Sunday, July 26, 2009

Getting a glow




In the summer wind
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

No this isn't a beauty product ad. I just wanted
to tell those of you out there who use acrylics that
the "open acrylics" are a pleasure to use when you're
painting skin. They flow, and stay ready to blend
for much longer than regular acrylics, and when
you blend them with other acrylics they dry
a little bit slower than normal. I don't want to
bore you with discussions of technique, when that
is not my focus, but they're great. The portrait
I'm showing today was done with a combination
of regular and open acrylics. The open acrylics
really help to create that healthy skin glow. I like the
flow and fluidity of the paint.

It's been a very busy day here. We are still planting
parts of our garden! Plus we're trying to
clean up, make some decisions and plan our
vacation. So every bit of help in the painting
part of my life is an enormous benefit.

Have a loving-the-paints-you-use day.

6 comments:

Liza Hirst said...

Lovely composition and expression!
You've created the glow - that's for sure!
Good luck with getting everything ready for your trip - wish I could come along....

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Thanks so much. It would be great if you could get a cottage nearby and we could paint and walk on the sandy beaches together. I would love that!

Well...maybe some year we'll do that. France and Nova Scotia! Yes!

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

SYLVIANE said...

Love your colors, Barbara.
Is Open acrylic a brand?
And I wish you great holidays!

Anonymous said...

Barbara, remember when we painted on the beach in Nova Scotia? Remember when we painted in the rain at the Don Valley? So much fun!
Your work is wonderful, as usual......hey, when are you going to be here? I hope we get to see you both!!!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sylviane,

I think the brand is Golden. Soon I'm sure every brand will have them. They are really fun to work with, and experiment with.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flora,

Yes I do remember. The beach was fun,
outside in Toronto a bit on the chilly, grit in the wind side. Being with you -- always fun. I could never forget how you've taught me so much about art.

Love 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!