Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The storm

Big doings in town today were all about the
weather -- would there be a terrible storm,
being described as a "weather bomb" or
not?  So far in this part of town we've been
 spared extremes, but all over the country
 and in parts of Toronto there are power
outages, heavy rain and wind.
How's it going?
Black marker on bond paper
Skype drawing
81/2 x 11 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
Zoey and I headed out for a walk in the park
early and the weather was crazy great at
that point.  Is it Alyson Stanfield who recommends
typing a list out for the day, then keeping
that list with you.  (I think it is).  The great thing
about that is that even if you get off your list
the fact that those hoped for behaviours are
written down encourages you.  So I've been
painting, but can't show you.  Here's a storm
drawing done via Skype.  Skype images are
most definitely affected by the weather, but I
like that.  The simplification caused by distortion
and interference with the image quality makes for
a cool image to draw.
Willow leaves on gravel at the park today
Tomorrow I'll ask you about the Painted Keys
message for today.  It is both liberating and
worrying.  An oxymoron I realize but it will all
depend on your point of view.
Beauty is in the details and patterns everywhere.

Have a staying-happy-in-all-weather day

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi there! You are right about the greys everywhere this year! I am hunting for some fabric to make some new curtains, and there is an overabundance of grey in all homefurnishing stuff for sure! yes the painters keys letter was interesting wasn't it? i have to agree with most of what was said tho. I like your skype drawing, nice and loose, good shapes.

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,

I really like the lines in this drawing. How interesting- I never before thought about how the weather would affect your Skype drawings.

We got snow yesterday. Light flurries were predicted, but what came I would describe more as a mini blizzard! Lots of wind with wet, slushy, heavy snow. And now they are saying it is going to be +10 on Saturday! Crazy.

Take care,

Nicki

Alyson B. Stanfield said...

Whoa. Fun! A storm! (As long as everyone is safe.)

Actually, you don't have to type the list. Just write it. I look at my task list (computer) and my inbox and then crate a daily list. It's always written and items are prioritized. Whenever I do this, I can rock the house. When I don't do it, I get sidetracked by piddly things.

Batten down the hatches!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

Thanks so much. So you've noticed that too! On a bright, sparkling day like today that's okay, but when the day goes grey and misty, the last thing we need is more grey!

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

I am sooooo not ready for snow. But I have got a down coat, and warm boots, next step the snow tires,
I really dislike the thought. Be warm. I guess you will be. Love your latest painting, just haven't had time to comment, but I will. It's amazing.
XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Alyson,

I noticed that my husband, who has a massive job with a big company, prints out this list every day, and has it on his desk, either at home or away. I thought this was a great idea, and I realized that you taught me that already. I always write a six item list, but the times also help. So now I'm printing one list to carry with me on my travels. The only change is the timing, and in a wonderfully packed day that helps.

XOBarbara

Becky Joy said...

I like the skype drawing. Interesting concept kind of like painting without the glasses, just the essentials.

Gwen Bell said...

Great drawing! Love your confident lines and the lost edges around the phone.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Becky,

The image I was drawing from in this one was barely there. But as I easily get stuck in detail this was a big relief for me, and so much fun!

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

Thanks so much. I saw persimmons in the grocery store today and thought of you. I can't remember what you said they taste like, but I'm ready to try them. I was so excited because I don't remember ever seeing them before -- but your paintings made me alert. Thank you.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

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!