Wednesday, November 14, 2018

The demand for loose


Grey Love 
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 24 inches
Barbara Muir © 2018
In my art sometimes I'm loose, and sometimes uptight.
I like some of the work that develops from both states,
so I can't yell out that loose is better -- but I sure enjoy
watching loose painters like Susan Rothenberg, and
Bob Burridge paint.

In the past week I've watched videos of a few super
loose and dynamic painters painting, which is
probably why I could get this portrait painted last
night at my art group in such a short time.  I felt
happy to have a good size canvas prepared.  I loved
having a group of creative people around me --
and away I went.

Seeing the model at first, who was shy, (and I didn't get his
name, I'm sorry), I would not have expected this painting.  But
it flew out of me, and the model was brilliantly inspiring
in his steady, non assuming pose.

So there you have it.  Thank you to loose painters everywhere.
I will join you from time to time. And thank you to my
art group.

Have a painting the town day.

12 comments:

Judi said...

It sounds like you had a very inspired paint evening and all the positive and 'loose' forces that included the model and your friends were with you! xo

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Judi,

It shows you how much happens because of who you pay attention to and who you're with. I am
inspired by watching other artists. Probably at the art group I hardly look at other artists' work
except in the break, but I can feel their creative energy as I paint, and love that. We artists work
alone most of the time, except when we're doing portraits, and then there's the model. So great to
have a model.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Liza Hirst said...

Your mood is visible in the painting! Love it!

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Liza,

I'm glad that's true. I wish I could paint along with you!

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Nicki said...

I move between loose and controlled, too (I am not a fan of the word tight because it sounds negative - at least in the way it has been delivered to me many a-time). I find it easier to be loose on a small scale and find I become more controlled when I go larger. Quite interesting really.

Anyway, I love your fast and free portrait! Well done!

XOXO N.

Flora Doehler said...

Oh I love this painting Barbara! It's very loose and strong and confident! xoo

Verna Vogel said...

I love this painting, very beautiful colours and yes, the looseness. Thank you for posting it!

xoxo
V

Barbara Muir said...

Hi NIcki,

Thanks so much Nicki. I tried to reply to you on my iPad, but it keeps blanking out and deleting the message. Most annoying.
When you go to a major gallery and see the variety of styles that make up good art, it does seem strange to categorize
one way of painting as the "right" way. Seurat was quite uptight -- with fantastic results. I love all of your work.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flora,

Thank you so much. I had so much fun! I love all kinds of painting -- the earnest, endless
hours in the studio type, the gloriously loose type. Painting is so much like writing. You have
an end in mind, which changes, and sometimes you labour over one paragraph for months,
and sometimes the perfect words jump out to greet you. So mysterious this art thing. Love your work!

XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Verna,

Thank you so much. I usually find grey daunting, living as I do in a town that
worships that paint colour. But this fellow emitted an energy that was way
beyond the visual, and it flew out into the painting. I am grateful to him.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

laura said...

I think it's wonderful that you are open to what will happen, not approaching to subject with a set idea in mind...one reason why your paintings are so filled with life?

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Laura,

I was watching a video of a famous artist painting the day of this art group meeting. I wasn't crazy
about her work, but I loved her energy, and how she kept going. Then I watched a video
of an artist I admire, just filling a giant canvas with massive, loose brushstrokes and I was
inspired beyond compare. Your work is very inspiring.

XOXOXOXOXO 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!