Monday, February 8, 2010

Monday's obsessions


Daily fixings
8 x 8 inches
acrylic on canvas
Barbara Muir © 2010
(What I need to get through the day --
a book, a notebook, coffee, some
romance and great conversations.)

I woke up this morning with an idea for a little
painting. Does that happen to you? Lately my
brain has been on fire, and I think it's because
I feel like we're moving towards spring.

I was thinking about my vices. Do I have any?
Well of course I do, but they're not the
standard ones. I am not a drinker, although
I'll have a glass of wine if we go out for dinner.
I never got into smoking, and now the smell
drives me mad. I don't do drugs aside from
aspirin, and Valerian to get to sleep. So I
wondered for a second or two, maybe the silly seconds
when you wake up from a dream -- what are my
obsessions.

I did this little painting of a still life to illustrate
the answer. I am obsessed, maybe even addicted
to reading. I feel best when I know there is a stack
of new magazines, and books beside my bed.
And I would not like to live without coffee. I am
trying to cut the number of cups I drink a day down
to two -- but those two are vital to my happiness and
joie de vivre.

Plus I do love to write and draw. I really love the
red spiral bound 5 x 7 inch notebook I bought in
Italy. The heart represents love -- and I'm crazy for
romance. The red heart is a votive candle holder
placed on the table for Valentine's Day. Talking
is my other distraction -- and the yellow sticky
pad is handy when I'm on the phone and need to
keep a name or number.

I may work on this little painting a bit more
tomorrow. It's an early day, so I hope you have
a good Tuesday.

Have a facing-up-to-your-passions day.

13 comments:

Liza Hirst said...

I really like the way you've painted the back of the book and the coffee! Lovely painting and idea behind it.
Sorry, in case I don't get round to commenting more regularly - so much going on at the moment...

Karen Bruson said...

Barbara,
What a cheery uplifting painting. Perfect for a Valentine gift.
And, thanks, it feels great to be back.

eldon said...

Hmmm, another neat self portrait. And it's well done to boot. Keep em comin. Of course you will. :) It's you! It's hard getting enough of a good thing.
E

julie davis said...

Barbara, I've been away more than here lately, but always keeping an eye on you and your lovely work (and just-as-lovely writing). Noted you for a blog award today--you've surely received it before--the Sunshine Award for creativity and positivity in blogging. Take a look if you get the time.

L.Holm said...

Very fun painting, and has got me thinking of my own 'must haves.' Definitely coffee. Could use some romance, come to think of it. I agree with Julie and karen - you are always uplifting, and it's inspritional to visit your blog.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

I completely understand. I am getting so behind myself, so forgive me. Thank you very much.

You are sweet. I hope all is well.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara (Love your things series)

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Karen,

I just went to your blog, and was so happy to see your painting. I feel like I always learn something just by looking at your work. Yay! You're back.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

You are wonderful. Forgive me if I don't get to Facebook much. I know I haven't commented back to your comment, because I just haven't had time. So thank you so much for everything. All of your support.

Great painting on your blog.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Julie,

Thank you so much for the award. I am touched and honoured to be on that list of wonderful painters. I know you are in the middle of a big project and I'm so impressed that you keep turning out magnificent work with all that's going on in your life.

xoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liz,

I'm glad you like the painting. I'm always thinking that artists are a bit like Magpies, and therefore pretty easily pleased. Plus I was gratified to learn that our brains are actually different, which is why we get so visually excited by the world. I love that too. Well I hope the romance is on its way to you soon. Meanwhile, what wonderful paintings you do.

Take care,

Barbara

cohen labelle said...

Barbara
I love this still life, the way you’ve painted the spirals on the notebook, the steaming cup of coffee, your latest read.

You are lucky! It so happens that your vices or fixes, or fixings, all of them are also among your most precious assets. Even talking on the phone – one of your favorite things to do, is for example – enhanced by skype technology, because it connects to your ‘addiction’ to drawing.

I think obsessions by and large are creative. You’ve always loved hearts, literally you are the queen of hearts. I remember you used to sew heart cushions and give them away. I had one for years. And steaming cups of coffee – one always bonds over a cup of coffee! Your fondness for reading is endearing, I consider that a virtuous vice.
Your enthusiasms brighten my day!

xoxxoxoxoxo
Marcia

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

How kind of you to remind me of my crafty self. You are right -- there's a terribly punky picture of me somewhere with a brushcut T-shirt and army pants holding a heart pillow. Always one for irony.

Yes I do love hearts and red, more the punchy ones than the frilly ones, but there you have it. You got me.

My latest read is calling. And maybe a third cup of coffee? How risky. Walking the line.

xoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

cool painting. Again, the color rocks!

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!