Thursday, October 21, 2010

It's not a ladder it's a circle

In an interview on Q on CBC radio with Jian Ghomeshi
the other day, Gloria Steinem said that women working
together is a circle (as opposed to a heirarchy).  I liked
this image, and would apply it to artists male and female.
We are a circle of friends, and as such can help one another.
I am in the thick of marking right now, but found some
time to work on this little painting.  It is almost done.
The baby's sleeping
(work in progress)
Acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
Have an enjoying-your-circle-of-friends day

8 comments:

Melinda said...

I see a quiet joy, a protective but not worried momma, and a sweet resting infant.

Nicely done. The colors are quite beautiful too.

Yes, a circle. Love it. A circle is always stronger than a ladder, isn't it? I'm glad to be a part of your circle of support.

Hang in there with all that marking.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

I'm glad you like it. Yes that's the look I was going for, protective. The baby nuzzling into her shoulder makes it clear that all is well. I've seen Gloria Steinem speak several times, and I was impressed with the way she discussed the dangerous tendency of our society to create conflict where none exists in the Q interview. So I'm glad you like the circle idea. Thanks for being in mine.

xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

cohen labelle said...

Hi Barbara,
I think we all need and depend on one another. So is that cute baby sleeping through the night yet? He certainly looks as though he is.
Seriously though, I really do need a really strong ladder. We have this vine growing up the side of our house and David is afraid of heights - doesn't mind admitting it, and I don't mind climbing up - actually a scaffold would be perfect - I know I'm being silly
love, Marcia

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,

This is another mother and child painting of yours that I love. So many memories it brings back of my boys sleeping soundly on my shoulder. This will be a wonderful keepsake for your client.

I'm glad you are in my circle of artists friends and I appreciate your support. I felt like the video you posted the other day was speaking directly to me! Words I needed to hear.

Take care,

Nicki

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

Listen to Q.(I gave you the link). Steinem is disputing the divide between older and younger feminists, and I would too. She said that she learns as much from young women as they learn from her. I feel that way when I teach. So I like the idea of collaboration. And you are definitely in my circle.

Glad you like the painting.

You are sweet and funny too.

Love Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

I'm so glad you like the painting. My message the other day was as much for me as anyone else. I have often wished I could paint like Cassatt, Larry Rivers, Matisse, Nicki Ault, everyone on my blog list. But it doesn't work to wish that. It stops the flow of creativity, so I have to learn, like we all do, to trust my own
voice.

Yours is something else.

Thanks for your kindness and for being in my circle.

XOBarbara

Linny D. Vine said...

Barbara,
This is another beautiful painting with your colors and love of life showing in each brush stroke...I'm looking forward to the finish!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linny,

Thanks so much. You are sweet. I must admit I really enjoyed painting this one. I may change a few things, but maybe not.

XOBarbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!