Portrait of the Artist
acrylic on canvas
24 x 30
painted in 2004
Barbara Muir © 2010
art career in recent years was the time I won the
award for Best Portrait at my club's Juried
Spring Show. The judge, who I never saw again
completely surprised me by picking an odd
self portrait I'd done of myself painting the other
painting I'd entered in the show.
He said one of the best things I've ever heard about
my work, and that was that he'd just been visiting
England, and been to a portrait show at the Tate,
in London and my painting would hold up with anything there!
There was a loud "woo!" from the crowd, and as
I was absorbing this miraculous moment, my friend's
friend ran to the front desk and bought the painting!
Ironically I had lowballed the price thinking that I'd
be taking it home. Not so! Is there a moral to the
story? Yes -- it's have fun, because you never know
what's going to happen. And secondly enjoy what
does.
Have a delighting-in-the-amusing-world-of-art day.
Great portrait and great story, Barbara. I'm not sure many people enjoy themselves more than you do. It is a joy to read your positivity and your enthusiasm for your art and the life you lead.
ReplyDeleteLol...envisioning the friend of friend high tailing to grab it up. How fun! Love this self-portrait and the delightful element of you being dressed up while painting. So elegant and funny at the same time. And what a great judge to see your potential! I couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteI never got to see this self portrait before, until now - it is fabulous! But you alway did have a knack for portraiture!
xoxoxoxo
Marcia
I love this self portrait, Barbara. You have a gift and I hope you tell yourself so each morning when you look in the mirror.
ReplyDeleteOf course, what you believe is the most important thing of all...
This is beautiful, Barbara! I like the contrast of your elegant dress up while you're painting - just your kind of humour! And a nice story.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm a bit behind. Thank you so much. It was definitely both a great and funny experience.
I love your work, it is incredibly joyful.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Gwen,
ReplyDeleteI was in fact big into Vermeer at the time, and love that portrait of the artist in the fancy black and white velvet coat painting, so thought I'd do a take on that.
The judge was super, but never came
and judged again. Too bad.
You are sweet,
XOBarbara
Hi Marcia,
ReplyDeleteKind of you to say so. I hardly recognize this person from times gone by, but like the humour in her eyes nonetheless. Plus I like the loose style and the fact that that was appreciated. Thinking about that for New York!
Love,
Barbara
Hi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteLet's not discuss what I say in the mirror, especially first thing in the morning. I do the Stewart Smalley routine -- "You're good enough, and you're smart enough, and doggone it people like you!"
You are incredibly funny and great.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara
Hi Liza,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. Of course that was my joke painting it, but I don't know if everyone understood that. A formal, and a satin stole, highly unlikely! Try a "painting sweater" (an older and paint spattered, full of holes cashmere), jeans and sneakers or slippers, or even -- goodness no, bare feet.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
Wonderful and congratulations, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteHi Linny,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. It was a few years ago, and it did make me feel so fantastic and baffled at the same time because I thought my family would own the painting. But no! So funny.
Take care,
Barbara