Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The women have arrived and seeing the women for coffee

Series: The conversation continues
Left to right: Listening across oceans, Late night in Norway,
The best news right here
Acrylic on canvas
90 x 30 inches (30 x 30 x 3)
Barbara Muir © 2011

This has been a long day -- seeing my dear one off in the early
morning light at about five a.m.  I stood in the shortest line
ever for my passport (two -- one of whom was me), and was
friends with the guard at the desk at the end of our five minute
chat.  Then a quick drive home and off to the neighbourhood
coffee meeting to talk about art and dance and hear snippets
of conversation about environmental disasters and taxes, and
the stuff of life.  The coffee, like the conversation, was excellent
and I felt my blood speed up as I drank it  and listened -- my third cup
-- the most  I should drink.

After an afternoon wrapping up the end of term bits and
pieces and handing out chocolate at school, I enjoyed a great dinner
with Sam, some fun phone calls, and now I'm off to watch Jon Stewart.
Painting will have to wait until tomorrow.

The best news of the day -- my women (above) have arrived in
New York and all is well.  I'll be reunited with them next week
at the opening. I cannot contain my excitement.

Tonight I'm showing you how my paintings will look
together on the wall. They re 90 inches wide end to end, quite
wide. When I talk to Steven on Skype I take hundreds of pictures
with Grab on my Mac.  After we hang up, I can almost watch the
conversation again. It would take a big gallery to convey that feeling
in paint.  These three paintings based on images from conversations
with my friend in Norway are a distillation of that experience.  The
world is both larger and more intimate because of this relatively new reality.

Have a loving-the-ins-and-outs-of-your-day day.
at

16 comments:

  1. NickiApril 26, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Barbara, I love the paintings and I am so happy for you that it has all come together!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barbara MuirApril 26, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Hi Nicki,

    I've been thinking of you. Thanks so much. I couldn't be happier myself. It was a bit of a push these last couple of weeks getting so many things completed. Whew. Big sigh, my book and a chamomile tea. Let's toast metaphorically across the country. Hope you're high and dry. I've been hearing about flooding in Saskatchewan.

    XOBarbara

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    The idea of doing this series of paintings is really a good one, especially in this techno age, it is very relevant. But the paintings themselves are full of light, subtle nuances, and harmonious colour. You've dont a great job, and you should be so proud Barbara. Have a great time in New York.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Karen BrusonApril 27, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. cohen labelleApril 27, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    One of the things I love about this series is that as well as being the portrait of a beautiful friend, it's also the portrait of a conversation. I wonder - what is she thinking and what is she saying.... might i be permitted to eavesdrop.
    xoxoxoxoxoMarcia

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barbara MuirApril 27, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Hi Sally,

    Thank you very much. The whole idea -- or one part of the whole idea is to marry an old art (the art of the portrait) with the new reality. The new reality, is that with Skype I can do a still life of your kitchen (with your permission of course -- but you know what I mean.) My friend and I were discussing how we could wander around our houses with our laptops and show one another how it was in real time, the cats, the coffee, the way the light shines in the rooms. That is the cool thing. One of them.

    Okay I'm rambling. Thank you.

    XO Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  7. Barbara MuirApril 27, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Karen,

    Thanks, I love your painting of the woman in New York City. Super light.

    XOBarbara

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barbara MuirApril 27, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Wow Marcia,

    That is exactly right. Now I'm ready to add the conversation on. I mean I'd love to record the conversations and allow the viewer to play snippets.
    That is coming -- soon.

    Love your paintings.

    Love Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sheila VaughanApril 28, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Barbara so glad your great paintings arrived safely. How terrific to be showing in New York! You must be over the moon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Hi Barbara,
    The portraits are stunning.

    Congratulations.

    Love,
    Josephine

    ReplyDelete
  11. Barbara MuirMay 1, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    Hi Sheila,

    You're right I am absolutely thrilled to be showing in New York again. The city is fantastic to visit. We have many plans.

    XOBarbara

    ReplyDelete
  12. Barbara MuirMay 1, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Hi Josephine,

    It means a lot to me that you like the portraits. They do look wonderful together. Now I think I'm ready to do really large portraits. Know anyone who's willing to pose?

    Love Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  13. Flora DoehlerMay 1, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful work Barbara! Have a wonderful time in New York!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Barbara MuirMay 1, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Hi Flora,

    Thanks so much. I sure wish you could be there with us.

    I love your recent paintings -- well all of your paintings. You know that.

    Love Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  15. Linny D. VineMay 2, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Congratulations and I'm so happy to hear that your beautiful women arrived safely!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Barbara MuirMay 7, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Hi Linny,

    The opening was exciting -- lots of super people to talk to, and great comments on my work -- so much fun. Wish you'd been here.

    XOBarbara

    ReplyDelete

Your thoughts and positive comments make my day. Thank you for stopping by.