Thursday, September 10, 2009

A great painting day




Escape
acrylic on canvas
18 x 24 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
(not quite done)
I don't have much to say tonight. My large commission
is going well, and I am feeling excited about my progress
today.

I also started putting my larger painting of the seascape
together. Read Flora's comment from yesterday and you'll
know she's the basis for the study, and she also was
a sweetheart and bought the small painting.

So for now, here's how the larger one is coming along.
It needs some refining, but it's 80% finished.

Have a great-to-be-alive day.

14 comments:

Elizabeth Seaver said...

What a terrific painting, Barbara! Can't wait to see it finished.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm so glad you like it. I think it is going to work. Good feeling.

Take care,

Barbara

Janie B said...

Love it!

Catherine Jeffrey said...

I really like this painting. It captures a mood,(a happy mood) and one has a sense of the light and space. It has more "strength" than the 8" x 8", not in just the color...maybe the composition.
I admire your ability to have a teaching career and paint. You have organizational skills that I envy and could only hope to aspire to. I like the fact that you organize your studio as well as your classroom, knowing each one is equally important.
I got a real chuckle about the "That was Easy" button. When my 21 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last March, every time we conquered a new challenge, or achieved something we thought would be difficult, I would push the button, and we would all laugh, even when it (me) got a little annoying!
And yes... Yay Martha! I love her. She is so strong and talented and amazing.
I have been away on a sailing/racing adventure in Oakville, so I just read through your recent postings. As usual, I find them motivating and uplifting and yes, they make me prone to verbosity! Happy teaching and Happy painting. Your students are very lucky.

Liza Hirst said...

Yes, this is a super painting! Besides that it captures a happy mood and gives a sense of the light and space, as Catherine said, I especially like the broken edges of Flora's trousers, where the red becomes part of the shadow! Very clever, Barbara!

Gwen Bell said...

LOVE it! So bold in every way. Those big horizontal bands are dynamite! Would love to see it in person because I know it is just stunning at that size.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Catherine,

I am really not organized either as a teacher or artist, but I'm trying to be. Checklists help on hectic days. I'm glad you like the Easy button, and that it helped your son. I'm so sorry he has to cope with type 1 diabetes, a major drag. But isn't it good that you could approach it with humour together.

I'm glad you got some time to sail, thanks for your wonderful, thoughtful comments.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Those broken edges may not stay when I'm finished the painting. I like them too, but we'll see.
I'm glad you like it, the mood is happy and carefree.

Thanks. You are sweet.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

Thanks so much. Because I listen to Mike Dooley's Notes from the Universe I can't reply -- finger's crossed.
But I can say thanks for your encouragement. In my world this is a very small painting. But it is big compared to the 8 x 8s.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Janie,

I'm sorry I didn't see you there. Thank you so much. I'm so glad you do.

Take care,

Barbara

eldon warren said...

I love the way you light and model a figure. This is great!
EW

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

Thanks so much. The sun actually did the lighting. I'm just trying to record it.

Take care,

Barbara

Tammy Hext said...

This is great Barbara. I love how your paintings always look like they just flowed off your brush with ease.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Tammy,

Thanks so much. You say the nicest things. You make me feel great.

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!