The Baker
Acrylic on birch panel
5 x 7 inches
Barbara Muir © 2014
I can't exactly say I was feeling stressed yesterday
when I left the hospital while my very good
friend was having surgery. But I wasn't relaxed
either. A friend said she'd send me puffy clouds
in a blue sky, and as I headed out for a walk
they were there! As she lives in the southwestern
United States I was pretty impressed.
But in the midst of what could be a worrying
situation I found a bakery that warmed
my spirits. It was filled with men drinking
coffee and talking. And the person having
a conversation with the woman in my
painting last night was this man -- the baker
I am pretty sure.
I've been painting him thinking what a
wonderful face. I don't know him at all,
but I could feel all kinds of truths emerging
from that face. When I paint someone
I'm getting to know, the person's stories
fold into the picture. But with a stranger
(Remember I asked if I could take pictures
for paintings), building the image starts
stories flowing in my mind. He looks like
a kind man, and I think he is the baker.
Plus he looks loved. I think when I see
him again I'll find out that everyone in
that shop likes him.
Have a-thinking-up-the-best-stories day.
2 comments:
Barbara, I'm so impressed with these two portraits, it feels as though you've known these two people a very long time - there is such a sympathy and warmth conveyed for their character and humanity!
Love,
Marcia
Thanks Marcia,
I just watched them and enjoyed them while I ate my delicious lunch. When I head back there, I can show them the paintings. You are sweet.
Love,
Barbara
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