Thursday, September 17, 2009

Crazy painter lady



Mostly Zinnias
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
sold

I don't think I've ever faced more inspection and scrutiny
than I have this year. I know it's making me check my
makeup a little more frequently and brush my hair a bit
more often. But if I think I've got it together, I am big time
kidding myself. Because at least one activity makes me
forget all propriety. Perhaps not all, but most, and to be
fair to my neighbours I don't think I should go out of the
house when I'm painting.

The other day I went down the street to tell my neighbour
I'd like to paint her and her big soft white and caramel
coloured cat. She was just coming home from the office,
all clean and professional -- cool shoes, cool hair, and
a cool bag. And I was emerging into the light after
painting all day. We had a nice chat. She invited me
in to pat the cat, everything was great, until I got home,
glanced in the mirror and saw that I had paint on my face --
a big smear of coral pink on my chin, white on my forehead
and blue in my hair. I expect my hands and clothes to be
a bit spattered -- but maybe expecting people to accept
a part Scots Canadian painted in woad (okay I know
woad was blue. I saw French and Saunders' take off
on Braveheart) is taking the kindness of neighbours
a bit too far.

Yep. That's me. The crazy painter lady.

The painting tonight is another shot at the market zinnias.
The secret to making them happy seems to be to put that
flower food in the vase. They suck that up and revive in a
minute, and voila -- a still happy bouquet.

To all of you who inquired about my health -- I am on
package three of Cold FX. The cold has not had its way
with me. But it really, really wants to, so my fatigue is
legion. I goeth to lie down.

Have a loving-the-garden-flowers day.

12 comments:

Janie B said...

Love the zinnias...one of my favorite summer blossoms. Sorry you are still feeling puny. Get well soon. I have found myself with a painted face before, too. Had no idea. Ha!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Janie,

Not puny exactly -- as I have no trouble eating! Just not full throttle. Never mind. Most people around me have no idea. They think this is full throttle.

Glad you like the painting.

Take care, Barbara (check out French and Saunders they are funny!)

Liza Hirst said...

I absolutely LOVE Zinnias and I absolutely LOVE this painting!
Hope you get better soon!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

I love zinnias too. I didn't as a child, I thought they were garish, but now I really do. I'm glad you like the painting. I'm happy with it too.

xoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Anonymous said...

What a great story and what a great painting!
I wish you would be here and I'd make you some home-made soup!
Your work truly inspires me and I'm headed for the studio now!
xo

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flora,

Thanks so much. I feel much better today -- I think I'm on the mend.

I wish you were here too.

You inspire me.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Catherine Jeffrey said...

I have had the "crazy painter lady" experience several times. Often I will run out to walk the dog, or go to the store in my paint covered white shirt, hair weirdly pulled back, and goofy comfy shoes. My husband calls it "paint land" when my mind has gone to some other place.
The zinnias are wonderful. I have always loved them, partly because they grow from seed for me almost effortlessly and fill up the garden.
I also loved the previous posting of Quebec City. It is so sunny and bright and happy, I almost reached for my sunglasses. Have a happy getting better day on Saturday!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Catherine,

It's good to know I'm not alone. We actually are strange characters aren't we? I'm so glad you like my paintings. I just think yours are fantastic.


Take care,

Barbara

Flowers said...

wow..this painting looks wonderful.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flowers,

I'm so glad you like it.

Take care,

Barbara

LeSan said...

Barbara I always considered paint on the face of an artist a badge of honor. Frankly I regret that I am a tidy painter and so I envy you. I hope you are feeling better.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi LeSan,

I've watched tidy painters, but really don't know how to be one. I do try to clean up after myself these days, but the paint, she flies.

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!