Friday, January 27, 2012

Remember to notice the light

 

 The lane in winter
iPad drawing
8 x 10 inches
Barbara Muir © 2012

In some ways it's been a somber day.  Friends and
family members having some hard times.  But outside
nature was putting on a spectacular show -- first of
all a snowfall that coated everything in that perfect
sugar candy coating of snow -- every branch, every
leaf still trying to grow in the garden.  Then the sun
came out and melted most of it.  And at the end of
the day wispy clouds against a azure sky.  Winter
you sure know how to shake things up.

I looked up a photo I took of a lane near my house
that I love, and decided to do a drawing on my iPad.
The colours are so glorious -- pure pleasure.  And
that matters.  So here it is.  Another little iPad drawing.
I'm heading back down to the studio now to mess
with some paint.  My sister-in-law Lina pointed
out that the light's returning to the land.  Now
that is joyous news.

Have a rollicking-in-the-light day.

12 comments:

Nicki said...

What a happy "painting". That iPad of yours was a good investment.

N.
X

Unknown said...

I haven't commented for a while because i couldn't from my usual wordpress blog. for some reason it just wont accept my comments now. So after realizing i could check in from this blog...here goes...wow!! you have done a lot of paintings lately! The little maritime houses speak to me, love the way you've been capturing the light on them, and their chunky textural shapes of rich colour. The portrait of Jesca is looking good, i totally get what you say about finding it easier to paint someone when you've spoken with them, somehow it gives you more insight to their personality. love the way you've captured the light in the most recent ipad drawing Barbara. i like the way the ipad gives you precise shapes...no ambiguousness about it...simple and pure. the light is a joyous thing to celebrate. i've been noticing it returning as well.

Sarah said...

I am enjoying your iPad drawings Barbara. I just got my first iPad too and am learning to use Brushes. So far it is my favourite painting App, but I have a couple of others which I will keep on trying. Have you tried any others?

CHRIS MURRAY said...

ok, I'm convinced. I just downloaded Sketchpro

Kim Rempel said...

Oh, this is dazzling. Love it. Especially those trees!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

Thanks so much. It was a gift. And I am very grateful.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

Thanks so much. I love what you've been doing. It is easier if you know a person, but if I also draw complete strangers at malls and from photos, and feel a connection to them without knowing their stories. You do that too in street scenes, and I love yours. The iPad creates an inescapable purity, because it limits what you can do, while greatly expanding your colour choices.

I hope we get to see each other soon.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sarah,

Thanks very much. I really like your work. I haven't tried Brushes, but many people say it's good.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Chris,

Wow that's exciting.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

It may be emotional. The way the golden light at the end of the day hits those trees always makes me feel awestruck.

XO Barbara

Flora Doehler said...

How did I miss this fabulous creation!! I love your ipad works! And you did this one on the anniversary of my mama's birthday. She would have been 90 and she would have loved this painting of yours.
xooxox

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flora,

Happy birthday to your Mom. She must have been a wonderful woman to have raised a great girl like you. We never get over the loss of our parents do we? I'm thinking of you.

I hope the weather's great in Nova Scotia.

XO 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!