Monday, July 20, 2009

Mixing it up



Apples on a fancy dish
watercolour on Arches watercolour paper
with black marker
Barbara Muir © 2009
(once again I'm getting yellow bounce
light on the paper from our yellow walls.
The drawing
is far from perfect, but it makes
me happy.)


I've taught change management in the past, and when I teach
college courses they are all about change -- changing the way
people feel about life, school, reading, helping students get
with the program. But in my own life I find change is
difficult. Juggling more than one style, or project, or
even medium is not my normal way to go. It's true
that we change anyway whether we want to or not --
every cell in our body replenishes itself, so that in a way
we are always new. I feel the force of that statement this
year. I feel new because of my friendships
on the blog, and the marvels that the technology has brought
into my life.

Where am I going with this? Downstairs to finish the little
watercolour I'm posting. I feel very happy, because after a couple
of months of worry about a portrait project I want to do, I've
begun it. Sometimes the worry may just be a thought process, as
though a painting cooks in your head before you can get
it out on the canvas. In that case, my whole new self of today
seems ready to take it on. Lots of self talk, and the distraction
of mixing it up with this little watercolour did the trick.
Thanks for your belief in me, your wonderful art, and
your praise which is always a boost to my brand new today
spirit.

Have an enjoying-your-own-new-self day.

10 comments:

Elizabeth Seaver said...

What a bright, cheerful painting, Barbara. No wonder it makes you happy! I love the line and the "freshness."

belindadelpesco.com said...

Beautiful color, great angle and composition too. Really nice!

Anonymous said...

My quick comment is that you're a natural and you have an amazing touch with watercolour in terms of a beautiful life like line, rich sensual colour but also delicate, sensitive - strong, expressive gesture and a tremendous feeling for form, design and decorative quality - the whole schmeer - you got it. Now I want a piece of that cherry pie, ha ha just kidding. David wants to plant a cherry tree. You have apples too eh? But really, your work exudes a radiant energy and that's worth all the tea in China and then some! I love the velvety green in the leaves of the last piece.
Now I have to get back to chipping out my waste mould, it's finally cast.


love, love,

M

eldon warren said...

Beautiful. I like it very much. You're always showing us new things. I never tire of seeing what Barbara has done today.
EW

Barbara Muir said...

HI Elizabeth,

Thanks so much. I'm delighted that you like it.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Belinda,

Thanks so much. I'm happy that you like it.

xoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

Your sweet compliments mean the world
to me. I can't wait to see your amazing work on your blog. I just
know it will be dazzling.

xoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

I'm glad you enjoy my little paintings. Knowing that a super artist like you is looking at what I do certainly inspires me.

Take care,

Barbara

Aliaena said...

I absolutely love your watercolours Barbara. The colous here are really beautiful - and the luminosity is wonderful. So much fun! Many congrats. Aliaena

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Aliaena,

Thanks so much. I enjoyed doing these, but I much prefer the painting experience with acrylics. I like being able to change my mind, which you can never do with watercolour. On the other hand, there's a freedom in having to decide first time out too.

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!