Monday, March 23, 2009

Started a big one

With all of the art shows coming up, and spring in
the works, I started a big painting today. The model
is beautiful and we sifted through the six remaining
gorgeous wedding dresses my friend Jan Marriott,
(the exquisite vintage dress and fabric lady) gave
me last fall, to find the one that would suit the
new painting. My model fell for one, and when she
put it on, I knew she was right. It may not end up
as a white dress although I'm starting the under
painting as though it will.


Beginning of a new painting
acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches

On an orange ground
I began by sketching
in the shapes. Then
I started playing with lights and darks.

The model wants the dress painted red, and I can go
there if it seems right. I didn't get very far today
because we were choosing an outfit, arranging the pose,
and blocking out the work. But the portrait is on its
way, and I feel really excited.



I worked a little more refining
the drawing. With charcoal
I can keep making these decisions
until I'm satisfied because it washes off dry
acrylic. I started working
on the background and blocking in the dress.

After working mainly on small work for a while it's
energizing to wield a big brush and work from a
model again. Another painting in the Before
the
Dance series maybe, or I may make her hold a book.
Right now all is glorious possibility.

Have a wow-it's-true-it's-fun-to-paint-large day.

9 comments:

Laurel Daniel said...

OH, I love watching these evolve!!! Great start! XOXO

Liza Hirst said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liza Hirst said...

How interesting - after ages of working mainly on small canvases, except for one or two middle sized ones, I also started on a big one today!
It's hard for me to find the time for that but I have been wanting to paint big again for quite a while and felt so liberated!
Bonne continuation, Barbara, as they say in french!

Sarah said...

It must be Spring, we are all thinking big. Thanks for visiting my blog and for your encouraging remarks. It is nice to see another Ontarian out there. Lovely work!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

Thanks so much. It feels wonderful to
start. I'm so glad you're getting so much, much deserved attention.

XOXOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Isn't that cool -- across the ocean we're thinking the same way. Time
is the hard quantity to find isn't it?
I don't know how you do it. Your work
is always inspiring.Bonne continuation to you.

xoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sarah,

It must be spring, or the push of
upcoming shows. Got to get it done.
Three cheers for Ontarions.

I'm glad you like my work.

Take care,

Barbara

r garriott said...

I'm enjoying your process... looking forward to the next stages in the Marriott dress!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi R,

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Yes Marriott, like Garriott. Probably related in some sense. I too am looking forward to further iterations.


Take care,

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!