Monday, September 22, 2008

My sweet Steven

Here's a big portrait that I'd like to do more work on, but I
doubt my subject would agree. It captures
my husband perfectly, except for one thing. At the time
I painted this, he did not want to pose, and made that clear
the whole time he was posing. In fact the painting
captures that reluctance fairly well, but doesn't show what
a great guy he is.

I like the style of the painting a lot. It has the loose quality
I'm always trying for in my personal work -- or paintings
that aren't commissioned, and expected to be more
detailed, more Sargent-like. I cannot be Sargent. I have
no illusions, but the 40 sittings Sargent required
produced those glorious works. The painting on the wall
is an abstract of our little schoolhouse in a meadow in
Nova Scotia.

The photo curves the painting somewhat -- those lines
are really straight. I'll remedy that soon.



At the dance in the yellow chair
36" x 48"
acrylic on canvas

It bothers me that Steven's expression in the painting
is pained -- I prefer my husband's jollier face.

Such is the painter's life sometimes - coercing family to
pose to get big paintings on the wall for a show.

I have no doubt that I'll paint my darling again. This time
he'll be beaming.

Have a loving-your-mate day.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm always trying to drag Debra along with me when I go out to paint. Sometimes she goes but really doesn't want to. Isn't it nice they put up with us?
ew

Barbara Muir said...

Yes,
it sure is. It must be like
living with a crazy person in
some ways. I can't imagine
giving up my living room and
dining room for someone to splash
paint around. Well -- of course
I can -- but that person is me.

Thanks Eldon,

Barbara

Theresa Rankin said...

Well done Barbara! I really love that you painted your darling from life..even if he was somewhat unwilling! It has a wonderful loose quality and your colors are always so joyful. I will look forward to seeing another painting of him.
Theresa

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Theresa,

I'm glad you like my loose work. I do too. The people in the studio (which is in my tiny house) become subject matter. They can't avoid it. Oh yes, I'll paint my guy again.

I just need a little time to get
through the intense show stuff right
now -- then wheee! Lots of new work.

Barbara

Liza Hirst said...

I don't know your husband but his expression doesn't look pained to me really - he looks as if he is a bit impatient yet slightly amused and even a bit proud to be a model. I like it!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

when I read my blog on this one to
my husband, he laughed out loud.
"You're not putting that painting on!," he said. I pushed the
expression to amusement as far
as possible, but to me it looks
irritated. I'm glad it reads that
way to you. Maybe there was a pride
there he couldn't hide. Steven is
proud of the fact that I paint.

Well -- I'll do another one soon and
we'll see.

Chocolate covered cookies might work.

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!