Sunday, December 28, 2008

The quiet before the next -- party

Today we spent a civilized Sunday visiting the newly
recreated Art Gallery of Ontario. We loved it, and
felt a kind of silly pride in knowing our city had
this super space to offer. So if you come to visit from
other parts, there's a place I want to take you to
right away.

The building itself is amazing -- there's a long walkway
under a high ribbed structure, like the bones of a canoe
with glass in between instead of wood. It's dramatic,
inspiring and fitting for a province filled with lakes and
rivers where people still actually canoe.
http://www.ago.net/new-building-photo-gallery

My friend Suzanne gave Steven and me a one year
family membership for our birthday, and we were
entranced today. Next to painting, I love looking at
paintings best.

When we got home after climbing the glorious winding
staircase to the top of the building, we were exhausted.



Steven, Timbah and Fiona
sleeping in the studio chair
black marker on watercolour paper

Here's a little sketch I did of Steven and the cats sleeping
in my portrait chair. I am always amazed at how quickly men can
fall asleep almost anywhere. He's still marking the page in his book
sound asleep!

Have an isn't-life-amazing-and-wonderful day.

4 comments:

Theresa Rankin said...

A wonderful sketch...I hope your holidays have been restful and joyous. I love the decorations and all the wonderful sketches especially the one of the girl in stocking feet. You still amaze me with your daily blogging. Bravo, Barbara!!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Theresa,

You know the admiration goes two ways.
There's no way to paint right now, because the dining room table (my art table in non-holiday life) has to stay clean for our New Year's Eve party. But that's what's great about drawing.

Thanks for the kind wishes and comments. We have had a thoroughly delightful holiday. Next week the work starts in earnest -- so this week we relax.

When you come to Toronto I'll take you to our beautiful new gallery.

xoxoxBarbara

David Lobenberg said...

Gotta tellya, this one is a keeper! More of these next year? Happy 09!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi David,

Thanks so much. Count on more
drawing as well as more and more
painting. That's one of my "Art Biz"
goals. Love your piece on painting snow to save money. You are one
funny man!

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!