Sunday, September 6, 2009

Long, long day



Canoeing in peace
watercolour on Arches watercolour paper
12 x 14 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
(This is actually a painting I did during my watercolour
class time with Americo del Col. Everything
in it is something he taught me. I am putting it
here today to decorate the space.
Please don't say "You should
go back to watercolour," because for the most
part, I'm not going to. But we did have fun at
the time. I like the moody quality of this.
It seems to suit the way other people
feel at this time of year.)
Hi everyone,

I did not sleep a wink last night because today was the day
we took Sam down to Windsor. 860 kilometers round trip!
Sam is studying acting and is back with his friends. We
are trying to recover from the journey, looking at his
well made empty bed and missing him, although we know
he's fine and so are we.

So tonight's blog may be short. I want to paint, and have
projects on the go, and.... Hey!

There was very sad music on CBC tonight as another
wonderful show In the key of Charles bit the dust.
But I don't look on the end of the summer as a sad time.
It feels like the beginning of another super exciting,
probably thrilling year.

As for returning to class, I cannot believe how much I've
changed and learned since last year. I am filled with
optimism, for me, for my family, for my students and
my artist friends. Let's not get all maudlin about the
disappearance of summer. Let's all go out and buy
the fall Vogue, get really good boots if we live up north,
buy the icers Flora found last year at Lee Valley for the
bottom of the boots, and down coats, and be prepared to have a really
great time no matter what the weather.

But if you feel like slipping down the slope of really,
really sad, and then climbing back up again to hope,
rent the movie P.S. I love you with Hilary Swank.

And if you're really sad. I'm sorry. Big hugs, and
I hope tomorrow will be much, much better.

Have a seeing-the-positive-side-of-everything-and-driving
-your-friends-crazy-but-secretly-making-them-happy day.

12 comments:

LeSan said...

Ok, I won't say it but I really do love the sky. Watercolor an entirely different animal to be sure. I am always stumped at first when I switch from watercolor to oils. I keep expecting the paint to do something. I forget that in oil you have to move it around yourself. Eventually I catch on.

Liza Hirst said...

My dear Barbara, what a wonderful post! The painting is lovely and your words are so GOOD! Slowly but surely I am becomming addicted to your blog and I really missed it during the last two weeks when I was not online! By the way, I actually love every season.

Janie B said...

Beautiful painting! But I love your other works, too. It is sad to say good-bye to summer, but I'm beginning to get a bit excited about falling leaves, cool breezes, light jackets, pumpkins, football, sweaters...you know...the list goes on.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi LeSan,

I found watercolour too static, and just not right for me. In class I did what I was taught, and I was good at that. But my teacher was a master. I just like the punch and flexibility of acrylic. I'm not saying never, I'm saying not much.

You are so right about the feeling when you switch media.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

I missed you big time. I'm glad you got your son settled and that your older guy was helping. I am addicted to your blog too, and was so worried when you didn't post.

xoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Janie,

I'm actually not thinking about the season, more about each day. Today is sunny, my garden is going wild, it's the hottest it's been all summer.

So I'm going for it. Thanks for your sweet comment.

Take care,

Barbara

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, I'm glad to see your watercolour, thankyou for posting it. i for one would NEVER say "i wish you would go back to watercolour"; mostly because i know how that feels and i dont like it when i hear it myself, because i feel interested in experimenting with my oil paints more these days. but i love Marty's Yellow House, and i it's nice to see something from your past.

cathyswatercolors said...

Mostly I'm just crazy about how you use color. The watercolor is very rich,but the acrylic houses are a delight.

I live near windsor,and my best friend lives in Lasalle,Ont.. Your son is safe and sound,happy too,I bet.

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,

Your posts are always so positive and uplifting. What a treat for those of us who love to stop by! I like your watercolour, but I do love the vibrancy of your acrylic paintings. They go with the inspiring messages you write.

I can't imagine the day when my kids leave home to begin their own lives. I don't like thinking about it and luckily it is many years from happening. I'm sure your children will succeed in whatever they choose to do... how could they not with a mother who gave them such a great foundation?

Thank you for the encouraging messages I found on my blog- I hope what you say is true!

All the best,
Nicki

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

Thanks so much for your support. I'm glad you like the watercolour. I guess my point is that it was good because I was following instructions more or less. That's my teacher and his best friend in the canoe. So if my teacher painted it, it would have more soul.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Shicat,

Yes my son is safe and sound. I was born in Windsor and lived there until I was five. Going back the first time felt strange, but this is our second guy going to Windsor for acting, so I've been there so many times, that in a way, it's starting to feel like another home.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

Thanks for your encouragement. Vibrancy is one of the things I'm hoping for.

It's actually fine when you're kids leave home, because you're ready. My husband and I love it when they're home, and we enjoy the freedom from responsibility when they're gone. Both are good.

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!