Thursday, November 5, 2009

Night of the Ice Pansies



Night pansies
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

A few years ago clever horticulturists came up with a variety of
Pansy that can withstand frost. The flowers are called Ice pansies,
and they can live with snow on their bright green leaves.
Eventually our Ontario winter will defeat them, but
they hang in long after the rest of the garden has been
seeded into memory.

Last week I bought a flat of these beauties, because the
fall Mums, (a flower I only use as outdoor decoration in
extremis, because I don't like them very much) had died.
Tonight is so cold, that I remembered where my scarf was
and was hunting around for my winter hat! But out on the
front porch when we came back from walking the dog,
I noticed that the flat of pansies, waiting for planting had
quite a few vigorous little blooms.

Wow! I brought them in and painted this little ode
to bravery and beauty that just won't quit.

It's my mother's birthday on November 6 -- and she's
a bit like the pansies. A vigorously beautiful woman
in all types of weather. Happy Birthday Mommy.

Have a staying-good-looking-in-all-weather day.

8 comments:

Melinda said...

They do look exceptionally magical, Barbara! I love the contrasts and colors so much. This painting is kind of twinkly (is this a word?). Very friendly and content.

Anonymous said...

Barbara - This is a beautiful painting and birthday greeting for your mom! Btw a belated bonne fete to you and Steven.
I do so enjoy your blog! - there is an unfailing warmth to both words and images - a lightness - soul nourishing.
love, Marcia

LeSan said...

Please extend my Happy Birthday wishes to your mother. The painting you did is really beautiful. I love your sentiment about their thriving spirit. Much like you my friend, a bit of tenacious joy in the world.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

I'm glad you like the painting. Yes it's supposed to be evening, with the city lights in the darkness behind these bright flowers. You are sweet.


xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

Thanks so much. I am so happy you've been reading the blog. I miss you and hope we can see each other soon. You always make me laugh.

Man, you can write. When you start your own blog let me know.

Love Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi LeSan,

From what I've been reading on your blog you really know about tenacious joy. I like that. I'm going to use it as the title for my next little excerpt.

Take care,

Barbara

Linny D. Vine said...

Happy belated B-day Barbara, and I love your night pansies!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linny,

I was just telling a friend this afternoon how much I like your work -- so original and filled with joy!
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I am the luckiest of women!

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!