Untitled (work in progress)
Acrylic on canvas
18 x 24 inches
Barbara Muir © 2013
I am having a great time working on my babypainting, but am amazed at how much time it's
taking. Anyone who has never painted a baby
may think -- wow that's easy. But it's not true.
Babies look straightforward -- but they are as
full of personality and physical quirks as
any grown up.
One of my friends is studying classical drawing
and painting methods. I was trained in those
methods as a teenager in art school. But one of
the qualities that line of study values is -- time.
Poses last for weeks on end, just like they do
when you are painting a portrait commission from
life. Thinking about these sorts of studies, I let
myself off the hook. This baby will be done when
it is done.
At the moment I am still fleshing her in and fine
tuning her. Sometimes at night before I go to bed
I make a list of what to look at/work on tomorrow.
It's helpful as it is in this case for deciding what to
work on next. So here she is at stage I don't know
maybe 4 in her development. I will keep you posted
as the painting progresses.
Have a working-through-the-list day
Barbara, I just love the way you've captured the baby's facial expression: curious, hesitant, alert. I've seen that look on countless young children! Marvellous work. Love - Mary Lou
ReplyDeleteWonderful! The detail in the previous post actually felt like it's own painting so it is fun to see the fuller version. Children/babies are hard... they are not marked with lines and wrinkles and time, so finding their uniqueness takes a good eye. Well done Barbara- looking forward to seeing the final version.
ReplyDeleteXO as always!
Nicki
Hi Mary Lou,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. This baby's body posture is captivating for me. She has clearly been told to sit in the chair and pose, and of course would like to get going. I love that.
XO Barbara
Hi Nicki,
ReplyDeleteBut they are full of curiosity, animation, and want to get on with life. This is true right away as I remember. I was thinking of my son getting nominated for a National Magazine Award for photography and remembering that he loved looking at my magazines (Ms. and Elle, House Beautiful) as a baby in the hospital even.
Love your work.
XO Barbara