A Danish painter in Norway
Stages 1 - 3
Ground, drawing and blocking in
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 30 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
(Here's the beginning of a new
painting -- a portrait of
my friend Henriette).
in my life recently I have to give myself a pinch. Can this
be true? When I was a freelance writer it was
one of my dreams to have my own column. I wanted to
be an advice lady, or write about great cultural events.
Now I do write almost every day, and usually cover
just my own observations on life in my city, and my
own studio. If I rewind even by five years, I would not
have been able to imagine my current life. Not at all.
I was a painter back in 2005, and a writer. But this?
Talking to you every day? Meeting painters from around
the world? No way. I would have told you you were
crazy if you'd tried to convince me it would all happen.
So tonight I began a painting of my friend Henriette
painting. I posted a sketch of the painting on my blog
on June 1. I will pull that sketch out and compare it
to the painting so far. It's a big painting, 30 inches x
30 inches, and it will be quite simple and abstract I
think when it's finished. I love painting on a large
surface, with two inch wide brushes. So much fun.
Like Henriette. But it's so strange to reflect on the
fact that without this blog I wouldn't have been
invited to show in Florence, without the Florence
Biennale I wouldn't have met Henriette, without
Skype, I wouldn't have been able to see her while
we talked, and without my computer I wouldn't
have been able to take the photo I'm using to start
this painting.
It's almost absurd, following the thread of how all
of it happens. And yet at its core, it's miraculous.
My son Sam asked me the other night what I
believe in. I told him that I believe in love. I do.
So behind the mechanics and technology of this
path is love. The love of painting. The love of
culture. The love of people all over the world
for the work they do, and the people who share
that passion.
I feel intensely grateful for that reality.
Have a being-grateful-for-the-good-in-your-reality day.
4 comments:
This painting is fabulous, Barbara. It has such rich color and expressive line quality. I really enjoy the variety of your paintings on commission and those you do for you.
It's been a wild ride. Wishing you all the positive adventures you can handle.
This already looks great. Love the composition. Yes, our lives have so many paths and twists and turns. You never know what's ahead ; ) Take care!
Hi Melinda,
Thanks so much. I'm glad that you like it. I think it may make a series like a giant flip book on the wall. Okay maybe just three -- a giant mini flip book. Yes it has been a wild ride.
Here's to the old "Feel the Fear and do it Anyway" motto. I can handle it. We'll handle it.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
Hi Kim,
People are watching movies on their phones. Somehow I don't think a Chuck Close documentary would come off properly on a phone screen. So it's enjoy the best, and leave the rest.
Great painting of your sandal.
Take care,
Barbara
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