A great model grows up

My friend's daughter, Claudia has been, and I hope
continues to be one of my favorite models.  Today was
her 21st birthday and I have been flooded with memories
of watching her growing up all day.  She was a beautiful
little girl when we first met, and in the same class as
my son Sam at school.  As so often happened back then
I met her mother through the school, and one October
invited Claudia to Sam's birthday party.  Her mother and
I and Sam and Claudia have been friends ever since,
and in fact our two families have felt like family to one
another from the very beginning. 

Water Image 1 (detail)
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 30 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

But my relationship with Claudia is also one of painter and
model.  Claudia always understood what I was trying to do,
and from a very young age, could strike a pose and keep it
over multiple and protracted sessions.  A talented photographer
and writer herself, she "gets" what I'm trying to do and has
always been cooperative, kind and engaging.  Her modeling
work has helped me produce some of my best paintings.

New Face

Acrylic  on canvas

8 x 10 inches

Barbara Muir © 2004

Before the dance in the white dress

Acrylic on canvas

36 x 48 inches

Barbara Muir © 2006

Happy Birthday Claudia. I hope to do many more paintings
with you as my model, and I am grateful for every painting
you have ever helped me complete.  A Happy Day and Happy
Year to you.  By the way Claudia is one of the most well adjusted,
animated, funniest, and kindest young women I know.
And I feel that I have been incredibly lucky to get to watch
her grow up.

In the black dress before the dance

Acrylic on canvas

36 x 24  inches

Barbara Muir © 2006

Have an appreciating-your-models day.
P.S. Thank you to all the other models who've worked
for me too.