Thursday, January 29, 2015

Art talks

 Untitled (work in progress)
Acrylic on birch panel
8 x 10 inches
Barbara Muir © 2015
I didn't get too far today --what I like about
painting on wood is that if I just use a wash
and then sand the wood, the surface sucks the paint in
and insists on the wood texture. That's why I spent time
reinforcing my lights, and moving some borders.

A wonderful artist friend, came to tea and we talked
about painting. She's taking a course with an instructor
who says the subject isn't the point, it's the paint. I know
what he means, but the point for me is capturing
what I love looking at. And light is what gets me.

I'm reading a novel on Edgar Degas and Mary
Cassatt I Always Loved You by Robin Oliviera.
In the book Mary Cassatt and her friend are
talking about painting the old way --
classically -- and the new way -- like Degas.
It's fascinating to me how new the Degas way still is
for so many painters a century plus later.  The novel's
a delicious read.

Have a getting-the-light day.
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10 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:03 AM

    oh this hotel breakfast one is delish! yes I agree somewhat with your friend that the paint is the point. But I also agree that the passion has to be there to paint, and if you paint what you love it shines in your work.
    I have jotted down the title of your book, sounds like a goodie, and that I need a trip to the library soon!

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  2. CarolJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    Just bought the book, thanks for the recommendation Barbara!

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  3. Sally DeanJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    I love your paintings! And, as always, your sentiments.
    I ordered some birch panels from Cheap joes ( and they were cheap!) they sent me a free bottle of clear gesso- it worked great! Just sayin....

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  4. Karen BrusonJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:37 PM

    Looking great. Keep going.

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  5. Barbara MuirJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:49 PM

    Hi Sally,

    I do think the paint is the point in part -- but I hope I don't stop in my tracks and consider whether that's true or not while I'm painting ;-)

    I downloaded the book from the library on my iPad. If you do that the library is in your hands full time. Not the same as a paper book I know, but lovely, and no late fees!

    XOXOXOXO Barbara

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  6. Barbara MuirJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:50 PM

    Hi Carol,

    I hope you enjoy it. I just started it so I do hope it's good. Miss seeing you.

    XOXOXOXO Barbara

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  7. Barbara MuirJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    Hi Sally Dean,

    Thank you so much. I know I could use clear gesso, but it's not what I want. I want the would to bleed through and claim the work. I love what it does. I like the back and forth.

    XOXOXOXO Barbara

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  8. Barbara MuirJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:54 PM

    Hi Karen,

    Thanks so much. I was captivated by your last painting. Thank you. I will keep going.

    XOXOXOXO Barbara

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  9. sarah makes picturesFebruary 1, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    "the subject isn't the point, it's the paint." Yes, this is something I have to remind myself constantly - that I'm not just making pictures, I'm making PAINTINGS. Looking at your work I can see how much fun you're having with your materials. Thanks for sharing, and keep it up!

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  10. Barbara MuirFebruary 1, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    Hi Sarah,

    I love your paintings. Really I think we can talk ourselves into a bleak corner by not following our guts. I know people who have zero texture in their paintings and the work is beautiful. It's not only
    individual to each person, but as I can see on your blog, to each painting.

    Your work is beautiful.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete

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