Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Paula's scones



Paula's blueberry scones
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
The quilt of influences that makes up my heritage
includes enough Scots to make the lure of the scone
almost unbearable. Each year when I go to
Nova Scotia, my dear friend Paula, whips up a
batch of blueberry, or raspberry, or sometimes
strawberry scones, and I am done for. I find
these fresh baked beauties -- half way between
bread and cake, heavy with fruit, smashing with
tea or coffee, irresistible. " Paula!," I want to say --
"I can't eat these," but they practically crawl into
my mouth, and I do.

This year, she also baked a huge batch for us
to take home on the long drive. And once again
we gobbled them -- but saved some for Sam.
Paramount in Sam's disappointment of not being
able to come to Nova Scotia this year (he needed
to work because he's in university) was not being able
to eat the many baked goods Paula offers him,
and sends back to the schoolhouse with him,
every time we stop by for tea.

I put a few on a lovely plate, and thought maybe
instead of eating them, I should paint them.
Here is the painting so far. I may go further
with the china, or I may just say. " Here they
are" -- bizarre to paint, but almost as
much fun as eating them.

I spent the morning today with a TV crew
talking about my art. They were such
delightful people that I felt completely at
ease. It was fantastic, but I can't tell you
more until I find out the details -- maybe
in a few weeks. Then I'll let you know what
to look for. Exciting!!!

Have an eating-your-favorite-goodies day.

10 comments:

claud-hop said...

Dear Barbara,

This painting makes me really hungry! So perhaps your goal is fulfilled (if making people's mouth water is your goal). It's also just a really nice painting!

Love,
Claudia

Gwen Bell said...

What a great story...and now I'm hungry.

That plate is so beautiful. I love the way you brought it to the edges of the canvas and then surrounded it with that wonderful, warm yellow. Another Barbara Muir Masterpiece!

Melinda said...

Really nice painting here! These scones look so yummy and you gave them personality too.

Thank you for sharing your trip and your wonderful schoolhouse with us.

Can't wait to see you again on TV!!!!

Congratulations again...you're so brave...and talented...and smart...and the list goes on. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You've got fans all around the world now.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Claudia,

So lovely to hear from you on the blog again. I'm glad you like it. That means a lot to me for so many reasons. One you're an artist. Two you love cooking, and three you've had
Paula's scones.

Love,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

Nice of you to say so. I thought the scones looked kind of like unearthed mammoths, so you've made me very happy. The real scones are so inviting.

xoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Wow, I have to climb down off the cloud you've put me on to be able to get to the computer. I am definitely your fan. I thought if the scones had any more personality they'd probably get up and walk away -- or perhaps fly away, or crawl away.

The heat in this city has been way over the top, and I had to keep them in a cupboard instead of the fridge because I needed them to stay
in position on the plate. So I think that's the end of that little
painting. Ah well. Heat is hard on food.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Liza Hirst said...

Hi from your big fan in Southwest France! A sweet story to go with a sweet painting! I like the bold, graphic composition, nearly abstract!

Susan Carlin said...

Mmmmm I love bird's-eye-view paintings anyway, and then you go and serve up those scones with a yummy story to go with them- I'm a goner. Can't wait to hear the TV story.... Congratulations in advance!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

I hope some day you can visit us in Nova Scotia, and I can drive you around to all the people I love there, and we can gain some weight together, or walk so much on the beach that we never have to worry about our figures. So much fun.
xoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Susan,

I'm so glad you like the painting. It is a bit odd. I did it from above because that was the easiest angle. I was tired from driving for 30 hours, and I wanted to capture those goodies before they crumbled into bird food.

I'm working on a painting for the TV story. Yes I hope it's good. With all the baked goods I ate in Nova Scotia, I may look like the little painting whale. But at least I was happy, and had a super time.

xoxoxoxBarbara

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!