The best hat
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
I taught early this morning, then stayed to talk
to students. Back into the car, and running
errands I was keenly aware that days this
beautiful, and warm cannot last much longer.
My friend Suzanne accompanied me on a short
walk with the dog through our local park.
I was snapping photos for reference and
oohing and ahhing at every twig, and bird.
On our way out of the park, happy as can be
we saw this lady walking towards us wearing the
most beautiful hat. I asked if I could take her
picture, she agreed, and here is the result.
It isn't a faithful portrait, but it does her hat
justice. She said an artist made her hat 19
years ago, and that I liked it because I am
an artist. I think she's right! Wherever she
goes she will brighten the mostly muted,
subtle landscape with her lovely hat and her
great manner and smile. Thanks very much
for posing for me.
Have a blessed-by-the-kindness-of-former-strangers day.
*Note: I cannot imagine keeping such a delicate
hat in excellent condition for 19 years. A double
shout out to this great lady.
10 comments:
Great hat and great painting...it's such a Happiness Painting...thanks for brightening a very grey November day, Barbara!
Barbara, I'm in awe of your insouciance. If you could bottle it you could make a fortune and I'd be first in line to buy a year's supply. Btw my mommy wore hats and modeled them, they were designed for her and when I was young she bought hats for me to wear - the more outlandish the better. This is a marvelous portrait! Your high spirits are a tonic!
your secret admirer.....
Hi Linny,
Thanks so much. You looked fabulous at your opening. I sure wish I could have been there. I love your work!
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Marcia,
I have a sudden vision of your mother at her best laughing. I don't see a hat. She was making massive abstract sculptures out of toxic resin at the time, and she sat in her kitchen, throwing back her head laughing, her face framed by the brightest red hair I've ever seen. Insouciance. I like that. I wish there was a shred of truth in it. Please don't keep your admiration a secret -- keep the compliments flowing.
xoxoxoBarbara
And what a great smile she has - also wonderful enough to light up her world... XOXO
Your posts are always so positive and encouraging. Who wouldn't feel happy after seeing this cheerful woman's portrait? That hat is so great and you've done a wonderful job of capturing the intricate detail.
You're portraits are always so full of life, Barbara! I remember, that was why I initially noticed your blog over a year ago and you never fail to live up to that first impression your work made on me! Wonderful, happy portrait!
Hi Laurel,
Thanks so much. I wish I could find this lady and show her the portrait. She really made my day with her jaunty original hat.
XOXOXOXBarbara
Hi Gwen,
When I first looked at the hat I thought it had little figurines or sculptures on it, but I think it was really different styles of buttons put
together. Maybe with a shell or two.
Whatever it was it was just glorious, all sewn onto a beret.
xoxoxoxoxoBarbara
Hi Liza,
I learned everything about portraits from your magnificent work. I am still learning, and learning by watching you paint (from a distance).
xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
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