Sam and his friend before the prom
black marker on bond paper
(I still need to fix the bit behind the young man's ear)
8 x 10 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
in my studio, in drawings, photo reference and staring out of
paintings in various stages of completion. I've heard people say
before that they wouldn't know what to do with all those faces
looking at them all day. But I think in my case, part of why I'm
on the planet is to record those faces, and another is to get to know
people, understand them better, and in the case of teaching, help them
to learn and change.
Part of what makes painting people fun, is my clients' feeling of
occasion and celebration. Whether I'm helping celebrate an
event, record a person's triumphs, or just capture the essence
and loving image of a person someone loves, the job is
inspiring. Tonight I did a little drawing of my son and his friend
just before the prom last week. It's not perfect, but it has the feeling
of happy anticipation. That will do for now.
Have an anticipating-life-happily day.
12 comments:
Great drawing, Barbara! I really like the way you've captured him looking down and her looking out - that gives the scene something very natural.
A painting whirlwind... That's the kind that lifts you up and twirls you around and lands you in Oz, I think. We welcome you to Munchkinland!
-from one of your little admirers along the yellow brick road
Hi Liza,
Thanks so much. I'm glad you like the drawing. There is something so
touching about people heading off to a formal dance. I'm always moved by the subject.
xoxoxoxBarbara
Hi Susan,
I just love that painting Expecting. It has so much power and grace.
xoxoxoBarbara
You describe it perfectly--the happy anticipation is palpable! So much more telling and meaningful than a photo!
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much. I've done a lot of paintings of this type of subject -- my Dance series, and I love that feeling before a big party or special occasion.
Take care,
Barbara
Barbara, How charming this one is! I love the black and white.
Hi Karen,
Thanks so much. So do I. Tuxes lend themselves to black and white.
Take care,
Barbara
oh, it does SO have the feeling... prom night. Beautiful drawing, Barbara. XOXOXO
Hi Laurel,
It does have that feeling doesn't it?
My son and his friend were so incredibly happy getting ready to go. My son loves wearing a tux. I understand. Men have so few opportunities to dress up. He is not the kind of guy who has to be dragged kicking and screaming into more formal duds. I like that.
XOXOXBarbara
This is so great. You have such a sure, steady hand...the sign of a very skilled Artist. Love the quick but sure pen strokes. You really caught the moment!
Hi Gwen,
Thanks so much. When I'm feeling confident everything works very well.
Thanks for the very kind compliment.
Your work is beautiful.
Take care,
Barbara
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