Wednesday, November 2, 2011

What else is new? An art show and a glorious day

On the road in Fredericton
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches
Barbara Muir © 2011

Check out last night's post to see the entire show that
opens this Saturday between 5 -7 p.m. at Studio
Vogue Gallery.  Gill Cameron and I are showing
paintings I think you'd love.  So if you're in town
drop by to take a look and say Hi.  For the
rest of the week I'll post paintings that are in the
show.

Here's one that you haven't seen.  I met this young
lady in the parking lot of an Atlantic Superstore
in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.  We were
on our way home, and travelling on to Quebec City --
about a 14 hour trip from our place in Pugwash.
On that glorious day we were listening to a great
audio book in the car, The People of the Book by Geraldine
Brooks. It was one of those books you wish would never
end, and we were transfixed.  You can find out what inspired
the author here.

So we stopped for coffee and a bathroom break at the
Superstore and were off.  Just as I got back into the car
I saw this great looking girl hop on her bike beside us,
and I asked if I could photograph her to paint her for an
upcoming show.  She said "Yes!" eagerly, I took the photos,
gave her a postcard of my New York show, and here's the result.

It's a big painting that I've dreamt of painting ever since
that day.  What was wonderful was that the girl's
name was Hannah, and the central character in the
all consuming book was also Hannah.  Plus the girl was
just the epitome of youthful confidence and joy -- a
subject I love painting.

Thank you Hannah.

Have an-enjoying-the-kindness-of-strangers day.
at

10 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 3, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    You must be thrilled, because your "On the Road to Fredricton" turned out amazing!!I'm completelywow-ed. You did a great job on the motorbike, and I know you were concerned about it, it's really readable and you've got a great harmony throughout the whole painting. You painted Hannah beautifully, i hope she will get to see it.

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  2. cohen labelleNovember 3, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    What a beautiful smile this beaming young lady has! -Hannah eh?
    That was also my grandmother's name - Hannah Leah -which I didn't learn until long after she had passed away because she liked to be known as Lillian or Lil.
    I love the way you have Hannah holding her helmut on her lap as though it were a globe.
    It is most heartening isn't, the kindness of strangers! - it helps make the world go 'round - not to mention of course the kindness of friends!!!
    love, Marcia

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  3. Laurel DanielNovember 3, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    You did capture her youthful exuberance! Joyous! I like how you wish us an "enjoying the kindness of strangers" day... something tells me that you don't know a stranger! :) XOXO

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  4. NickiNovember 3, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Barbara! It is wonderful! Congratulations! This painting radiates joy, freedom and youth. The "bike" turned out great- be proud. The painting will be a show-stopper.

    Have fun and I wish I could be there.

    Hugs,
    Nicki

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  5. Barbara MuirNovember 4, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    Hi Sally,

    I am very pleased with this painting.
    The thought of it carried me along until I had time to paint it. I hope Hannah will get to see it too.

    XO Barbara

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  6. Barbara MuirNovember 4, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Hi Marcia,

    The kindness of strangers is always a delightful surprise. I love the name Hannah, a palindrome as it turns out.
    I was going to include the name in the painting, but didn't have time to work that out.

    Here's to your grandmother. She had a beautiful name.
    Love,

    Barbara

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  7. Barbara MuirNovember 4, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Hi Laurel,

    One of the paintings in this show has people at the edges who aren't complete -- you see a mother holding a child, but only the child's leg resting on the Mom's hip is in the painting. You see a man walking away, but his face is cut off. I think in our busy lives we sometimes notice flashes of people going by, in cars, crossing at crosswalks in front of us, and for a minute we wonder about those people. But also I am constantly impressed with how wonderful most people are. That is one of the great pleasures of being alive.

    XOXOXOXBarbara

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  8. Barbara MuirNovember 4, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Hi Nicki,

    Thanks so much. I wish you could be there too. We would enjoy ourselves no end. Well...when are you coming out to show at the AGO? Soon I hope. Toronto misses you.

    XO Barbara

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  9. Eben CreaserNovember 15, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Hi Barbara,

    Your painting of Hannah really does capture the true essence of this extraordinary young woman. The warmth and color that you have used matches her personality and outlook perfectly not to mention you painted her great hands perfectly as well.

    I'm tickled pink!

    Hannah's Dad

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  10. Barbara MuirNovember 19, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Hi Eben,

    Thank you so much. I sure wish you could see the painting at our closing party this Thursday. It is, I think, one of my best. You've made me very happy today reading your comment. Your kind praise means the world to me. You must be very proud of your daughter.

    Thank you,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete

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