Isabel
Ink on Moleskine paper
8 1/4 x 11 3/4 inches
Barbara Muir © 2017
My mother was a gorgeous beauty -- never aware or confident
of that for reasons I will never know. Today would have been
her birthday if she were alive to see it, and I thought of her
all day.
I've never done a painting of my mother, or even a real sketch,
so decided to try. I get why I was intimidated -- she had her own
unique look. Plus I know so much about her -- almost too much to
approach her simply as a portrait subject. But I'd like to try again.
Here's my first sketch.
My mother was brave, resilient and always looked for joy in small
things. Even blind, with a serious lung disease she asked me to
help her fill out cheques to dozens of charities. Not large amounts,
but the thought of helping people was uppermost on her to do
list. I miss her every day, but especially today. She died on
Canadian Thanksgiving Day four years ago, and enjoyed a full
and mostly happy life. I will try drawing her again to make an
effort to capture her beauty and the inspiration of her spirit.
Wish your mother Happy Birthday.
2 comments:
Oh Barbara, this is a beautiful sketch! I can see the kindness and sparkle in your mother's eyes, and the hint of a smile around her mouth. What a wonderful person. I'm glad she was your mother, and I'm glad you made this sketch, and keep her birthday.
xoxoxo
V
Thanks so much Verna,
You know I love your portraits, so that means a lot to me! I hope to get it even more
like her in a future try.
XOXOXOXOXO Barbara
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