Tuesday, August 30, 2011

In the middle of the night


 August Colours
Acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2011

Billy Joel's song "The river of dreams,"
talks about walking around "in the middle of the night,'
and was one of my favorites by him. We used to sing
this driving in the car with the kids in Nova Scotia when
they were little. Last night at a late hour I started this little
painting.  I was thinking about Róisín O'Farrell, and her
dedication to the painting work day.  My day yesterday was
gone before I knew it to the Phone company trying to hook
up my cell, to bills and household logistics.  When I don't paint
I get antsy, nervous, out of sorts.  So after a great
walk with Steven and Zoey, I concentrated on
beginning.

The nasturtiums in my garden were planted late and
are just hitting their stride.  They're one of my favorite
flowers, and the peaches this season are beyond
delicious.  I just have to look at beautiful peaches and
I want to paint them.  So I put a few on the table with
a lovely little jug of nasturtiums, with a random miniature
petunia, and got out the paints.

I've just finished as much as I'm going to do with it for
now, and I'm very happy.

Have a painting-when-the-mood-strikes-you day.

at

16 comments:

  1. cohen labelleAugust 30, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Barbara, this is peachy!!! and I adore Barney - I just want to hug him and pet him! (doggone it - god spelled backwards goddone it as we all know - sorry but I couldn't resist it)
    love, Marcia

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barbara MuirAugust 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    Hi Marcia,

    So I guess you are up and creating something amazing in the middle of the night my friend. Funny on the doggy. He is pretty cute. Soon I'll post the final, serious, serious image.

    Love,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  3. cohen labelleAugust 30, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    No, I was up attempting to pay my phone bill while eating a cookie but I couldn't adjust the expiry date on my card online so I have to call them back later. And do you know what the name of the phone company is? Fido and their logo is a little dog! Is that serious or what?!

    love, Marcia

    ReplyDelete
  4. Barbara MuirAugust 31, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Wow. Marcia. I don't think I've ever had two comments on my blog before.
    Cool. Phone companies eh? Can't live with them...

    Love Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  5. eldon warrenAugust 31, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    You did good Barbara. Sometimes the late night stuff turns out so well because it gets quiet and one can concentrate. But then I keep a pretty close eye on your posts and ALL your work turns out well.
    I think I've about to get the peach paintings out of my system. I've got one more to post then it's over for a while. I think. :)
    E

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barbara MuirAugust 31, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Thanks Eldon,

    You are great. I hope you get back to blogging soon. You have inspired me from the very beginning of this journey. And from what I've seen every painting you do is excellent.

    Ciao,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nancy B. HartleyAugust 31, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    I love this, especially the shadow area! Gorgeous colors!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barbara MuirAugust 31, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Thanks Nancy. I like the shadow area too. Of course the shadows are most dramatic in the middle of the night.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousAugust 31, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    very beautiful Barbara! I'm sorry to hear about your Don Valley Art Group, i hope they will be given a break soon and a place to hang out and paint.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Barbara MuirAugust 31, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Hi Sally,

    We are hanging out with the Forest Hill Art Club, and that's really good news. It may become tight this month when all of our members return, but we'll see. Last night was wonderful.

    XO Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  11. Liza HirstSeptember 1, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    Beutiful painting, Barbara! Your use of red is always a BANG! and looks so vivid. While studying at art school, I often worked through the night because it was quiet and undisturbed, but nowadays unfortunately I get far too tired in the evening.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Diane HoeptnerSeptember 1, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Wow, it's been a while since I visited Barbara! LOVE all the new work. This one especially. So colorful and happy!! (I agree about getting antsy when no painting has occured!)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Barbara MuirSeptember 1, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Hi Liza,

    In truth I am by nature a night person. I don't know why -- neither of my parents were. But as soon as school starts I will have to get back onto a workday schedule so I can get my painting and teaching done, and stay civil.

    Delighted that you like it.

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

    ReplyDelete
  14. Barbara MuirSeptember 1, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Hi Diane,

    Isn't it strange how you don't even know what the problem is -- and to everyone else it's so obvious. Get out the paints! Thanks so much. I'm very happy that you like it.

    XO Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jill and HaidaSeptember 4, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Absolutely lovely work Barbara!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Barbara MuirSeptember 4, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Thanks Jill,

    I'm glad you like this one.

    Ciao,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete

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