Saturday, June 26, 2010

Sad day in Toronto


A serious talk
watercolour and ink on watercolour paper
7 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

The truth about this city is today that all around the
downtown core where the summit is, people
were living normal lives, doing Saturday
summer things. But the protests downtown
got ugly, and from what the newspeople say
it was just a handful of people who turned
a peaceful protest into a series of stupid
and wasteful acts of violence.

This could have been predicted. Everyone who
didn't want the summit here knew that these
summits attract violent activists. But I feel
sorry for all the legitimate protesters who
had their causes ensnared in the burning of
police cars, and trashing of downtown stores.
That is sad.

Steven and I sat in distress watching this unfold
on TV. Once again we went downtown to feed
the cats, and the mood felt frightening.
Helicopters filled the skies with noise.

I took a photo of this little ink and watercolour
drawing last night. It is a portrait of my son,
Christopher when he was quite a bit younger,
and it was one of the first paintings I'd done that he
wanted. I like the mood of it. He seems quite
thoughtful.

As for the city, I hope this insanity is over soon.

Have an enjoying-the-peace-you-have day.

8 comments:

Karen Bruson said...

Beautiful painting.

Laurel Daniel said...

Your painting of your son is wonderful! But I am sooooooo sorry to hear about the craziness. You guys be careful going down there! XOXOXO

Linny D. Vine said...

I've been thinking of you in your city. Wishing you peace. Your little bird and your painting of your son are both tender paintings and lovely in their "Barbara pallette"!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it. I love your recent paintings so much!

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

I'm glad you like the painting. The craziness on all sides was just too much for most of us here. We did not want the summit, and we knew why.

Ah well. They're gone now.

Thanks for the support.

XOXOXOXOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linny,

Thanks very much. I'm sure you get how much Torontonians did not want this. I love your work and really appreciate your kind comments.

Take care,

Barbara

cohen labelle said...

Hi Barbara
This is a beautifully sensitive portrait of your beautiful, thoughtful son by his very wonderful thoughtful mother!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoMarcia

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

Thanks so much. I was certainly thinking about many things yesterday.

Love 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!