Sunday, October 3, 2010

Going to the pros

There's a saying the teenagers say, and it's "go pro or
go home."  So when I found out that I was going to be
in the Amsterdam Whitney gallery's 2011
 beautifully printed, glossy, full colour calendar, I decided
I'd better get a pro to shoot my painting.

Although I photograph my work every day, I'm not using
the highest resolution camera, and many images need to be
redone to be print-worthy.  I worked as a corporate magazine
editor, and writer for years, and was lucky to be able to hire
top photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators in that
role, but it's a whole different matter working on your own
budget on earnings from art and teaching.

 Christopher photographing my painting Water Image 1

 I'd been planning to write on my blog the other day that
I think I am one of the luckiest people alive, and
I certainly felt that way today.  My son Christopher works as a
first assistant for a top photographer in town, and agreed
to shoot my painting for me.  While he worked I snapped
a few shots of my own of the gorgeous studio, and the
process of getting exactly the right picture.  I was delighted
both with the work, and with the chance to see my son in
action, and to understand how incredibly skilled and
talented he is.  The studio is vast.  My friend Flora is always
asking for references that show scale.  For reference the
painting is 30 x 30 inches, and Christopher is six feet tall.
Cool space eh?  I loved it.
Christopher setting up.  As soon as I left he was going 
to paint the space white (again.) Keeping it perfectly white
is a recurring job.

Earlier in the day I'd had some great conversations about
his acting studies with Sam, and then was sad to see him go
to his bus back to school.  I feel extremely blessed that we've
raised two incredibly kind, bright, happy and talented people.

Have a seeing-your-children's-talents-and-enjoying-them day.

7 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

Love this post!

julie davis said...

You are so blessed....and to get to see him in action doing what he loves. What a trip! So nice that you all were able to work together.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Pam,

Thanks so much. The space is incredibly cool for an artist. I love being around pro photographers. I always did. My dad was a superb photographer. They are so direct and assured with what they're doing.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Julie,

On top of everything else, Christopher is one of the funniest people I know. So in between serious discussions on quality and colour, I
was laughing my head off. My favorite.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Melinda said...

Great post, Barbara! I love that you have such talented sons and that they are supportive of your work too.

Now really, this should be your new studio, don't you think?!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

You know how anxious parenting is in the baby days. It is nice to see that loving children does make them happy. They are the most wonderful guys, and we marvel all the time that they are ours.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Flora Doehler said...

Wow....that studio looks great. Thanks so much for taking a photo of Christopher AND your painting AND the setting.
He must get his wonderful humour from you Barbara...not to mention his talent.
xoxox Flora

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!