Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Starting big from small sources

Hi there,

I spent a lot of the day today in my car checking chores off the
interminable list. I wanted to paint at class tonight, but I'm
committed to a big 30" x 30" painting for submission to
a show on Monday. So that pretty much means I have to
paint me -- someone I know well enough to try and go at
a breakneck speed, given that I teach all day tomorrow,
and Friday afternoon.



I apologize for the photos tonight.
This is actually a white canvas
30" x 30"
with beginning of the underpainting
of yellow, pink, orange and a touch of red
to create peach

Steven took some pictures of me, he printed them out
4" x 6 " and I waded in. The photos of the painting's
development have worked out badly because I guess
there was less light than I thought,
and I may not have had the flash on. But this is a kind
of underpainting beginning. The small photo was too
tiny for face reference, and I need better reference
for the hands, because I'm holding brushes.

At our art club, we have to submit the names of
our work almost a month in advance of a show. A month
ago I was having big trouble with large work because
of my broken ankle, so I gave in a name of a yet
to be realized work. The name was "Work in Progress",
and I thought I am one of my works in progress for
sure, so there it is.

I want to try and keep a freshness in it, even though
it will be mostly done from photo reference. But
I will use a mirror too. Right now it doesn't
look like me, but it has the lively happy air I'm
going to try for.




How far I got tonight.

The background is a light peach pink colour.
Something's gone a bit odd with the light
or the camera -- or I hear you -- me.-

I do love painting, and I work on being a happy
person even when times are tough, so the
painting should say that. Big day at school
tomorrow. I'm tired now.

Have a getting-it-all-done day.

6 comments:

Theresa Rankin said...

Wonderful painting and it is fresh and it does reflect your joy in painting and life! Keep up the awesome work!!!

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Theresa,

You make me feel so happy.
I've got to keep going in that
direction with it.

Barbara

Laurel Daniel said...

Hey Barbara! I love seeing the splash of color you started with and the lively self-portrait that went on top. It's very fresh, and fun too! Congratulations on your award!

Anonymous said...

When I'm busiest I seem to do my best work. I guess it's the edge one developes when there is always a paint brush in hand. You are apparently very busy. Nice goin.

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Laurel,

I'm glad you like it. It's got
to get finished by Sunday night!

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Eldon,

Apparently I am -- just trying to
keep paint on the table. The dining
room table -- that's where my studio
is. Thanks for all your
encouragement.

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!