Thursday, May 20, 2010

Lilacs, tea, and painting


Heather's lilacs in a Victorian jug

I spent a great hour or two with a friend this
afternoon who recently helped me get my hotel
and flights for the New York trip. She made me a cup of
tea and we talked and laughed about so many
things. At the end of the visit we went out into
her garden and she picked me an armful of lilac
from the thriving tree in her yard.

I walked home overwhelmed by the delicious
perfume of the lilac, and now I'm painting,
so I'll show you my progress when I'm done.


In the park -- ready for summer
Stages 5 and 6
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 36 inches
Barbara Muir 2010
(beginning work on the faces, more on
the clothes, hair and background.
Faces will take more refining and
the girls' hands need work. I
worked mostly on the little boy
today, and he is coming along so
I'm happy -- I just need to make
him grin completely over the top
because that's him.)

As an artist I really enjoy being with my friends.
I was with another great friend yesterday, who
owns three of my portraits, and it was so
inspiring to spend some time with her too.

See -- that's where you come in. You are my
friends. It's almost as if being with people
I adore, seeing my friends' artwork, and
reading their comments on line, gets into
the paint, and makes each day a pleasure.
Forget almost. It's true.

Have a powered-by-friendship day.

4 comments:

Kim Rempel said...

Oh Barbara, this painting of the kids is turning out so beautifully! I love seeing the stages. It looks fresh and exciting and vibrant. Really looking forward to seeing your lilacs! For me they're kind of challenging to paint (and I LOVE them too - the scent...just heavenly!).

Linda Popple said...

Wonderful, energetic faces on these children! I'm looking forward to seeing the final painting. I know it is going to be great!

Your lilacs are gorgeous and such a sweet reminder of special friendships. :-)

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much. I don't think I'll be painting the lilacs, but I do love looking at them, and love the smell.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linda,

The lilacs are gorgeous. I'd bought lilacs from the flower store, and these are so much more potent in scent. The whole house smells just wonderful. Thanks so much for the encouragement about the painting. I really appreciate it. Yes it feels like it will be good, and I'm happy with it.

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!