Thursday, December 15, 2022

The 15th thing I learned — art lives on!

Susan Hartnett
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 36 inches
Barbara Muir ©

I was looking through past portraits today, and came upon this one I posted
in 2008 of my friend Susan Scott, who changed her name to Susan Hartnett.
Susan was a lovely friend, who was always kind.

We became friends when we both worked for a gas company—she as the
Chief Financial Officer and I as editor of the corporate magazine.  She went
on to work almost exclusively for charities, and I do art, freelance writing, 
editing and teaching. 

We lost touch during the pandemic because she followed the health advice of
an anti-vaccine advocate. Ultimately I expect that’s why she died 6 months after
her cancer diagnosis about a year ago. I think she had both. The story is even sadder
because she wanted me to bring her bright flowers. And I planned to do it the
next week, but she died before I could.

This portrait is both abstract and accurate. I can feel her presence when I look
at it. In part it captures the joy I felt when I started painting in acrylic, and when
my friend, as very shy, vibrant, British woman agreed to pose.  I miss you Susan. 

Have a loving your friends day.

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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!