Saturday, August 29, 2009

Yes you can!




Neighbours
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
(I photographed this last night
inside and it didn't work.
I woke up in the middle
of the night telling myself
to go outside this morning
and do it again. This is much,
much better. Hope you like it.)

Part of the brilliance of Obama's slogan "Yes We
Can"
is that it played on the hearts and minds of
the millions of people in America, and around the
world who are part of the positive thinking
movement. You might have guessed, or read that
I have been part of that ideology for a long time.
And it's stood me in good stead, as we Scots like
to say. I've been "open and receptive to the
bounty of the universe" since Louise Hay used
that as part of her meditations, and I have
received that bounty big time.

What's hard about all this is that if your friends
believe in the same positive outlook you don't
get to whine. That's all good, but sometimes
you might want to. I was complaining today
to a friend about all I had to do, and she
demanded that I change my tune. It made me
realize, artists are lucky. The truth is that unless
they can't earn enough to eat and have shelter, they
are a privileged lot, because they have the nerve
to do, what the rest of the world would like to do.
Scratch any art buyer and just beneath the surface
is someone who would like to paint or draw "but
I can't draw a straight line." Explaining that art
isn't (for the most part) about drawing straight
lines, helps. But even better, you create something
beautiful that they feel they need, and splash your wonder
on their walls with the work you are so lucky to
create.

Alyson Stanfield emphasizes the importance
of not whining. Most buyers want to buy
beautiful and joyous art from happy people.
So staying happy is about as important as
painting. Okay I'm working on it. It has
been a great day. Here's a little plein air
painting of my neighbours' front doors
across the street. I had fun painting it, and
like the results.

Have a feeling-just-terrific day.

10 comments:

Gwen Bell said...

Love this post and painting. The painting seems to be so representational of what you said...very positive and happy. All those geometric shapes of bold color are really great. You amaze me! No matter what subject you paint, it is always done so well and has your unique style throughout.

Karen Bruson said...

Great play with primary colors. Very cheery. Love it.

laura said...

Beautiful painting, Barbara, pleasing as an abstract arrangement or statement and as very personal depiction of a place.
I always feel bad for the people who say they can't draw or paint: anyone can, I say. But I know, from personal experience!, the hard part is being pleased with results.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

The feeling is entirely mutual. I'm so glad you like it. I do too.

I may have changed the colour, just a little bit.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much. I seem to be a primarily primary colour painter. No idea why. But they make me happy. Love your work -- those late summer scenes. So super.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

You are right. But of course we move on, and the work we loved one year, is frequently not what we want to say a few years later. The hard part for me is not giving in to the desire to just eat chocolates and read a book.
I'm glad you like this little street scene.

Take care,

Barbara

eldon warren said...

Actually it does work just the way you said. We're lucky and there are many collectors who could very well be frustrated creative types. And when I think about it I know why I love watching Americas Got Talent and why I get so keyed up when I see one of those people knock something right out of the park. I'd love to have long hair too. I guess it all relative. :) I love your insight and totally enjoy coming to see your blog.
Eldon

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

Wow. How often to people say to you, that they wished they could paint like you do? The crazy thing is no one can paint like you do. Your work is wonderful. I've never watched America's Got Talent, but looked it up and it seems pretty amazing.

Eldon. You sure have talent. No question. Long hair? Who needs it.
Oh yeah -- I do, but you don't.

Take care,

Barbara

Laurel Daniel said...

I LOVE the results! XOXOXO

Janie B said...

I like your positive thinking. Oh, and your art!

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!