To the love of learning and wonderful models

Poem by the Don
acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches (diptych)
Barbara Muir © 2008

It's the second last day of the Month of Love,

and my commitment to myself to honour this month, by

posting every day.  I woke up wondering what to write

about. I have a few large pieces in transition -- still working

on them.  I went through my draft blog posts, then looked

at photos of my work online and randomly came upon

a wonderful blog by Bas van Houwelingen,  called Reading 
and Art, that honoured me four years ago by featuring my
paintings of people reading.

The blog didn't include this painting of one of my favourite models,
who was wonderful to work with.  She came to an exhibition
in the fall with her husband, and looked so grown up!  I painted this
work eleven years ago.  So it was amazing and wonderful to see her.

Last night we entertained one of the youngest members of our 

family, three year old Alice, who already has our family's passion

for reading.  For most of the 3 1/2 hours of her visit, we read to her. 

And she loved it, asking for another book the minute one story

was finished.

The affects of coming from a reading family are clearly

evident to me when I'm teaching.  Vocabulary, curiosity,

even self confidence are deeply improved by reading.

I'm glad that reading's featured so often in my portraits.

Subliminally I was both attracted to the look of people

reading, but also secretly trying to urge people to read

more often, to enjoy learning.  Once again we have perfect

reading weather in Toronto today -- lots of snow coming down.

Have a reading a superb book day.