Lilacs, tea, and painting

Heather's lilacs in a Victorian jug

I spent a great hour or two with a friend this
afternoon who recently helped me get my hotel
and flights for the New York trip. She made me a cup of
tea and we talked and laughed about so many
things. At the end of the visit we went out into
her garden and she picked me an armful of lilac
from the thriving tree in her yard.

I walked home overwhelmed by the delicious
perfume of the lilac, and now I'm painting,
so I'll show you my progress when I'm done.

In the park -- ready for summer
Stages 5 and 6
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 36 inches
Barbara Muir 2010
(beginning work on the faces, more on
the clothes, hair and background.
Faces will take more refining and
the girls' hands need work. I
worked mostly on the little boy
today, and he is coming along so
I'm happy -- I just need to make
him grin completely over the top
because that's him.)

As an artist I really enjoy being with my friends.
I was with another great friend yesterday, who
owns three of my portraits, and it was so
inspiring to spend some time with her too.

See -- that's where you come in. You are my
friends. It's almost as if being with people
I adore, seeing my friends' artwork, and
reading their comments on line, gets into
the paint, and makes each day a pleasure.
Forget almost. It's true.

Have a powered-by-friendship day.