Thursday, June 11, 2009

The real deal



The Man
black marker on bond
8 x 10 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
(An unfinished drawing
of Stephen Colbert --
in comedy he is the real
deal.)

Today I had a fine day, and felt like an artist all day.
I love it when a client comes to the house, and
we have wonderful conversations. Everyone who
paints knows that there's a lot of hard work involved
and decisions to make every minute. Here's the secret
-- it's so much fun! This morning my subject
was an animated, intelligent, witty woman and
I think I laughed as much as I painted. I can't
describe how that translated into paint, and you
might not see it in the final work, but I'll know it's
there. I can remember all the discussions about
people, parties, romances, wonderful food, beloved
children, favorite animals and the most exciting cities
in the world. I love those memories, and they leap
out at me when I see the finished work.

When I'm painting I feel like the real deal. So I am
very fortunate to be painting all the time right now.

Have a loving-the-painting-life day.

P.S. If you're in Toronto there's going to be a piece
on me on City TV News at 6 p.m. Friday. Check it out!

10 comments:

Liza Hirst said...

To be honest, I don't know who Stephen Colbert is. I hope it is only because I am in Europe and don't watch American or Canadian TV and not because I am too ignorant.... what a pity I can't watch you on TV tonight!
But I do know that I love the drawings you are doing of him! The way you suggested his glasses without actually drawing them - simply superb!! Also like your description of the sitting you had today with your interesting model - felt like I was there myself!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

If you Google the name you can probably see Colbert and watch his shows. He's in Iraq this week, so
the show is not the usual format -- very centered on the soldiers there. He does a satirical talk show and he
plays the part of a very right wing Republican. This allows hims to pretend to admire the right, when what he's really doing is mocking their views.

Glad you like the drawing.

xoxoxoxBarbara

Gwen Bell said...

Ahhhh...The Man is back. Love the way you caught that befuddled look he gets. Too funny! Very nice drawing. I like the "infinity" marks in his part.

Congratulations on being on TV AGAIN!

L.Holm said...

Love Colbert - the man and your drawing!

Melinda said...

Love this drawing! I'm so happy for you--painting all day and visiting with interesting clients. You're doing important work and I hope you feel this good everyday!

Oh, that Colbert is the best!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

Yes this one's for you. I hope you
didn't miss the man too much when he was in Iraq.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liz,

The man just gets funnier all the time. We need that kind of humour.

I'm delighted that you like the drawing.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Yes the busy days are so great. I sometimes feel run off my feet, and then have the good sense to be grateful for that feeling.

Love your recent portrait. Amazing.
You are so good.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

You touched on something I'm very concious of. The meaning in life.
When I'm painting or involved with my art, is when I feel like the 'real deal'. When I feel that my life has significance.
Thanks for visiting me. You have some great posts here about life.

eldon warren said...

Barbara, you are definately the real deal. We all see it everyday in your posts.Thanks,
EW

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!