Friday, July 10, 2009

Final decisions



Baby
acrylic canvas
18 x 24 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
(today I worked on the dress,
hands, feet and thinking about the
background -- tomorrow I'll finish it.
The charcoal outline of a teddy
is a thought only at this point.)

This little girl is going home tomorrow. Now I am
making some final decisions. Will I put in the toy --
a teddy bear, or leave it out? I don't want the painting
to be maudlin, but it is a painting of a baby, and she
looks a bit lonely sitting in this space. I may also
put in a smaller pillow, and the suggestion of another one
on the other side.

Then there is the space behind her head. Window?
Trees? I am thinking some suggestion of greenery
would be a good thing, and I'll figure that out in the
morning. So no we're not quite there, but close.



Notebook Sketch in The Indigo Starbucks--Yorkdale
black marker on bond
5 x 7 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
Today I had a two hour wait while I got my winter
tires changed for summer ones! Funny, but I
have hardly been out of the house except to buy
art supplies and meet clients in the last two months!
Plus -- the true irony is that this was our first hot
day all summer. By this evening when I walked
the dog, chilly again.



Notebook Sketch in The Indigo Starbucks--Yorkdale
black marker on bond
5 x 7 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

Here are some sketches I did in Starbucks while I waited.
I'd like to get a lot faster at that skill.


Notebook Sketch in The Indigo Starbucks--Yorkdale
black marker on bond
5 x 7 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

Have a making-decisions-easily-and-happily day.

6 comments:

Melinda said...

You've got such a challenge with this painting...and you're pulling it off beautifully. I wouldn't know what to do about adding toys or teddy bears. As an artist, you want to make a strong, graphically interesting painting, avoiding too much sentimentality. On the other hand, it's a BABY! So adorable too! The painting will be in the family forever and other items included are symbolic of the moment and the child.

Hmmmm. I'm glad you're good at this portrait thing.

Love the sketches too!

Tammy Hext said...

I like the yellow space behind her head as is - focus stays on the baby? I know the teddy bear might be sentimental, but I like what you have blocked in there.
The details in the dress are lovely.
Tammy

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Thanks so much. She is adorable, and I am done!

xoxoxoxBarbara

(Thanks for your kind encouragement)

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Tammy,

My final blog on the baby explains what I decided to do. I am really happy with the painting. Thanks for your thoughts.

Take care,

Barbara

eldon warren said...

Of course I love these line drawings. There's just something about the way you handle line that I like.
Thanks
Eldon

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

You're very kind. I'd like to get better and faster. I know practice. I am.

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!