Monday, September 21, 2009

Making it right



Extra Big Night (detail)
36 x 48 inches
acrylic on canvas
Barbara Muir © 2009

Sometimes it's a long journey to the right look for
a painting. It can be about personal taste, it can be
about accuracy, but I believe that at the root of it
all a painting is right when it expresses what it needs
to reveal. I've been working for a couple of months
now on a portrait commission that for the most
part came together today.

This painting needed to have an extra dimension --
not just vivid colour, or a happy composition. It
had to speak about the deep love between a man
and a woman.

So I feel more than relieved that it succeeds for my
client.

Tonight I'm going to show you a detail from the
painting, the man's face. I've been crazy about
his face since I first set eyes on it. Some faces
definitely convey character and kindness. This
face is like that.

Have a loving-the-faces-around-you-day.
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10 comments:

  1. Liza HirstSeptember 22, 2009 at 12:59 AM

    Great! That man's expression is definitely one of love, joy, admiration and pride - you got it right on! Can't wait to see the other half of the picture. Have a lovely day, my dear friend!

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  2. Linny D. VineSeptember 22, 2009 at 7:18 AM

    I like his smile and that we can't see what he is looking at while he is smiling his warm smile. Full of warmth! I look forward to seeing the finished piece, too!

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2009 at 11:50 AM

    You've definately captured the pride and love he is feeling. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished painting. You are right about a painting succeeding if it translates what is intended to be said. (should i tell you that at first glance, my impression was 'this man reminds me of Obama'?)

    ReplyDelete
  4. LeSanSeptember 22, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    I just love this painting. You captured such a depth of emotion and charactor in his face. I can't wait to see more. Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. DJSeptember 22, 2009 at 5:38 PM

    Just found your blog, and it's going in my faves...Awesome color schemes, and emotion in every brushstroke...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barbara MuirSeptember 22, 2009 at 7:02 PM

    Hi Liza,

    Thank you. I feel pretty good about it. I did have a good day. Thanks
    so much.

    xoxoxoxoxBarbara

    ReplyDelete
  7. Barbara MuirSeptember 22, 2009 at 7:03 PM

    Hi Linny,

    coming up. Sorry I'm rushing tonight because tomorrow is such a long day at school. You will see the whole thing soon.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barbara MuirSeptember 22, 2009 at 7:05 PM

    Hi Sally,

    I've never met this man because he is dead. But he was beloved of his family and I feel like I know a bit about him. Like Obama? Maybe in that he had dignity and warmth, but he really doesn't look like him at all.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  9. Barbara MuirSeptember 22, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Hi LeSan,
    Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it.
    Yes I feel good about him. It's a heartfelt job, and I really want to know everything is right for my client.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  10. Barbara MuirSeptember 22, 2009 at 7:09 PM

    Hi DJ,

    Thanks so much. I really appreciate your kindness.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete

Your thoughts and positive comments make my day. Thank you for stopping by.