yours. Wonderful work!
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