The comfy couch
charcoal on manila paper
18 x 24 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
witty, informed, artists, all working the art store job to support
their art. One of the super artists in there, Greg Nordoff,
is classically trained, and we always talk to one another with
great understanding and humorous sarcasm. I love it when I
see him behind the counter, because I know he's going to take
my incredible anxiety about some major project, and make me
laugh about it.
Greg can draw or paint the human form like Leonardo da Vinci,
so I had to laugh when we had a discussion about galleries
wanting "couch" size art. That would be 36" x 48". Recently as
a joke Greg painted a couch on a couch size canvas. "It was
really good," he says. "But it was a joke too in a way."
"Brilliant!" I said. And I went home and drew my studio couch for you.
I don't think I'll start doing couch paintings, and I'd be delighted
to have my art show up over the couch -- as it does -- in many
art lovers' houses. But I still like Greg's humour. And I was
just wondering what to paint or draw, when this idea popped
into my thoughtscape and I thoroughly enjoyed drawing my couch.
By the way this couch (sofa) was a garage sale find. The quality is great
under the sagging slip covers my animals do their best to
destroy. And it's comfortable. What more could you ask for?
Have a loving-the-couch-your-with day
Love it, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, goodness that is hilarious and I love your couch art. Nah, I don't think you're called to the genre, but grab a sitter and you'll be off to create a stunning portrait, yes? Oh, yes, I know so!!
ReplyDeleteVery skillfully drawn! Those fluffy couches can be extremely difficult subjects but you captured the soft welcoming feel perfectly. I like that you left it as a sketch too. Shows the lines so much better than a painting would.
ReplyDeleteI keep coming here to see the work of an awesome artist. And I totally enjoy the surprise of seeing some of the off the wall things you do. As always...a fine piece of work.
ReplyDeleteThanks
EW
Hi Janie,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
I hope you are well.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh. I put the link on to Greg's site so you can see his wonderful couch painting, which sold apparently.
We had quite the chat. When you come up here sometime I'll introduce you.
xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
Hi Gwen,
ReplyDeleteOf course this is my training, only my master teacher would have had the stuffing coming out of the couch and something sad in the corner.
I escaped that sadness than goodness.
But it did make for amazing art.
xoxoxoxoxBarbara
Hi Eldon,
ReplyDeleteI get restless sometimes with whatever I'm doing and have to do something different. I notice that's true for you too. Great minds and all that.
Take care,
Barbara
Too funny and too confusing about what size painting people want. The trend always seems to be the opposite of what you're painting doesn't it? hehe I love your couch drawing. It looks supremely comfortable and inviting. Will it be making a debut in color sometime soon?
ReplyDeleteHi LeSan,
ReplyDeleteHard to say. When it comes to daily paintings or drawings I go for whatever seems appealing at the time.
My couch, as you can probably see, is not the most beautiful piece of furniture. And the animals do their best to make it even less appealing.
Still I love my comfy couch, and one day it may cry out in its beige plainess to be painted. It has, of course been featured as a supporting cast in several of my portraits. Have a great weekend.
Take care,
Barbara
I like your couch painting and feel inspired to do one myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks also for the link to Greg's work - very interesting!
Hi Liza,
ReplyDeleteI know you would like Greg. He is a complete sweetheart, with a biting sense of humour. When I'm tense about something I'm doing, he is profoundly funny in a knowing artist way.
xoxoxoxoxoBarbara