Celebrating 16 years since my first blog post

Before the Dance

Acrylic on canvas

4'x6' 

Barbara Muir © 2008

It's been 16 years since my first blog post today! Wow! And what fantastic years they
have been.  I started the blog with the help of my son, Christopher. The results

were exciting and immediate -- making friends with artists, art writers, and
collectors all over the world, getting on the Oprah Winfrey show live via Skype
in May 2009, exhibiting at the Florence Biennale in 2009 and again in 2015.
Getting a gallery in New York City and exhibiting there for 10 years. Showing at
the the Carousel du Louvre in Paris 3 times.

Aside from endless inspiration from other bloggers, and the connections that continue
on Instagram, the most wonderful aspect of all this has been the love and affection
I've received from fellow artists. I made friends with people at the beginning of
this experience who are still my friends now.  Many of us have never met, yet
our friendships are real, supportive and caring.

About the painting:

"When my own children were in their teens, and and I was
teaching students on the edge of adulthood, I started a series
called Before the Dance. The young women who posed for
me have grown up into phenomenal adults, living 
exciting lives.

As for the painting.  It was at Seneca College, but as the
entire place has changed since I left 9 years ago, I don't
know where it is. (Yes -- that's a question. If you know please
let me know.)

What I love about the painting is it seems to capture the
anticipation young people have for being "in the dance,"
(grown up life), and their nervousness at getting out on the
dance floor.  I also love seeing my cat Simone (gone now)
who posed for the painting, and the cardinal -- one of my
favourite birds, and a bird that's at the feeder in our backyard
on a daily basis."

If you read this and know where my painting is, please tell
me.  It was on loan, not a gift.  There was some talk of buying
it with one administration. So?

Thank you for giving me 16 years of amazingly wonderful
times in my art life.

Have a loving your life day!