Saturday, June 12, 2010

The past holds meaning


Graeme and Coco
24 x 30 inches
acrylic on canvas
© Barbara Muir

One of my earliest portrait commissions was this one of
my friends Suzanne and David's son Graeme with their
puppy Coco. That was about eight years ago, and I
still like the portrait whenever I see it.

Tonight I've been working on a portrait that I'll show
you when it's finished and approved by my client.
But each time I see a former commission I remember
the story behind it -- what happened -- how Coco
wriggled when we tried to photograph her -- how
Graeme patiently sat with a toy rabbit to pretend he
had a dog in his hands. I also remember how sweet
Suzanne was about the whole project, how accepting
of my painterly style.

Today has been a great day with my client and her
friend, and I'll tell you more about it another day.

Have a loving-the-stories-behind-your-art day.

4 comments:

  1. Nice painting! Coco looks like a great dog. Thanks for sharing an "oldie goldie!"

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  2. I can hardly wait to see the new one.
    Old paintings are just that way for me too. They're like pages from a diary. Even the crappy one bring memories.

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  3. Hi Linda,

    Thanks so much. She was. Sadly she
    died when she was only two years old from renal failure. She was a lovely puppy.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Eldon,

    You are right. The portrait commissions are a whole different thing, because you usually either spend a long time talking and planning with the client, or the client spends a long time sitting for you. So the memories are major.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete

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