Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Protect your archives

 

Reading in the studio with the cat
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 16 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

A couple of months ago I downloaded a photo someone
sent me and lost almost total photo record of my work
for the past few years.  Not a happy event.  Computer
experts in my family tell me they can probably help,
but so far none of them have had sufficient time, and
I've been too busy moving forward to spend time and
money looking back.  But it matters, and fair warning.
Buy yourself an extra hard drive for $100 and back
everything up.

The painting tonight is one I love, but unfortunately
I did not take a decent photo of it before it went to
its current home.  The model is so wonderful and patient
and the star of many of my paintings.  She is a lighthearted
young woman who gets into pose and takes
on incredible deep moods.  I love painting her.  Meanwhile
-- except for exams school ended today.  So I am going into a
painting frenzy.  Watch out.

Or should I say watch this space.

Have a taking-care-of-your-images day.

16 comments:

Astra said...

Was it some specific computer virus that destroyed all and what should we watch out for?

Kay Christopher said...

Wow, this painting is awesome.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Astra,

I don't know what did it. I just know poof. Buy an external hard drive and back up your images.

That's all I know.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kay,

Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it.

Take care,

Barbara

Liza Hirst said...

Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear this, Barbara, and hope you can get your images back. Good luck! The composition and mood of this painting are amazing and wonderful!
I am happy for you that you have some free time for yourself now.

laura said...

I love this painting too--amazing color and so intricate: I had to look for a bit to "discover" the subject--an entirely pleasurable experience.
... Unlike dealing with computer issues: same for me and my problems--many people who offer to help, but none of us has the time!

Melinda said...

Good advice! Isn't it funny that we back things up, put data on disks, print out hard copies, and still feel unsure that we've done enough?

That said, we can still lose stuff.

Glad you have a good attitude about it.

Lovely painting! Great colors and sense of place.

Kay Christopher said...

Recently got a Mac with Time Machine which backs up automatically every 10 minutes or so. I never have to do anything except check every now and then to be sure it's doing it's thing. Highly recommend it if it's a possibility for you.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

I think I will. Time is the big question. When will any of the techies I know have time. Soon I hope. I love your recent paintings of tulips.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

Thanks very much. I love your paintings of flowers. A few years ago I would have gone into a complete funk over this. Now there's no time, so that's good news.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

That's what I haven't done -- backed anything up. Have a great show. I wish I could be there.

I'm sending you wishes for great sales and endless compliments.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kay,

Yes this is exactly what I have to do.
Thanks for the tip.

XOBarbara

Linny D. Vine said...

Fabulous, Barbara-the reds and the kitty stretch grab me! (I really hope that you get your images back safely!!)

cohen labelle said...

Hi Barbara,
This is a fantastic painting - just amazing!!!! I love it!!!
Should I also include a moral which we all know - back up, back up, back up
love, Marcia

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linny,

Thanks so much. The cats like to get in on poses because the lights are hot in the studio. Yes I hope I do too. My summer is going to be partially spent getting up to speed technically.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

I suppose you must include the moral.
I didn't really know that moral until now. Now I do... Glad you like the painting.

Love Barbara

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!