Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Relax



In the studio
Your artist friend at work
(excuse the mess -- in order
to make an omelette you
have to break some eggs)

We've all had those days. What does Paul Simon say?
"I should go to bed, but a voice in my head says, ah
what the hell. Have a good time... Good time baby."
Whether it's a good time, or a bad time, the voice
is in the way of getting your work done. The answer
paradoxically is to relax. Voices that get in the way
of working detest the calm sense of relaxation. It
sends them away just like the X your parents taught
you to place over the scary parts in your dreams.

So come on now, before you tell yourself you "can't
do it. You don't know what you're doing. It's not
working," take a deep breath. Now relax. Tighten
all the muscles and hold that tension to the count
of 25, then reeeeeelax. Deep breath. Do the whole
thing again, and back into the studio with you.

I'm going back there myself, now that you've helped
me calm down.

The image tonight is of me in the studio, uncut and
unedited complete with the plastic bags I wrap the
plastic egg cartons I put the paint in. It will have to
do, because I'm working, and don't have time to
show you anything else.

Have an ahhhhhh-now-I'm-relaxed-and-working day.

8 comments:

cathyswatercolors said...

Hi Barb, The photo of you working in your studio is as colorful as your beautiful paintings. Can't wait to see your next painting.ahhh

Melinda said...

Oh, this is wonderful! I love seeing artists at work and you've shown us a very cozy, inviting place. Your words calmed me down as I read them.

I'm taking your advice...and smiling. Going........ ;)
Thank you!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Shicat,

Thanks so much. It is a pretty bright
spot. Yes... reeeelax.

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Well -- I think I'm taking your advice, and vice versa, because you've
been teaching us how to get back to it. So -- it's a thought ping pong game -- all good. Love what you're doing.

xoxoxoBarbara

L.Holm said...

Warm and wonderful! Love seeing you happy at work! :-)

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liz,

Thanks so much. I was really happy painting those little pansies in that photo.

Take care,

Barbara

Laurel Daniel said...

You are SO adorable in there breaking eggs... And relaxing!!! The artist doing what she does. Love to see it. XOXO

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

I'm glad you're not disturbed by the mess in the studio. Every time I think it's a problem, I go to Bob Burridge's site and see his studio. He is big into paint, and that comforts me.

XOXOXBarbara

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!